Weekend Balita (Los Angeles edition) February 13, 2021

LOS ANGELES / ORANGE COUNTY

Galvez said sturdier pallets needed to prevent shaking of vaccine vials — DOH PAGE 19 VOL. XXX NO. 7

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TOP STORIES Global News Philippines should not be made to choose between US, China — Lorenzana 8  Gatchalian calls on gov’t to ramp up efforts vs. online sexual abuse of children 8  Myanmar unrest ‘slowly escalating,’ but so far ‘not dangerous’: PH envoy 9  Duterte defers child car seat law; MVIS no longer necessary — Palace 10  France to ‘step up’ defense, strategic cooperation with PH — envoy 11  BOC assures quick release of Covid-19 vax shipments 11  CA junks ABS-CBN plea on labor case 11  Gordon launches online complaint desk on LTO services 12 

Sections BUsiNEss. Colombia eyeing to sell pork, beef to Philippines, envoy says 13  ENTERTAiNMENT. Heart says ex, who doesn’t follow her on social media, ‘accidentally’ likes her photo 14  HEALTH & FAMiLy. HTAC OKs AstraZeneca COVID-19 jab on 18-year-olds, older 19  FEATURE. Sewing scrunchies raises money for pandemic-hit family 16 

Back to school during a pandemic: How to do it safely?

While the CDC has said it is safe for students to go to school even if teachers have not been vaccinated, teacher unions and parents have less confidence in the safety of the school environment.

By JENNY MANRIQUE EMS Contributor siNCE the COVID-19 pandemic forced the closure of her children's school in Los Angeles and obliged the family to move into distance learning without much knowledge, Karla Franco feels that in addition to being a mother, she has had to learn to be a teacher, a counselor and even an expert in electronic devices.

Overwhelmed by her new tasks and the lack of support for parents who found themselves immersed in a remote education model in response to the virus, Franco has become a fierce community leader in her school district in southern California where, as in the rest of the country, there is fierce BACK

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

fooD eQUITY roUNDTaBLe for HarDeST HIT SeCTorS THE Los Angeles County Board of supervisors has approved a motion authored by supervisor Janice Hahn and co-authored by supervisor sheila Kuehl to address food insecurity in LA County through the creation of a Food Equity Roundtable, which would – among other things – strengthen the County’s capacity for food distribution programs and focus on a food justice agenda.

“Food insecurity didn’t start with the pandemic and it won’t end when it is over,” said Supervisor Hahn.

“We are creating this Food Equity Roundtable to bring government, non-profit, and philanthropic partners to come up with long-term solutions for creating a resilient, equitable, and

sustainable food system that eliminates food insecurity in our county.”

Though food insecurity has been a growing problem w ithin LA County for decades – with regular assessments conducted since 2002 showing that at least 20% of low-income households experience food insecurity in any

given year – the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the scale of the problem.

Now, at least 1 in 4 households in LA County struggles with food insecurity.

“A shockingly high number of County residents worry about feeding their families every week,” said Supervisor

Supervisor Janice Hahn

Supervisor Sheila Kuehl

Sheila Kuehl.

“That’s why we are establishing a Food Equity Roundtable so that public and private partners can come together to help us develop smart solutions that will ensure that the 1 in 4 County families who are food insecure will have enough to eat.”

FOOD EQUITY

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Lack of indemnification law caused delay Amazon to pay $61.7M to Flex drivers whose in Pfizer vaccine delivery — Galvez tips were withheld MANILA Mabuhay) — The country's lack had its own indemnification law. of an indemnification law—a meas"Kung may indemnification law tayo, ure ensuring compensation yung Pfizer baka February for individuals who develop 12 nandito na yun," he said. serious side effects after getThe Philippines is expected ting a COVID-19 vaccine— to receive at least 5.6 million has caused the delay in the doses of the Pfizer and Asdelivery of Pfizer COVID-19 traZeneca coronavirus vacvaccine to the Philippines. cines within the first quarter During a Senate panel of 2021, with the initial batch hearing on Thursday, vacof 117,000 doses of Pfizer cine czar Secretary Carlito vaccines arriving this month.

Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said the Pfizer Galvez has been calling on Galvez Jr. COVID-19 vaccine could Congress to pass an indemnihave been delivered to the country as fication law, which he said is required early as this Friday if the Philippines by COVAX, the globally-pooled vaccine LACK

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By NINA MOHAN Ethnic Media Services AMAZON will pay over $61.7 million dollars to the Federal Trade Commission following an investigation that revealed that for two and a half years the company failed to pay Amazon Flex drivers the full amount of tips they earned from Amazon customers.

The $61.7 million will be returned to Flex drivers and is equal to the full amount of tip money Amazon withheld.

According the FTC’s complaint, Amazon advertised that Flex drivers would be paid $18-25 per hour while making deliveries and would keep 100 percent of tips they earned. Statements such as: “You will receive 100% AMAZON

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Author moves out of Vegas to an Idaho city: Gets to publish “River and Rose” children’s book

By ABNER GALINO

M

oving out of Las Vegas, Nevada to settle in Horseshoe Bend, Idaho is certainly not subtle.

Well, the Wikipedia says Horseshoe Bend is the largest city in rural Boise County in the southwestern part of Idaho. But Las Vegas, isn’t just a large city. It is one of America’s biggest resort city.

And for Racquel Pankau, who trains people in the call center industry, moving away from one of the world’s famous hustle and bustle hub has been the fulfillment of years of longing.

“It was quite a welcome change,” Racquel said, recalling how she felt unshackled by the actuality of living in a house sitting on 9 acres of land.

With the pandemic creating chaos big and small everywhere, Racquel said she felt fortunate to be where she was.

It is one of Racquel’s dreams to write a book. And one day, while on the phone with a close friend, Lalaine Alfiler, she was again reminded of that AUTHOR

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“River and Rose” author Racquel Pankau with her husband, eight-year-old daughter Rylie and six-year-old son Ryder.

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Temporary Protected Status recipients get support from LA Supervisors

T

he Board of Supervisors has approved a motion authored by Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Hilda L. Solis, Supervisor to the First District, and co-authored by Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, authorizing County Counsel to file and/ or join amicus briefs in support of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) recipients’ ability to adjust their status.

“TPS has for nearly three decades provided a safe harbor for hundreds of thousands of immigrants fleeing nations ravaged by natural disasters, war, and civil strife,” said Chair Solis. “The County has protected and defended the rights of TPS recipients to remain home with their families in the United States, and once again, must continue fighting to provide permanent protection for the hard-working immigrants of our community.”

“The last White House administration was consistently cruel in its treatment of immigrants,” said Supervisor Kuehl, “and virtually all of its actions ran counter to our core historic American values.

By filing an amicus brief to support immigrants who had been granted Temporary Protected Status, LA County makes clear that this county, home to one of the largest immigrant populations in the country, does not believe that immigrants fleeing disaster should be used as pawns in hateful games of political scapegoating.”

The United States Supreme Court recently agreed to review Sanchez v. Wolf, a case to determine whether a grant of TPS authorizes an eligible noncitizen to obtain lawful permanent resident status.

The passage of today’s motion authorizes County Counsel to file and/or join amicus briefs in support of recipients of TPS including, but not limited to the case of Sanchez v. Wolf, and in other litigation aimed to protect TPS recipients and their legal rights, as deemed appropriate by County Counsel.

Saturday-Friday | February 13 - 19, 2021

aMaZoN... froM Page 1 of the tips you earn while delivering with Amazon Flex,” were featured on job recruitments and other documents given to Flex drivers.

Amazon also assured its customers that 100 percent of tips they paid would go directly to drivers.

“Rather than passing along 100 percent of customers’ tips to drivers, as it had promised to do, Amazon used the money itself,” said Daniel Kaufman, Acting Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection in Feb. 2 press release. “Our action today returns to drivers the tens of millions of dollars in tips that Amazon misappropriated and requires Amazon to get drivers’ permission before changing its treatment of tips in the future.

The Amazon Flex program classifies its drivers as independent contractors and Flex drivers use their own vehicles to deliver groceries and other products through Prime Now and AmazonFresh, both of which allow customers to tip drivers.

In 2016, Amazon reduced

its promised $18-25 to a lower hourly rate. They did not disclose this shift to drivers and instead used the $61.7 million in customer tips to make up the difference between the reduced hourly rate and the promised rate. Amazon’s failure to inform drivers of the reduction in their base pay was intentional and the company continued to promise both drivers and customers that drivers would receive 100 percent of their tips.

Amazon also instructed employees only to ‘react’ to questions and according a Feb. 2 FTC press release, an Amazon employee has said that the company “did not want to communicate any pricing changes to the [drivers].”

“The specifics of our allegation and complaint are that this is a violation of the FTC act which prohibits deceptive acts of commerce,” explained Guy C. Ward, Staff Attorney with the FTC. Amazon received hundreds of complaints as drivers noticed their pay was decreasing. Drivers who complained received a form email falsely

stating Amazon was continuing to pay drivers 100 percent of their tips. Amazon continued to subsidize the reduced hourly pay with misappropriated tips until August 2019 when the company learned it was being investigated by the Federal Trade Commission.

Along with the $61.7 million settlement, Amazon is also prohibited from misrepresenting likely income, how much of their tips drivers will receive, and whether the amount paid by a customer is a tip. Amazon will also have to get “express informed consent” from drivers before they can make any changes to how drivers receive their tips, said Ward.

Amazon will also have to demonstrate to the FTC that its practices are not in violation of the new order.

“There are certain requirements within the order that require Amazon to send certain information in the future to the FTC to demonstrate compliance with the order. The core concept of our case against Amazon is that they have to be honest with both the gig worker

and the customers paying tips,” explained FTC Staff Attorney Claire Stewart.

Amazon drivers can sign up for email updates on the status of the refund process in the case here https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USFTC/ subscriber/new?topic_id=USFTC_155.

The FTC will issue a press release when the checks are mailed and details about the distribution will be added to the FTC website at that time.

“While the gig economy is changing the way the way people work, the FTC applies just the same. We will hold companies accountable for their compensation claims,” said Stewart.

“This sends a message to companies who use gig workers that they have to be honest about pay and tips with those workers and those customers who leave the tips,” Stewart added. “If they change their polices on pay and tips they have to make sure workers understand and agree to changes, and that more broadly applies to other people in the industry.”

Restaurants and bars in Los Angeles’ tourist spots show signs of life as health restrictions are relaxed. in this photo, two young tourists, take selfies in front of the famous “Venice” beach entrance sign which has been upgraded for the celebration of the Valentine’s Day. Photo by ABNER GALiNO

aUTHor... froM Page 1 one dream.

“And it was easy to get inspired,” Racquel recalled,” with all these space and greens around me.”

“I gave a myself a deadline of a month.”

Racquel said she set up a working table on her huge garden and started pounding on her laptop.

The storyline has always been on her mind for some time. It was a story that would revolve around a sister and her brother.

Racquel said that she met her self-imposed deadline. In fact, she recalled, creating the illustrations for the book even took longer than the writing process.

It was done by Shanaka Thisara — whom Racquel picked because the guy paints with watercolor.

As most children’s books, River and Rose, teems on family values, life lessons and adventure.

On Amazon, the book is promoted through this description: “Brother and sister River and Rose love to play togeth-

er. After a long morning of fun-filled games their time together takes a wrong turn.”

“Follow River and Rose along with their ups and downs and everything in between as they journey back to each other. Will River and Rose patch up?

Racquel is no stranger to brother and sister stories as she has her own eightyear-old Rylie and six-year-old Ryder.

Aside from that, Racquel also grew up with an older brother.

To make a long story short, Racquel fi-

nally got to see the first copy of her book this month. But not after another close friend, Marlene Cosain, beat her to the first paperback copy of River and Rose.

No doubt, Racquel has done exceptionally well as a self-started independent writer publishing on the Amazon platform.

And it needs to be mentioned too that the author, Racquel Callorina Pankau, is a full-blooded Filipina who was born and raised (initially in Hawaii and California) in the US.

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$17.3M awarded to 110 orgs to help communities Ulat tungkol sa bakuna para sa impacted by COVID-19 COVID: Hatid ng Clever Care Medicare Story #1

SACRAMENTO — The Center at Sierra Health Foundation, in partnership with the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and the Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA), recently announced more than $17.3 million in grants to 110 community-based organizations throughout California to support community engagement, public health education and encourage COVID-19 vaccination among those who have been hardest hit by the pandemic.

Community based organizations have been providing critical services and information to Californians during the pandemic and are key partners in reaching Californians who have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.

“Systemic inequalities in our government and healthcare systems have left many Californians at a higher risk from COVID-19,” said Governor Newsom.

“Building on the successful infrastructure created to encourage underserved communities to participate in the census, we must reach these disproportionally affected Californians through trusted messengers and community-based partners to minimize the spread of the virus, overcome vaccine hesitancy and save lives.”

The Center at Sierra Health Foundation was brought on board as a partner due to their expertise and deep

reach into underserved communities.

Funds will be used to support outreach to disproportionately impacted populations, including workers in the hardest hit sectors, and will prioritize interactive engagements designed to connect individuals with information and resources related to the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine, public health guidance, workplace protections, and other state resources, including the public safety net in multiple languages.

Organizations received awards ranging from $50,000 - $300,000 for regional or statewide outreach efforts to be conducted over 6 months (February – July 2021).

The Center at Sierra Health Foundation is administering funds on behalf of LWDA. The California Community Foundation is administering the COVID-19 outreach project on behalf of CDSS in Los Angeles, Ventura, and Orange Counties and will announce its contracted partners in mid-February.

Community-based organizations were invited to apply for funding under one of two tracks: LWDA - California COVID Workplace Outreach Project Selected organizations will conduct outreach and educate workers and employers in high-risk industries, such as the food and agriculture sectors, on how to minimize the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace.

CDSS - California COVID CommuCONTNUED ON PAGE 4

Ito ang unang bahagi sa serye ng Medicare Tips na tinaguyod ng Clever Care Health Care, isang nangungunang tagapagbigay ng East meets West Medicare services na sensitibo sa kultura ng kanilang mga miyembro.

Sa kamakailang rollout at availability ng bakuna para sa COVID-19, maraming Amerikano ang may mga tanong. Ang artikulong ito ay magbibigay ng mga sagot sa “who, what, when, where at why” pagdating sa mga bakuna para sa COVID-19.

1) Libre ba ang mga bakuna para sa COVID-19?

Oo. Ang mga bakuna ay bayad ng gobyerno.

Depende sa kung saan ka magpapa-bakuna, maaari kang singilin ng fee para sa iyong bakuna. Kung eligible ka para sa Medicare, bayad na ito at wala ka nang gagastusin para sa bakuna.

effectiveness isang linggo pagkatapos ng pangalawang dose.

5) May mga health care provider ba na may mga special programs/benefits para sa COVID-19?

Oo! Isang opsyon ang Clever Care Health Plan. Hatid namin ang $0 Copay Covid Peace of Mind benefit. Ibig sabihin nito ay ang kahit na anong serbisyo ukol sa Covid ay may $0 copay, kasama na ang testing. Dagdag pa rito, qualified ang lahat ng plan members ng Clever Care Medicare Advantage para sa $10 reward upang makakuha ng Covid-19 vaccine. May mga reward din ang aming Health Incentive program para sa iba pang healthy activities katulad ng bakuna para sa trangkaso, at pagpapa-schedule ng iyong annual wellness doctor visit.

2) Totoo bang kailangan kong mabigyan ng dalawang dose ng bakuna mula sa Pfizer at Moderna?

Oo. Dalawang dose ang required ng bakuna mula sa Pfizer at Moderna. Para sa Pfizer, 6) Ano ang ginagawa ng Clever Care para dalawang dose ang rekomendado sa loob magbigay ng impormasyon, at panatiliin ng 21 araw. Para sa Moderna, isang buwan ang kalusugan ng kanilang mga miyembro ang rekomendadong pagitan. sa panahong ito?

3) Puwede ba akong mamili ng bakuna?

Nangolekta kami ng list ng resources, pati May ilang lokasyon na nagsasabi kung na rin ng links ng county websites at mga anong bakuna ang mayroon sila, at puwede phone numbers na puwedeng tawagan kang magpa-bakuna sa lokasyon ayon sa sa clevercarehealthplan.com. Ito ay para iyong kagustuhan. matulungan ang aming mga miyembro at 4) Gaano ka-epektibo ang bakuna ang komunidad na mahanap kaagad ang kung makuha ko ang dalawang dose sa kailangan na impormasyon. Ang lahat ng impormasyon ay puwedeng mabasa sa rekomendadong timeframe?

Ayon sa Center for Disease Control, ang Tagalog. Kung nahihirapang mag-online, bakuna mula sa Moderna ay umaabot tumawag lamang sa aming member service sa 94% effectiveness dalawang linggo line na 833-365-1888 (TTY: 711). Handa pagkatapos ng pangalawang dose, at ang ang aming mga Tagalog representatives na bakuna mula sa Pfizer ay umaabot sa 95% ibigay ng impormasyon na kailangan mo.

On Remembering the Healing Practices of Dr. Ligaya Gruspe Text and photos: Vics Magsaysay

"When the energy of compassion and love touches us, healing establishes itself."

— Nhat Hanh

I

n life there are people whose immense influence on us never wanes.

For me, as an artist, and also in the healing field, one person stands out. Her name: Dr. Ligaya Canlas Evaristo Gruspe or Dr. Lily for short, an acupuncturist, and whose life had been passionately devoted to scores of patients she had treated, and healed for decades in VA Medical Center and in her private clinic, both in Long Beach, California.

Unfortunately, such devotion to her vocation was cut short when she succumbed to lingering physical challenges at the age of 76 last month. Dr. Lily is survived by her husband, Roland; the three children, Jennifer (Allan), Roland Jr. and Jason (Christine); and five grandchildren, Ashley Marie, Jazlyn May, Jacob, Maya and Penelope.

Over four and half years ago, I interviewed this indomitable lady who had been a very good friend for 12 years. The published article came out in one of the local Filipino American newspapers in Los Angeles. The title: "The Other ABCs of Healing: Acupuncture, Bonding and Care."

Those words aptly describe the kind of healing she did; and it's what comes after the treatment that says much how she devotedly took cognizance of the care she dispensed to her patients.

I have several friends and relatives who also became her patients. Normally, a session goes for an hour. One acupuncturist that I went to--before I met her--treated me

for 45 minutes only. More often than not, if there were no patients waiting in line, she could go on treating for two hours (or even more), double the time allotted for a regular treatment. She never charged extra for the significant additional time spent for her patients. When I asked her why, she said, "I love doing what I do. Time does not matter.

I do the best that's possible so my patients heal faster."

A media friend of mine couldn't forget the time he was treated by the lady acupuncturist. "While in downtown L.A., I accidentally slipped on a concrete pavement and damaged my kneecap. The pain was excruciating.

It was good that you recommended me to her, Vics. Through Dr. Lily's motherly care, my kneecap healed quickly and, in several months of treatment, I was able to run the L.A. Marathon," Nikki Arriola, a videographer and member of the Filipino American Press Club of California, narrated his experience to this writer.

Here are some anecdotes on how she turned up to be an acupuncturist: "At the age of 55, and after over three decades working as an operating room nurse, both of my hands started to succumb to arthritis due to overuse. The excruciating pain even crept all the way up to the elbows. To alleviate my suffering I had to keep on taking painkillers.

The continued use of these drugs produced such adverse effects, giving rise to GERD or gastro-esophageal reflux disease. For a year and a half I was disabled and there seemed to be no progress whatsoever in sight.

Probably by a providential move or whatever, a close friend of mine suggested that I try acupuncture. At first I was apprehensive.

Having been a nurse for so long, I thought of this alternative healing modality as just something 'in the head' only. But, out of desperation and the thought of having nothing much to lose, I was compelled to go for a

Dr. Ligaya Canlas Evaristo Gruspe treatment. Lo and behold, I was astonished that, in just a matter of three treatments over a span of one week, the pain subsided!

I was flabbergasted. I couldn’t believe it!" she explained.

Dr. Lily continued, "That was the 'aha' moment that turned on the light in my head to take up a course in Oriental, or Traditional Chinese, Medicine. The course offered acupuncture, a system of complementary medicine involving the pricking of the skin or tissues with needles, used to alleviate pain and to treat various physical, mental and emotional conditions. The science originated in ancient China and is now used widely in the West. The complete course also included Chinese herbology, Asian bodywork therapy,

and qigong, a Chinese system of physical exercises and breathing control from which well-known practices such as tai chi evolved."

This alternative healing modality enabled her to treat thousands of people with such love and devotion. Coupled with affection and fervent prayers on every patient she treated, remarkable profound effect ensued.

When her husband and son had cancers around a decade ago, "I used my healing needles and lots of prayers. Adjunct to modern treatment, both of my loved ones were able to hurdle their physical challenges in a faster rate," she divulged to me when I had a treatment with her a year ago.

Around 2015, she upped the ante of her career by acquiring an Acutron Mentor machine, a non-invasive one that runs microcurrent frequencies and microcolor lights that respond to different organs of the body.

Though similar to transmitting electrical impulses like the TENS, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator, the current is a lot more subtle thus it is so much more effective in treating pain and other health problems. The use of the Acutron Mentor also offers a choice for others who prefer not to have needles poked in their skin.

Beside "fixing" and improving the flow of chi (vital energy) and balancing Yin and Yang to promote homeostasis, Dr. Lily also knows how to fix things in the house--she's a veritable DIY (do-it-yourself) lady. She loves to tell stories on the things she has fixed every time she treated me. As an artist I can undoubtedly relate re the fulfillment one gets when accomplishing a project.

Yes, in life, it is undeniable that any person, be it a loved one or a good friend that has influenced us a lot in so many ways, will surely stay in our heart--forever. Thank you for having me as a friend, and thanks also for treating and healing my family, friends and yours truly! You will be missed, Dr. Lily!

Vics Magsaysay, Ph.D., is a Los Angeles-based writer, fine art nature photographer, painter, sculptor, graphic designer, “makata” (Pilipino poet) and an alternative healer. He also holds a doctorate degree in clinical hypnotherapy.

Copyright © 2021: Vics Magsaysay

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As President Biden tackles the current pandemic and economic crisis here in the US, he will also now face emerging foreign challenges worldwide (PART I)

C

urrently, as he promised during his election campaign, President Biden's number one priority is to be able to slow down the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic here in the US, by promising to have EVERY American vaccinated within a span of two years. At the same time, his administration is also currently working on passing the $1.8 trillion stimulus package for working Americans earning less than $75,000 a year. But, since he left his Vice Presidency position four years ago, he now faces emerging new foreign challenges, such as the crisis in Myanmar, where they had a military coup as well as in Haiti where its President, Jovenal Moise is clinging to power by staging around 20 arrests before his term was supposed to end last week.

Thus, on behalf of the new Biden-Harris administration, this writer has put together a list of emerging new leaders worldwide who will help shape a much better world. These leaders are: 1. Sun Chunlan of China is a Chinese politician who was born in May, 1950 in Ragyang County, Hebel and graduated with a degree in Mechanics from Anshan Industrial Technology Academy in Liaoning. She first worked at the Anshan Watch Factory, a watch manufacturer where she rose from shop floor worker to become Manager of Operations and subsequently joined as a Member of the Communist Party in China in May, 1973.

She rose through the political scene when she became the head of a provincial trade union federation in Liaoning and became the governor of Liaoning, from 2001 through 2005. In December, 2009, she was named Party Chief of Tianjin municipality, China's richest provincial-level jurisdiction by GDP standards and the first female to hold a high-level position in the land. On December 31, 2014, Sun was named the first United Front Chief to hold a Politburo seat which allowed Xi Jin Ping to expand her position in 2015, where she became a Member of the Politburo of the Chinese Communist Party of China and is a Vice Premier of the People's Republic of China from 2009 through 2014. She is the only woman in the Chinese Communist Party's Politburo, who is in charge of the country's COVID -19 response. As Vice Premier, her political success has made her assume an important role in rectifying China's reputation for the poor handling of the

Sun Chunlan China

Nanaia Mahuta New Zealand

Jagmeet Singh Canada

Martín Guzmán Argentina

Sylvana Simons Netherlands

Judit Varga Hungary

COVID - 19 pandemic crisis.

2. Nanaia Mahuta of New Zealand is a female politician, who became a member of the Parliament and Minister of Foreign Affairs in 2016 under the leadership of Prime Minister Yucinda Ardern. She was born in Auckland on August 21, 1970 to Eliza Raiha Edmonds and (later Sir) Robert Te Kotanitanga Mahuta. She was educated at the Kura Kaupapa Rakumanga school in Huntly and later at Waikato Diocesan School for Girls as a boarder and she pursued further studies in Social Anthropology at the University of Auckland, graduating with an MA and went on to work at the University as an Archivist and Researcher. She married her first cousin, William Gannin Ormsby,and they had four children. The 50 - year old Nanaia was known to have a native Maori chin tattoo, making her the country's first female Indigenous Foreign Minister.

She has strong links to the Maori King Movement; her father was the adopted son of King Koroki and the elder brother of Maoru Queen Te Ataurangikaahu. She is related to the Maori monarch, King Tuheitia. Due to her heritage, Nanaia promoted environmental policies and and presented a global image of New Zealand as a "progressive power willing to stand up to China, eventhough Beijing is its largest trading partner."

3. Jagmeet Singh of Canada is a Canadian lawyer and politician serving as the first non-white Sikh leader of the New Democratic Party since 2017, who became a Member of Parliament. He was born on January 2, 1979 in Scarborough, Ontario to Harmeet Kaur and Jagtaran Singh, immigrant parents from the Indian State of Punjab. His grandfather was Sewa Singh Thikriwala, a political activist who campaigned for the cause of Indian independence. Another of Jagmeet's great grandfather is Hira Singh, who served in World I and II in the Sikh Regiment of the British Indian Army. He spent his early childhood living with his grandparents in India but relocated with his parents to Windsor, Ontario and he attended Elementary and High School at the Detroit Country Day School in Beverly Hills, Michigan, then graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Western Ontario in 2001 and his Bachelor of Laws degree from York University's Osgood Hall Law School in 2005 and passed the Bar in 2006.He has two younger siblings, brother Gurratan who is also a lawyer and politician and sister Mamjot. His brother Gurratan is his "secret weapon," having been elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in the 2018 Ontario election. On the other hand, Jazmeet Singh worked as a criminal defense lawyer first at the law firm of Pinkofsy's and later on established their law practice, Singh Law with his brother Gurratan in the Greater Toronto area before entering politics. Jazmeet began his political career with his decision to run for Member of Parliament in the 2011 federal election. Although he was defeated but backed by Prime Minister

US President Joe Biden

Justin Trudeau, he identifies with many of the key U.S. progressive initiatives such as legalizing narcotics and raising minimum wages, though he's also willing to work with conservatives if it will help bring his party to power.

4. Martín Maximiliano Guzmán of Argentina - he was born on October 12, 1982 in La Plata, Buenos Aires Province and studied at the National University of La Plata where he graduated with a degree of Licenciate in Economics in 2005 and went on to pursue his Master of Science in Economics and a doctorate on Economics from Brown University in the United States. He became an Associate Research Scholar at Columbia Business School's Economics Division and subsequently became Director of Columbia University's Initiative for Public Policy Dialogue's Debt Restructuring Program and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Globalization and Development, specializing on the fields of public debt, International Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics, Currently, the 38-year old Economy Minister of Argentina has led the country's successful deal for debt restructuring. and avoiding a crisis that seemed inevitable while navigating the COVID -19 pandemic. However, Guzman is hopeful for a 5 percent growth in 2021 for Argentina after helping lead aggressive government interventions in the bond market under leftist President Alberto Fernandez. Guzman's first legislative initiative, the Social Solidarity and Productive Recovery Bill was passed by Congress, which includes: foreign currency purchases, agricultural exports, tax incentives for production, a 180 - day freeze on utility rates, bonuses for the CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

$17.3M... from Page 3 nity Health Project Partner organizations will conduct culturally relevant education and outreach activities, disseminating COVID-19 information to communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. These communities include: Asian American Black/African American Indian/Native American and Tribal Latinx (Latino/a) Middle Eastern and North African Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders LGBTQ+ People with disabilities and deaf and hard of hearing populations Older adults (people aged 65 and older) People with limited English proficiency People experiencing homelessness People living in multi-generational households

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BaCK... froM Page 1 debate over reopening schools safely.

"What I think and hear from other parents in general is that going back to school is not safe," Franco said at a news briefing hosted by Ethnic Media Services on Feb 5. “The school district never protected our students or our campus, not even before the pandemic. I have asked the superintendent: if you cannot control what you see, how will you control this virus that you cannot see? All of us are in danger ”.

Franco insists that not only school personnel and teachers should be protected, but also parents who, according to her, are seen as "the enemy” for raising complaints and concerns to principals.

“We don't have to think about money.

We have to think about our lives,” she added.

The question of how and when to reopen public schools has become “perhaps the most contentious issue in the country,” according to Louis Freedberg Executive Director of EdSource, a leading national news site on education. While the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says that it is safe for students to go to school even if teachers have not been vaccinated, teacher unions and parents have less confidence in the safety of the school environment and the response capacity of its officials in the event of a virus outbreak.

In Chicago for example, amid threats of a strike, the school district reached a tentative agreement with the Chicago Teachers Union to reopen schools in pre-kinder and kindergarten. The city of San Francisco filed a lawsuit against its own school district in an effort to reopen in-person instruction, and Los Angeles City Councilman Joe Buscaino proposed a resolution to file a similar lawsuit against LAUSD. In addition to the general exhaustion from the number of hours spent on

screens, students of color in major urban districts are losing ground the longer they are out of the classroom. As their communities have experienced the most devastating effects of the virus, they are also the most fragile in their emotional health.

"Socio-emotional support is not available in our schools. It never has been available," said Bernita Bradley, the midwest delegate for the National Parents Union, speaking from Detroit. "We have districts with one nurse covering about four different schools across the city, and yet the parents are expected to trust the school and just send their kids back into the buildings."

In cities like Detroit, the disparities in education are glaring: here only 16% of students in third grade have the required reading level and 38% of households do not have an internet connection. In affluent districts, technology and teachers prepared to use it made a huge difference in the online learning impact for parents and students. But African-American families, who have historically distrusted the educational system, were left behind.

“Just in June some of our students got laptops or tablets… Suddenly second graders had to turn in assignments in 30 days to receive a grade. And they have no instructor,” said Bradley, who believes it is time to reimagine education because online teaching is "not working".

“When some schools opened up in the summertime, we had kids who came up positive (for the coronavirus test). Where are the checks and balances to make sure people are really socially distancing? ...

The plan is that we all get vaccinated but our survey showed that only 55% of parents say they will.”

Safety is the priority Safety against the contagion of COVID-19 has become the first factor to be

fooD eQUITY... froM Page 1 “More than one in four County residents have experienced food insecurity during the pandemic, mostly from low-income communities of color,” said Gary Gero, LA County’s Chief Sustainability Officer.

“The County has undertaken some important initiatives to alleviate hunger, including the distribution of more than 8 million pounds of food to people in need, but we can – and must – do more to address the root causes of hunger and create a truly equitable and resilient food system. This motion is a critical first step in bringing about systemic change.”

In June 2020, Hahn authored a motion with Kuehl to address this problem by instructing the County’s Chief Sustainability Office (CSO) to bring together County, city, non-profit, and philanthropic partners to develop a plan with cross-sector coordination that would combat – and ultimately end – food insecurity in LA County.

In response to Hahn’s motion, the CSO partnered with the California Community Foundation and the Annenberg Foundation to form a working group that reviewed best practices, assessed the County’s food insecurity situation, and gathered stakeholder input to make recommendations on how best to address the issue.

The resulting report back recommended that the County establish a two-year LA County Food Equity Roundtable that includes a diverse mix of public-private stakeholders, co-led by the County and its philanthropic partners, that would meet regularly to advance a mission of ending food insecurity by building capacity for LA County’s food distribution programs, promoting and strengthening access to food programs like Calfresh and Special Supplemental Nutrition for

Women, Infants, and Children and advancing food justice overall.

Today’s motion directs the CEO’s Chief Sustainability Office to adopt the report’s recommendations and create the Food Equity Roundtable. The Roundtable will be tasked with giving semi-annual updates to the Board of Supervisors with policy recommendations, grant opportunities, and data on food needs and resources (including an examination of food inequities across the County) – all with the goal of ending food insecurity in LA County.

“Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and before, the ongoing visuals and reports of thousands of Angelenos waiting in long lines for food has shocked and saddened all of us,” said Wallis Annenberg, Chairman, President and CEO of the Annenberg Foundation.

“Tackling this problem will require all of our energy now and long after the pandemic. Today’s effort moves us in the right direction – a community where no person goes hungry.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic has illuminated the hunger crisis throughout LA County,” said Antonia Hernandez, President and CEO of the California Community Foundation.

“The hard truth is that hunger permeated our County before the pandemic and has only grown as a result of it.

But, hunger is a solvable crisis and this is an important step towards committing to solve it together.

Hahn and Kuehl’s motion also instructs the County’s Chief Executive Office and Chief Sustainability Office to explore the willingness of the County’s philanthropic partners to provide funding to support the Roundtable’s initial two-year incubation period — and longer if the Roundtable is recommended to continue.

discussed in the reopening plans, above the education model itself, according to Dr. Tyrone Howard, professor of education at the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) and director of the Black Male Institute.

“That is a larger conversation that will continue to play out and I think it shouldn't be a one-size-fits-all approach.

There will be inequities because certain districts have more resources to ensure a smoother reopening... So we need to make sure that there is a more customized way to ensure that high-need schools have essential resources by way of vaccination, or testing, or PPE (personal protective equipment). ” Howard highlighted the impact of the pandemic on communities of color, citing a UCLA Center for Health Policy Research report that found that nearly half of California teens reported having some type of mental health challenges in the last year and a third of those young people said that the levels of depression they felt due to isolation were so high they were unable to do their homework.

Additionally, according to Los Angeles County public health officials, the average number of Latinos dying from coronavirus each day has increased by more than 1,000% since November.

"The fact that children have lost loved ones, mothers, fathers, grandparents, caregivers, aunts and uncles is serious and significant," Howard said. “Many schools do not have the bandwidth to invest in social workers, counselors or therapists and as we do reopen kids are grieving, suffering from anxiety and depression and the schools will not have the support in place to assist them.

“This has a particular effect on black, brown and indigenous children whose behavior can change dramatically by these traumatic experiences, which are punished with suspensions and expul-

sions. " Howard considers that in addition to the social-emotional well-being of the students, two other core areas must be taken into account in the reopening plans: learning loss problems and the support for teachers.

“The learning pods that popped up mainly in affluent white communities, where in-person learning was still taking place, were not opportunities for many black and brown children… We are going to have to make a big push for individualized tutoring, especially for students who are language learners, those with special needs, and those who are experiencing homelessness.

“Those were already students on the academic fringes and this pandemic has pushed them even further (from those fringes). So the grading issue is a real problem. " Preventing the bullying As for teachers, Howard argued that they should be part of the conversation because many of them do not feel safe returning to in-person instruction and even for some students who suffer from high levels of anxiety or bullying at school, the online format is a good alternative.

This has been a topic of special interest to the Asian American student community. The racist rhetoric about the origin of the virus promoted by the previous administration has led to "the rise of harassment and bullying," said Akhil Vora, executive director of the Asian American Lead (AALead) organization.

“These (incidents) include verbal attacks, refusal of service (of teaching) and physical assaults, which puts the well-being of our API children at increased risk… They heard negative things before schools closed down and now that we’re all virtual, they've seen anti-asian CONTNUED ON PAGE 16

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DO I HAVE A COMMUNITY PROPERTY INTEREST IN A HOUSE WHICH MY SPOUSE ACQUIRED BEFORE OUR MARRIAGE? GENERALLY, in California, property acquired by a spouse prior to marriage is considered separate property under family code section 770 while those acquired after marriage are considered community assets under family code section 760. How do you characterize real property purchased prior to marriage but with the mortgage principal paid down using community income or funds during the marriage? The community in this situation acquires a pro tanto interest in the ratio that the payments on the purchase price made with community funds bear to the total payments on the purchase price and any appreciation should be apportioned accordingly. Marriage of Moore (1980) 28 C3d 366, 371, 373, 168 CR 662, 664, 665.

Other expenses associated with the property are not considered in the calculation such as mortgage interest, taxes, and insurance. In essence, the real property would accumulate both a separate property and a community property component by the date of separation. The appropriate remedy in this situation where separate property is subsequently paid with community funds is “apportionment.”

The process of apportioning between the separate and community property component is laid out in the Marriage of Marsden. In that case, the court determined the ratio or percentage in which the mortgage loan principal was reduced during the marriage and applied that percentage to the appreciation of the real property during the marriage. The community property component would then consist of the reduction in the mortgage loan principal during the marriage plus the portion of appreciation during the marriage applying the ratio discussed above.

In the Marriage of Marsden, the real property was purchased by the husband for $38,300 prior to the marriage.

The original mortgage was $30,000. By the time the husband got married,

the house was now worth $65,000 while the mortgage has gone down by $7,000. Both the appreciation of $26,700 and the mortgage reduction of $7,000 would be separate property since it occurred prior to marriage.

Marriage of Madsen (1982) 130 CA3d 426, 181 CR 910.

During the marriage until the time of trial, the property has appreciated another $117,500 (property now valued at $182,500) while the mortgage has further declined by $9,200 up to the date of separation. The ratio at which community funds paid down the mortgage ($9,200) during the marriage to the original purchase price ($38,300) amounts to 24.02%. This percentage of the property appreciation during the marriage of $117,500 ($28,223.50) plus the reduction in mortgage balance during the marriage ($9,200) would constitute the community component of the real property. The rest was the husband’s separate property. The husband in that case was awarded his separate property component of the real property plus one half of the community property component.

The Marsden apportionment method is also applicable to situations where a community real property is later transmuted into one spouse’s separate property through execution of a quit claim by the other spouse but is subsequently paid using community funds. Marriage of Broderick (1989) 209 CA3d 489, 257 CR 397. In litigation, the community interest in the situations mentioned about is proven through expert witness testimony typically by a forensic CPA. Since California case law allows the creation of a community interest in real property acquired prior to marriage, one has to consider vehicles to protect themselves if you own property and you are contemplating of getting married. There are several ways of avoiding the creation of a community interest on your separate

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real property. One, you can sign a prenuptial agreement. Two, the parties can execute a postnuptial agreement if the parties are already married.

Three, the parties can execute a transmutation agreement with a waiver

of any family code section 2640 reimbursement claim. If your divorce case involves complex issues of asset distribution, it is best to retain the representation of competent counsel.

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

Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APLC is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com.

Can you refinance a loan under Forbearance?

MISUNDERSTAND a loa n document m ig ht have been caused by a fast talking lender that does not explain things clearly and/or these information could have been misunderstood by the home borrowers by not asking questions or not researching information on their own. As a broker for many decades, these things comes really easy for me, but I have been finding myself recently explaining certain information again and again for homeowners because these loan documents or assistance program has many holes to be

easily missed.

I always suggest to ask as many quest ions as possible and try not to read thru the lines, fully ask even silly questions to understand what documents you are signing or what documents you are reading. Never assume anything.

Several mortgage servicers gave consumers incomplete and inaccurate infor m at ion a bout CARES Act forbeara nces, accord i ng to a new Consumer Financia l Protection Bureau (CFPB) report.

The CFPB revealed evidence that some servicers purpose-

ly misinterpreted or m i scon st r ued the law to dissuade borrowers from requesting forbearance. For example, one servicer erroneously suggested that borrowers had to pay a fee to enroll in forbearance and another provided incorrect due dates for the borrower’s next payment.

Some mor tgage firms also reportedly sent automated collection notices to borrowers in forbearances indicating that their accounts were past due and that they may incur late fees.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

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Facing Your Fears When Bankruptcy Is Unavoidable THE word “bankruptcy” is packed with all sorts of negative emotional triggers.

It sounds bad — even dirty. It’s embarrassing. (What if people find out?!) People paint ugly pictures of what their lives will look like post-bankruptcy.

But it’s not true.

Bankruptcy is an opportunity to close one chapter of your life and open a new chapter — a better chapter. In this new chapter of your life, you get to make choices without the constant pressure of creditors breathing down your back. Your days will feel easier, your responsibilities more manageable, and your choices more abundant. How’s that for a change?

To make the most of this new chapter, though, you have to face your fears. What I mean by “facing your fears” is this: Instead of worrying about how your bankruptcy will impact your life, make a plan so that you are in control. Intentionally set a course of action to make sure that your bankruptcy does not negatively impact your life.

What does “facing your fears” look like? Below are some practical suggestions that might help.

Number 1: Start by making a list of all the things you are worried about with respect to your bankruptcy. This is important because it gives you the power to begin taking action steps to mitigate this fear. If the fear exists in your mind, but you have not put it to

paper, you will continue ruminating about all of the what-ifs. This will cause your feelings of fear to intensify.

Instead, make a simple list of your fears. This list might include things like: • I am worried that my friends and my family will find out.

• I am worried that my boss will find out.

• I am worried that I will not qualify for loans or credit cards.

• I am worried about my credit score.

• I am worried that I will be unable to get a job.

Number Two: Now, for each item on the list, make a list of all the things that are within your control that you can do to manage your fears.

For instance, let’s say that you are worried that your friends and your family will find out (which is highly unlikely). What are the things that are within your control that you can do to manage your fears?

You might decide that you will feel better if you tell them directly about your bankruptcy. If this is your decision, you can then go about deciding when and how you will tell them.

On the other hand, you might decide that because friends and family members are unlikely to find out about your bankruptcy, you will refrain from telling them

MORTGAGE UPDATE… FROM PAGE 6

“While collection notices may be required for FHA loans by regulation under some circumstances, they are not required for other loans and may result in confusion for consumers enrolled in CARES Act forbearances,” CFPB wrote in the report.

I n ot her ca ses, servicers obligated some borrowers to make a lump payment of a l l t heir missed monthly payments when forbearance ended, when in fact, the agency only asks borrowers to resume their monthly payments.

Meanwhile, others put borrowers in automatic or unwanted forbearances. As of January 24, the Mortgage Bankers Association estimated that there were 2.7 million homeowners in some kind of

forbearance plan.

Additionally, the CFPB reported that call center representat ives at one company cancelled borrowers’ preauthorized electronic fund transfers without their knowledge or consent – leading some borrowers to miss payments and suffer damages to their credit scores.

Missing a payment due to an approved Forbearance is fine but missing a payment to get a Forbearance approved is a not her t hing.

L e nd e r s u s u a l l y want to authorize your missed payment, without their approval that will be detrimental to your credit a nd credit scores.

T ese are just a few examples that show the types of harms consumers are suffering and the

meaningful impact t hat st rong oversight could have on the country’s recovery effort. Moving forward, the CFPB will take aggressive act ion to ensu re that regulated companies follow the law and meet their obligations to assist consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Please fully understa nd t he forbea r a nc e opt ion you are doing. Keep in mind, you cannot refinance a mortgage in Forbearance. Talk to your lender before starting an application.

Thanks for your inquiry and support, please call Ken Go of 1stinnovative Finance Group at 562508-7048 or write to kennethgo@verizon. net CABRE 01021223 NMLS 238636

but, instead, create a plan for responding to their inquiries should they somehow find out (which, again, is highly unlikely).

There is no right or wrong answer here. The important part is that you face your fears and determine what you can do that is within your control to address them. Having a plan will put many of your fears to rest.

W hat are some of the other things you can do to face your fears? If you are worried about the impact the bankruptcy will have on your credit score, you can learn everything you can about credit-scoring, budgeting, and managing finances so that you feel empowered to make strong financial choices and build a better future for yourself and your family. You can talk to your bankruptcy attorney and ask for tips and advice.

You can read books, take courses, or go online and search for free information. The point of everything I’m saying is this: If filing bankruptcy is the ONLY solution that makes sense for your current debt situation, there are a lot more positive things you can focus on instead of worrying yourself

to death. At one time or another, we all face financial trouble. It’s not the end of the world and this can actually be a big turning point in your life.

The truth is: People file for bankruptcy all the time, and they go on to live lives that are filled with happiness, laughter, and financial security. Your bankruptcy will not be a negative force if you make a proactive decision to face your fears and recover through bankruptcy. If you decide right here and now that your bankruptcy is going to be a positive force, then it will be! **NOTE: To ensure everyone’s safety during the pandemic, I am currently offering consultations via phone or video. Please call the office to schedule your appointment with me. Questions? Email me at gethelp@rjb-lawoffices.com.

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

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Philippines should not be made to choose between US, China — Lorenzana MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Philippines should not be made to choose between the United States and China amid the two powerful nations' rivalry, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Thursday.

Lorenzana made the remark in a television interview a day after his phone conversation with his US counterpart, Lloyd J. Austin III, where the US official asserted his country's support to the Philippines' 2016 arbitral victory against China regarding disputed waters in the South China Sea. "We also have to nurture our relationship with China as a very close neighbor and we have a lot of engagement with them,” Lorenzana said.

"We cannot choose between the two. We should not be made to choose between supporting the US or supporting China."

Regarding his phone conversation with Austin, Lorenzana said they “touched some important matters like the Visiting Forces Agreement, the situation in the South China Sea.” “He also mentioned about their support of the arbitral ruling and the policy that there should be free and unimpeded [travel] in the Pacific Region or South China Sea specifically,” Lorenzana added.

Austin also reaffirmed the US' commitment to its alliance with the Philippines through the Mutual Defense Treaty and the VFA, the Department of National Defense said on Wednesday.

Asked if the Philippines will restore the VFA, Lorenzana said it is up to President Rodrigo Duterte, who terminated the VFA in June 2020 for six

Gatchalian calls on gov’t to ramp up efforts vs. online sexual abuse of children

DEFENSE SECRETARY DELFIN LORENZANA months after the cancelation of Senator Ronald Dela Rosa's US visa.

“The final decision to push through

with the termination or withdraw the notice rests on the President,” he said.

(MNS)

DA to hold food security summit — Palace MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Duterte government, through the Department of Agriculture (DA), has sought the conduct of a food security summit to discuss ways to address the current issues hounding the agriculture sector, Malacañang said on Wednesday.

“The Executive branch is calling for a food security summit, with the Department of Agriculture as lead agency, to continue to boost and develop the agri-fishery sector through the cooperation, coordination and collaboration of the local government units and the private sector’s industry players and stakeholders,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.

Roque said the summit would help

the current administration craft a national food security plan that would boost food production and benefit farmers and fisherfolk in the country.

“As part of the President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s whole-of-government approach, the summit aims to develop a National Food Security Plan to achieve our vision of a food-secure and resilient Philippines with prosperous farmers and fisherfolk, and where consumers have continuous flow of food and producers have continuous productivity, unhampered movement of agricultural commodities, accessibility and price stability,” he said.

The plan to hold a good security summit comes in the wake of rising prices of food commodities such as pork, chicken, and vegetables.

Roque, however, did not mention as to when the summit will be held.

He said the participation of local government units and the private sector in the summit is needed to modernize the country’s agri-fishery sector.

Roque likewise stressed that the food security summit aims to discuss mitigation measures on several challenges the agriculture sector is facing, which include the price increase in pork products, drop in farmgate prices of palay (unhusked rice), and the onslaught of the African swine fever (ASF).

“It further seeks to present some models for agribusiness value-chain approach, LGU-led agri-fishery extension system, and strengthening the role and capacities of local price coordinating councils and regional development councils,” he said.

Consumers have been bearing the brunt of sudden price increase in several food items over the past weeks.

On Feb. 1, Duterte signed Executive Order 124 imposing a mandated price ceiling on selected pork and chicken products in Metro Manila for 60 days to ensure that basic necessities are “adequate, affordable, and accessible to all.”

EO 124 imposes price cap of PHP270 per kilo for pork kasim and pigue, PHP300 per kilo for pork liempo, and PHP160 per kilo for dressed chicken sold in the country’s metropolis.

The implementation of price ceiling, according to the EO, will be in place for 60 days, unless Duterte decides to extend it upon the recommendation of the DA. On Tuesday, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said his office is now coordinating with the DA to carry out the plan to lower the suggested retail price (SRP) for imported pork in groceries and supermarkets.

Lopez said the SRP of imported pork in groceries and supermarkets will be lower than the price ceiling set for locally-sourced pork in wet markets. (MNS)

SENATOR SHERWIN GATCHALIAN MANILA (Mabuhay) — Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Thursday called on the government to ramp up its efforts to curb online sexual exploitation of children (OSEC) in the country in observance of the National Awareness Week for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation.

In a statement, Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts, and Culture, urged the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) and the Inter-Agency Council Against Child Pornography (IACACP) to sustain and boost its efforts against OSEC. This, he said, requires cont i nuous mon itor i ng of t he compliance of Internet service providers of the Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009 amid the surge of cases of online sexual exploitation of children.

Citing information from the IACAT, Gatchalian said online tips on alleged OSEC has increased from 1.2 million in 2020, thrice as many as the recorded 400,000 tips in 2019.

The Philippine Internet Crimes Against Children Center, on the other hand, has rescued 172 victims in 2020, higher than the 120 rescued the year before.

The number of victims rescued by the National Bureau of Investigation’s Anti-Human Trafficking Division also rose from four in 2019 to 19 in 2020.

Gatchalian stressed the need to amend the country’s anti-trafficking laws to strengthen the government’s efforts against OSEC. He earlier filed Senate Bill 1794 which aims to amend the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 to enhance the standards, guidelines, and methodologies on surveillance, interception, investigation, and prosecution of different forms of human trafficking.

“Ang pagdami ng mga akitibidad na may kinalaman sa online sexual abuse laban sa mga kabataan ay naging parang isa na ring pandemya na kailangan nating masugpo,” Gatchalian said.

“Ma l iba n s a pat u loy na pagtugis sa mga gumagawa ng mga krimeng ito, kailangan din nating patatagin ang ating mga batas upang mailigtas natin ang maraming nanganganib na mga kabataan,“ he added. (MNS)

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Myanmar unrest 'slowly escalating,' but so far 'not dangerous': PH envoy MANILA (Mabuhay) — The political unrest in Myanmar is "slowly escalating" but so far "not dangerous," to

Filipino migrant workers, the Philippines' envoy said Thursday.

The Philippine Embassy has des-

Existing safety protocols to be followed on Ash Wednesday MANILA (Mabuhay) — The existing health and safety protocols will be followed in the observance of Ash Wednesday on Feb. 17, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said on Wednesday.

Nograles, co-chairperson of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID), said the protocols imposed for last year’s celebration of Ash Wednesday would be applied to this year’s event.

“Kumbaga the same rule should apply this year as in last year kasi yung health and safety protocols natin ay pareho pa rin (The same rule implement last year should apply this year because our health and safety protocols remain in effect),” Nograles said in an interview over state-run PTV-4.

As a preventive measure against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), Catholic prelates in 2020 sprinkled the blessed ash on devotees’ heads instead of the traditional marking of a cross on the forehead.

The Archdiocese of Manila, in Circular No. 2021-05, said Catholic faithful will be allowed to burn palms at home and use the ashes to sprinkle on family members on Ash Wednesday, which marks the start of Lent.

Parishes that will have difficulty finding old blessed palm branches for this year’s Ash Wednesday could also use dried leaves of plants or trees as an alternative, based on the circular.

The palm branches blessed during the previous year’s Palm Sunday mass are traditionally donated by parishioners to their parish.

The Vatican’s Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, in a Jan. 12 note, directs priest to say the formula, “Repent, and believe in the Gospel,” or “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” once to all the penitents present rather than to each person.

The note also states that the priest should cleanse his hands, put on a face mask, and distribute ashes to those who come to him, if appropriate, go to those who are standing in their places.

No request to hike venue capacity The IATF-EID has yet to receive any request from the Catholic Church to ease venue capacity restrictions on Ash Wednesday, Nograles said.

“Ako personally, wala pa akong natatanggap na request mula sa religious sector sa pagi-increase ng capacity. Hindi ko po alam kung meron ng other members ng IATF na nakatanggap ng ganoong klaseng request (Personally, I do not receive any request from the religious sector to increase the capacity. I don’t know if other IATF members receive such request),” he said.

At present, a 30-percent and 50-percent seating capacity for religious activities are allowed in areas under general community quarantine and modified general community quarantine, respectively.

Nograles said the IATF-EID would hold a meeting with the religious sector to discuss the rules that need to be imposed in observance of this year’s Ash Wednesday. (MNS)

DOH orders vaccination sites to prepare substitution list for no-shows M A NIL A (Mabu hay) — The Department of Health (DOH) has ordered initial vaccination sites to prepare a “quick substitution list” in case vaccine recipients fail or refuse to show up on schedule, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said Wednesday.

“Considering the fact that these vaccines are very valuable, so we do not want to have wastage dito po sa ating deployment program. So we already have this quick substitution list,”

Vergeire said during a virtual briefing.

“Gusto natin, meron tayo at least 20%. Wala po tayong basehan sa 20% pero gusto lang po natin ma kasig urado na kung sakali dumating tayo doon sa day of vaccination and we will have refusals, at least we have this reserved 20%,” she added.

Vergeire said the DOH has yet to finalize guidelines on who are eligible to be part of the substitution list.

A survey by the OCTA Research group in De-

cember last year found that only 25% of people in Metro Manila, one of the country’s COVID-19 hotspots, were willing to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

Another Pulse Asia poll showed that 47% of Filipino adults are not inclined to get inoculated, mostly due to safety concerns.

The DOH said it would launch a massive information campaign to boost public trust in vaccines.

The rollout of vaccines is expected this month.

(MNS)

ignated Filipino leaders in charge of townships in order to keep in touch with the community, which has some 1,200 members, said Ambassador Eduardo Kapunan Jr. Internet connection has been unstable and Facebook was restricted by the Myanmar military as protests continue for the sixth consecutive day.

"Ang condition po ay very fluid pa, it is slowly escalating but so far it’s not dangerous. Yun ay patuloy naming minomonitor," he said.

"As of now po, may organisasyon po kaming ginawa na bawat township may opisyales kaming nilalagay na Filipino nationals din. Namomonitor po namin ang kalagayan ng bawat

Pilipino doon sa lugar na 'yun."

The envoy said Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin has given him authority to "do drastic measures" in case the situation escalates.

"For example I can close down the embassy, I can evacuate all Filipinos by air, by sea, whatever," he said.

Kapunan added that he has coordinated with the Philippine Embassy in Thailand in the event that they would need assistance.

"They’re all willing to assist in any way. May coordination na rin kami na ginawa (We have also coordinated)," he said.

"Meron po kaming nila-line up na commercial vessels na pwede po magamit." (MNS)

Solon urges Duterte to certify Bayanihan 3 bill as urgent MANILA (Mabuhay) — A lawmaker at the House of Representatives on Wednesday urged President Rodrigo Duterte to certify as urgent the PHP420-billion Bayanihan 3 bill to boost the country’s Covid-19 economic recovery.

In a news forum, Marikina City Rep. Stella Luz Quimbo said House Bill 8628 or the proposed “Bayanihan to Arise As One Act” would be the third installment of the government’s response to the pandemic and its devastating impact on the economy.

“If there is one indisputable thing, that is the economy has turned out worse than what we had all expected and even the President agrees with this. Kaya ang panawagan namin sa Executive ay pagtulungan natin ito para makabangon ang ating mga kababayan (That’s why we are calling on the Executive to help Filipinos rise from this),” Quimbo said.

Quimbo, author of the bill along with Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, said the government needs to infuse a substantial amount into the economy to prevent a so-called “stagflation” or a combination of stagnant economy and high inflation.

She noted that the Philippines spent too little against its gross domestic product (GDP) in 2020 as compared to other Asian countries.

“One of the main drivers of the decline is the decrease of 7.9 percent in household consumption.

Meanwhile, government spending only contributed 1.3 percent to GDP growth last year,” she said.

Under the bill, a PHP420-billion fund shall be allocated for the implementation of Covid-19 response, as well as recovery interventions

grounded on economic inclusivity and collective growth.

It proposes to allocate PHP108 billion for additional social amelioration to impacted households, PHP100 billion for capacity-building for impacted sectors, PHP52 billion for wage subsidies, PHP70 billion for capacity-building for agricultural producers, PHP30 billion for internet allowances to students and teachers, PHP30 billion for assistance to displaced workers, PHP25 billion for Covid-19 treatment and vaccines, and PHP5 billion for the rehabilitation of areas impacted by recent floods and typhoons.

She said that the country’s current sources of funding, particularly the Bayanihan 2 law’s appropriation of PHP165 billion and the 2021 national budget's PHP250 billion in coronavirus response items are “clearly insufficient to make up for our economic losses in 2020, which are estimated to be at PHP3.2 trillion.”

She said that the government should have no problem a l locat ing PHP420 billion, claiming that t he cou nt r y ha s a PHP1.6 trillion cash ba la nce a s of November 2020.

(MNS)

REP. STELLA LUZ QUIMBO

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

OV ER t he pa st few yea rs, t he at tor ne y s at C ha lef f Rehw a ld 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. h t t p s :// w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / 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 to

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

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

You do not need a social security number to recover overtime wages from your employer. If you succeed in your unpaid overtime claim, Chaleff Rehwald Peterson can help you get an ITIN that can be used to pay the taxes owed. ensure their loved ones are adequately cared for. It is not a caregiver’s obligation to provide care in exchange for a wage that is less than what the law requires.

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

Many private employers refuse to pay caregivers overtime because t hey believe ca regivers a re 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

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 defers child car seat law; MVIS no longer necessary — Palace MANILA (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte has deferred the implementation of the child car seat law following public criticism, Malacañang said on Thursday, adding that the private motor vehicle inspection system (MVIS) is no longer mandatory.

"Nagdesisyon na po ang ating Presidente. Ipinagpaliban po o deferred ang implementasyon ng chid car seats," said Palace spokesman Harry Roque.

"Samantala, hindi na po mandatory ang MVIS. Ibig sabihin, kinakailangan wala pong bagong singil, walang karagdagang singil sa pagpaparehistro ng mga sasakyan," he told reporters in an online briefing.

Duterte considered the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the public in issuing these directives, Roque said.

Earlier, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade on Thursday appealed to private motor vehicle inspections centers (PMVICs) to lower fees collected from private motorists for the inspection of their vehicles prior to registration with the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

In a statement, Tugade also called on PMVICs to suspend the collection of fees for re-inspection for at least one year.

According to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), PMVICs collect P1,800 for each vehicle that will undergo testing and another P900 should the vehicle fail the initial series

of tests and will have to be re-tested.

With this, Tugade said PMVICs should lower their fees to the same rates being offered by Private Emission Testing Centers (PETCs), which is around P500 to P800.

"Ako ay umaapela at nakikiusap sa mga PMVIC owners — Ipakita at iparamdam ninyo ang pakikiisa ninyo sa administrasyong Duterte. Babaan ninyo ang inspection fee ninyo, i-lebel ninyo sa kasalukuyang singil ng mga PETC, at i-waive ninyo ang reinspection fee habang may pandemya," Tugade said.

"With this, we are not sacrificing the more stringent process of ensuring vehicles are checked for roadworthiness prior to registration. But we are also avoiding putting additional burdens on motorists," he added.

Under LTO's Memorandum Circular 2018-2158, private inspection centers are to collect inspection fees of P1,800 from motor vehicles weighing 4,500 kilograms or less. If a vehicle fails, it will be required to undergo necessary repairs and retested for a P900 reinspection fee.

Motorcycles and tricycles are also charged P600 for the inspection fee and P300 for reinspection.

Vehicle Inspection Center Operators Association of the Philippines (VICOAP) president Iñigo Larrazabal earlier said that the P1,800 inspection fee was already brought down to P1,500 following a series of public consultations.

Larrazabal also decried the possi-

ble suspension of PMVICs operations as stakeholders have already invested from P50 million to P60 million, and investors have yet to see a return as most of the vehicles are still being brought to the private emission testing centers (PETC).

This comes as Senator Grace Poe-Llamanzares said she will recommend the suspension of PMVICs amid unresolved issues and concerns such as the timing of the implementation, considering the economic impact of pandemic.

The concept of having a motor vehicle inspection system (MVIS) prior to a vehicle’s registration with the LTO has been around for the past 40 years, according to the DOTr. It is only during the Duterte Administration that the MVIS was made operational through the assistance and in cooperation with accredited PMVICs, it added.

The need to have proper tests to evaluate the roadworthiness of vehicles prior to registration, was highlighted by the alarming rate of registered vehicles involved in road crash incidents, the DOTr said.

Prior to the operation of PMVICs, vehicles being registered at the LTO are merely inspected for compliance with the Clean Air Act through a smoke emission test done at PETCs. According to the Metro Manila Accident Recording and Analysis System (MMARAS), in 2019, a total of 121,771

road crashes were recorded in Metro Manila. An average of 334 road crashes were also recorded daily. Of this, 372 people have died, while 20,466 were hurt.

In addition to a smoke emission check, vehicles being inspected at a PMVIC undergo an automated three stage system that check for roadworthiness in 73 inspection points.

And unlike in the old vehicle inspection done by the LTO which is visual, the inspection of vehicles at a PMVIC is automated with limited human intervention, according to the DOTr. The testing equipment even require biometric access such as the fingerprint of the operator to initialize operation, it said, Results of the testing done at a PMVIC are sent real time to the PMVIC's local server and to the LTO’s IT system.

Corruption and tampering of results at a PMVIC is also reduced, if not removed, as the entire vehicle inspection process is fully documented with the use of closed circuit television cameras (CCTvs), the DOTr said.

(MNS)

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France to 'step up' defense, strategic cooperation with PH — envoy He welcomed France's active parMANIL A (Mabuhay) — France would bolster its engagement on deticipation in the Philippines' defense fense and strategic partnership with modernization and "Build, Build, the Philippines, French Ambassador Build" programs.

Michèle Boccoz said as she laid down But he underscored that "construcher priorities as the newly installed tive engagement" between the two envoy in Manila. nations must continue to grow, esThe statement was made when she pecially with the "unprecedented" presented her credentials to Presichallenges the world faces today.

"The challenges we face today are dent Rodrigo Duterte on Feb. 10 in unprecedented. We need closer colMalacañang.

Boccoz said France, as a nation of laboration bilaterally and in the [multhe Indo-Pacific, commits to contilateral arena]. We are interested in tribute to the stability, free trade, further expanding ties, particularly peaceful settlement of dispute, dein defense, trade and investments, velopment, fight against climate public health, and tourism," he said. change, and freedom of navigation Duterte said he looks forward to in the region. enhanced collaboration between "In that regard, France is commitManila and Paris on climate change ted to continue to step up the growing and sustainable development, envicooperation in defense and strategic ronmental protection, migration and FRENCH REPUBLIC AMBASSADOR TO THE PHILIPPINES MICHÉLE BOCCOZ matters between the Philippines and migrant workers’ rights, gender jusFrance," she said. tice, and combatting transnational Duterte, for his part, underscored strengthen ties with France in these crimes, including cybersecurity and Boccoz said Paris would also bolster its engagement on economic the government's "keen interest" to areas of mutual interest. counterterrorism. (MNS) and commercial cooperation with Manila.

"Investments in key sectors of the economy in the MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Bureau of Wednesday. ready processed prior to its arrival,” Philippines is for us a priCustoms (BOC) is ready to facilitate the Guerrero, however, said they have no Guerrero added. ority. We see with pleasure immediate release of vaccines against information at the moment as to the He said BOC personnel will only prothat more and more French coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) exact date of the arrival of these shipcess the documents for the release of companies are investing in once its shipments arrive in the country. ments in the country. the cargoes and are not authorized to major projects and bene“Yes. Ports have already activated On Tuesday, the government headed physically handle the vaccines. fit from a good image and one-stop shops to handle vaccine ship- by health officials and other stakeholdOn Monday, Presidential Spokesperexcellent cooperation with ments.

We will use pre-arrival clearance ers in the fight against the virus held a son Harry Roque said the first batch of loca l companies. Be asprocedures for covid vaccine shipments simulation activity in preparation for the vaccines that will be coming from sured, Mr. President, that so that they can be expeditiously re- the arrival of the vaccines slated this drugmakers Pfizer-BioNtech and AsFrance wishes to further its leased upon arrival at the airport,” month. traZeneca under the sealed agreement economic and commercial Customs Commissioner Rey Leonar“It went very well.

Customs clearance with the COVAX Facility would arrive cooperation with the Phildo Guerrero said in a text message on was very fast as the shipment was al- in mid-February. (MNS) ippines," she said.

BOC assures quick release of Covid-19 vax shipments

CA junks ABS-CBN plea on labor case

MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Court of Appeals (CA) has turned down a petition filed by broadcast network ABS-CBN Corporation in a labor case involving two of its employees.

In a 15-page decision dated February 4, the appellate court's Special Ninth Division, through Associate Justice Rafael Antonio Santos, "denied for lack of merit" the petition for certiorari filed by the broadcasting firm.

Associate Justice Elihu A. Ybanez and Raymond Lauigan concurred in the decision.

The case involved employees E l len N. Lagat and Simonette C. Soriano who filed a complaint for illegal

dismissal, non-payment of overtime pay, 13thmonth pay, incentive leave pay, holiday pay, as well as attorney's fees against the firm.

On Feb. 15, 2012, the labor arbiter rendered a decision finding that the broadcasting firm had indeed illegally dismissed the two and that Lagat and Soriano have become regular employees by operation of law.

On Feb. 27, 2013, the labor a rbiter issued a w r it of execut ion pending appeal for the pay ment of accr ued sa laries from March 26, 2012, to February 26, 2013, amounting to PHP245,150 inclusive of 10 percent attorney's fees, execution fee, and deposit fee.

The f irm t hen appealed the case which eventually reached the Supreme Court where it is now pending.

In 2018, the labor arbiter issued an execution order for the payment noting that there is no temporary restraining order issued by the CA or the SC and therefore no legal impediment exists for the execution of the earlier decision.

In turning down the firm's appeal, the CA a lso said the broadcasting firm "failed to discharge its burden of proving that the National Labor Relations Commission committed grave abuse of discretion" and denied the petition for lack of merit.

(MNS)

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Makabayan bloc on poll showing Pinoys not in favor of gov't COVID-19 response:

Hindi kataka-taka MANILA (Mabuhay) — Members of the Makabayan bloc are no longer surprised with the result of a recent survey stating that most Filipinos were not in favor of how the national government has addressed the COVID-19 pandemic.

At a virtual press briefing Thursday, ACT Teachers party-list Representative France Castro pointed out that the present administration chose to implement militaristic rules in facing the health crisis instead of imposing medical solutions.

Since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020, the government should have an intensified mass testing and contact tracing instead of lockdowns, Castro said.

"Hindi kataka-taka itong sagot ng ating mamamayan kaugnay ng kanilang approval o disapproval sa health response na ginagawa ngayon ng gobyerno ni President Duterte," Castro said.

"Unang-una na naming ni-raise, 'di ba, sa pagke-create pa lang ng composition noong tinatawag na national task force o 'yung IATF para sugpuin ang COVID-19, ang karamihan sa mga composition nito ay military. Kaya ang solusyon na ginamit dito ay militaristic," she added.

Retired military general Carlito Galvez Jr has been named chief implementer of the National Policy Against COVID-19. Aside from that, he was also the country's designated "vaccine czar."

A survey conducted by Singapore-based ASEAN Studies Centre showed that 53.7% of its Philippine respondents were not in favor of the Duterte administration’s response to combat the pandemic.

The 53.7% consists of 17.9% who said they "strongly disapproved" and 35.8% who said they "disapproved" of how the government is handling the pandemic.

Meanwhile, 20.9% were neutral on the topic, while 19.4% "approved."

Bayan Muna party-list Representative Ferdinand Gaite, for his part, said the government's response only resulted in economic fallout. He claimed that the assistance provided by the administration to various sectors were not felt.

"Hindi na kataka-taka dahil sabi nga natin the fruit of the pudding is in the eating, bagsak ang ating ekonomiya... maraming walang trabaho, mataas ang presyo ng bili-

hin. Halos walang naramdaman na ayuda, hindi lamang sa maralita, sa manggagawa, sa magsasaka... actually pati mga negosyante ay nagrereklamo, lalo na ang ating MSMEs" Gaite said.

Gaite said the survey is the true reflection of the failed response of the government against COVID-19 pandemic.

On the other hand, Kabayaan party-list Representative Sarah Elago said the government had been dependent on lockdowns instead of addressing the real problem.

"Nanatiling nakaasa doon sa pinahabang lockdown, isa sa pinakamahaba sa buong mundo kaya kita natin 'yung tindi ng epekto niyan sa ekonomiya, kawalan ng trabaho at pinakamalala pa 'yung pinatagal na kalamidad dahil sa failure ng pandemic response at incompetence sa pamumuno sa atin sa gitna ng public health emergency," Elago said.

The results of the survey indicated that most Filipinos believed there is a need to encourage more scientists and medical doctors to "contribute to public policy discussions" and for the government to "heed their advice" in addressing the pandemic.

So far, the Philippines has recorded 541,560 COVID-19 infections, with 499,971 recoveries and 11,401 fatalities.

(MNS)

Gordon launches online complaint desk on LTO services

MANILA (Mabuhay) — The public, especially the motorcycle owners, can now send their concerns and grievances on poor and unlawful services of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) through the online complaint desk launched by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on Wednesday night.

“Mayroon na ngayong malalapitan ang mga kababayan nating sawa na sa mabagal o tiwaling serbisyo ng LTO lalo na ‘yung milyon-milyong Pilipinong hindi pa rin nakukuha ang kanilang motorcycle plates hanggang ngayon at ‘yung mga biktima ng mandarambong na motorcycle dealers (There is now a desk where our countrymen who are tired of slow and corruption at the LTO, especially those millions of Filipinos who have yet their motorcycle plates and those who are still victims of unscrupulous motorcycle dealers),” said Senator Richard Gordon, chairman of the Blue Ribbon Committee.

“Through our virtual complaint desk, we hope to encourage our people to participate by sending their concerns and complaints. All they must do is fill out a form online. Rest

SENATOR RICHARD GORDON

assured that their identities will be kept private,” he added.

The online form, found at www. lingkodgordon.com, aims to collect data in connection to the Blue Ribbon’s ongoing investigation on the alleged misfeasance, malfeasance, and nonfeasance in the implementation of Republic Act No. 11235 or the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Law. On top of the 18-million backlog on the release of motorcycle plates and numerous killing incidents perpetrated by motorcycle-riding gunmen, it was disclosed during the hearing that the LTO is allowing the dealers to collect the installment money without giving the buyer the ownership doc-

uments, which enables the dealers to resell the motorcycles as demonstration units.

“We came up with the idea of putting up a complaint center following our investigation on the LTO’s non-implementation of R.A. 11235, where we discovered various anomalies surrounding the agency. This way, we hope to help our people by making their voices heard. Our committee will compile the forms, analyze them and take the necessary actions,” Gordon said.

Apart from the slow and unruly services of the LTO, the Blue Ribbon also encourages the public to report incidents and crimes involving the

Saturday-Friday | February 13 - 19, 2021

Palace: Trillions of pesos in debt 'modest' if compared to those of other countries MANILA (Mabuhay) — The trillions of pesos that the Duterte administration would have accumulated when President Rodrigo Duterte steps down June 2022 amid the COVID-19 pandemic is a modest amount, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, Jr. said.

Budget and Expenditures and Sources of Financing for the fiscal year 2021 showed the government projects that the total outstanding debt for 2020 will amount to P10.16 trillion while for 2021 it is seen to reach P11.982 trillion.

“Well, in terms of actual figure, that’s big. But if you compare it with other nations, ours is a modest amount. That’s a big amount but we’re not actually amongst the biggest borrowers for COVID financing right now," Roque said.

"The reality is other countries relied more heavily on borrowings to finance their COVID response compared to the Philippines. So, we’re in the middle,” he added.

Roque did not cite countries which posted higher debts than the Philippines for COVID-19 response.

He said that the administration’s debt policy was very conservative.

“We have actually been very conservative in our borrowings and I think it would pay off, and it also reflects the the trust given to us in terms of credit worthiness,” Roque said.

The Philippines has earmarked P82.5 billion for COVID-19 vaccine procurement.

Of this amount, P70 billion is sourced from loans.

On the other hand, P2.5 billion is sourced from the 2021 national budget, while the P10 billion will come from the Bayanihan to Recover as One (Bayanihan 2) law.

The rollout date for the COVID-19 mass vaccination program in the country is yet to be determined pending the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines—of which date of arrival is also unclear to this day. (MNS) use of motorcycle vehicles.

“We must put an end to these fraudulent acts. If we do nothing, the corruption in the government will not stop and the poor will remain deprived. If the killings will be unbridled, crimes will continue to terrorize our country,” Gordon added. (MNS)

Philippines sets 2023 target to finish COVID-19 vaccination rollout M A NIL A (Mabuhay) — The Philippines is aiming to complete its COVID-19 vaccination program by 2023, a health official said Wednesday, amid global competition of the highly sought-after coronavirus shots.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the government had until 2023 to inoculate its targeted population in case vaccine deliveries would be delayed.

"That's why we indicated in our plan for this vaccine deployment program that it's going to be until 2023 so that we have that wide margin if in case the delivery will not be on time," she

said.

"We are eyeing that we can be able to reduce this (number of COVID-19 cases) or have good outcomes based on these vaccines hopefully by 2022, earlier than the 2023 target date," she added.

The country is expected to launch its COVID-19 immunization next week as some 117,000 doses of Pfizer/BioNTech jabs may arrive on Feb. 13.

Health authorities on Tuesday conducted simulation on the arrival of the vaccines, which were transported to the cold storage facility in Research Institute for Tropical Medicine in less than an hour.

"As long as the temperatures will be maintained, the hours or the time from the airport to the storage facility will not really matter," she said.

Based on a novel technology that uses synthetic mRNA to activate the immune system against the virus, the Pfizer/BioNTech needs to be stored at minus 70 degrees Celsius (-94 F) or below -- equivalent to an Antarctic winter.

I n t he gover n ment's vaccination plan, health workers shall first receive the COVID-19 jabs. They are followed by older people, persons with comorbidities or underlying conditions, other essential workers,

including uniformed personnel, and indigent population -- all in group A. Next in the priority list is group B, which are other frontline workers and special population. The remaining population or group C is at the bottom of the pile.

The Philippines aims to vaccinate up to 70 million people against COVID-19 this year to achieve herd immunity.

It is working to lock in 148 million doses from various drug makers, on top of 5.6 million shots that will come from the COVAX Facility, a global initiative that aims to ensure equitable access to the vaccines. (MNS)

BALITA 13 global NEWS BUSINESS Colombia eyeing to sell pork, beef to Philippines, envoy says

Saturday-Friday | February 13 - 19, 2021

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Colombia is willing to export pork and beef to the Philippines, among other initiatives, Colombian Ambassador to the Philippines Marcela Ordoñez said.

Ordoñez made the disclosure during her presentation of credentials before President Rodrigo Duterte in a ceremony held in Malacañang on Wednesday night.

Her statement comes at a time when the National Capital Region is facing pork and chicken supply woes due to unabated price increases amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the industry being hit by the African Swine Fever that wiped out four million pigs.

The pork and chicken supply problem also took a turn for the worse when vendors refused to sell their goods to avoid further losses as soon as the price ceiling imposed by the President took effect last February 8.

“Let me focus on our bilateral relation and start with commerce. The amount of goods that our two countries exchange has been growing and we wanted to grow a lot more,” she said.

“We are interested in selling pork meat and beef

COLOMBIAN AMBASSADOR TO THE PHILIPPINES MARCELA ORDOÑEZ

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to the Philippines and we would welcome, Mr. President, any support you can give us to accelerate the admissibility process,” she added.

The Palace has already called for a Food Security Summit to such problem. The summit, however, has yet to be scheduled.

In response to vendors who went on pork holiday, the Department of Agriculture set the wholesale price of pork at P235 per kilo to complement President Duterte’s Executive Order 124 which set a price ceiling of P270 per kilo for kasim and pigue,

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P300 for liempo and P160 for dressed chicken sold in Metro Manila for 60 days.

Likewise, the Agriculture Department also implemented a transportation subsidy for pork supply coming from Mindanao, the Visayas and Luzon at P21 per kilo, P15 per kilo and P10 per kilo, respectively.

Such subsidy, however, has yet to improve the pork and even chicken supply in the National Capital Region which prompted industry leaders to call for a summit. (MNS)

Zarate wants immediate passage of bill regulating bank fees amid impending hike (Mabuhay) — Bayan Muna party-list Representative Carlos Isagani Zarate on Thursday urged the House leadership to fast-track the passage of House Bill 4019, which aims to regulate the fees and charges being imposed by banks.

Zarate's call came after the announcement that inter-bank automated teller machine (ATM) fees are set to increase starting April.

According to Zarate, a review on disclosure requirements to consumers and the actual costs incurred by banks should be made and shown to consumers before an increase on fees will be made.

“Mukhang tataas na naman ang sisingilin mula sa atin sa paggamit ng ATM pero ang mga bangko naman talaga ang kumikita dito mula pa dati, pero, ironically, pera din naman natin ang ginagamit nila sa kanilang negosyo," Zarate said in a statement.

"Dapat talaga ay tignan na agad ito ng Kongreso para makita kung totoo ang sinasabi ng mga bangko, lalo na sa panahong ito ng krisis na pinalala pa ng COVID-19 pandemic,” he added.

HB 4019, which was also introduced by Representatives Ferdinand Gaite and Eufemia Cullamat, "seeks to regulate the rate of transaction fees and charges on automated teller machines by banks and require the posting of a notice

of sa id fees and charges on ATM's screens and monitors pr ior to t he completion of a ny t r a n s action."

Zarate wants the Bangko SenREP. CARLOS tral ng Pilipinas ISAGANI ZARATE to explain the reason behind the impending hike of bank fees and charges.

The BSP had lifted the six-year moratorium on ATM fees in 2019. The Bankers Association of the Philippines had said it supports the acquirer-based ATM fee principle of the BSP, saying that it is "market driven and customer-centered."

However, for Zarate, banks should no longer extract profit from workers as they already earn profits when salaries of workers are being coursed through banks by their employers.

"Why can't the BSP and the banks also make sacrifices just like the millions of Filipinos in these trying times. Pandemic profiteering is truly abhorrent during this time of crisis," Zarate said. (MNS)

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Bela Padilla finishes shooting her directorial debut '366'

B

ela Padilla has officially finished filming the movie “366,” which marked her directorial debut.

On her Instagram page, Padilla wrote a lengthy post as she thanked everyone who made this dream of hers materialize.

“Every person on our team pulled through and moved as safely and efficiently as possible. It is my first time to shoot a film with half the crew we worked with before the pandemic, but we did it, and it’s possible,” she said.

The first person Padilla thanked was Irene Villamor, who she described as her mentor throughout the whole stint.

“Direk Ayrin, thank you for guiding me and for being such a positive mentor. I felt so comfortable and at ease

BELa PaDiLLa because I knew you were with me every step of the way,” she said.

“Gone are the days of oppressive heads on

set that scrutinize your possible wrong choices. Thank you, thank you, thank you,” she added.

Padilla also took time to thank all the people who helped her behind the camera.

To end her post, Padilla gave a shoutout to her lead actors, Zanjoe Marudo and JC Santos.

“You two have always been my favorite actors to have worked with and saying yes to doing this project made me want to do this better, even more,” she said.

Padilla said she was blessed to have worked with Marudo and Santos again, and it is her hope that she met their expectations “because you both clearly have met mine, and then some.”

“Thank you for the trust and support, I will remember this kindness forever. God bless team 366. Thank you everyone, now, to the next chapter,” she said.

The release date of the movie has yet to be announced. (MNS)

Heart says ex, who doesn’t follow her on social media, ‘accidentally’ likes her photo MANILA (Mabuhay) — Does Heart Evangelista “stalk” any of her former boyfriends on social media?

“Sila siguro, char,” the actress quipped in response to the question from an Instagram follower, as seen in her Stories update.

Evangelista then explained why the opposite may be the case, writing, “Na-like pa nga accidentally ng isa pic ko — and he doesn’t follow me.”

“Medyo naloka ako. Buti na lang cutie pic ko with a dog,” she said, in jest.

Evangelista’s known ex-boyfriends include actors John Prats, Jericho Rosales, and Daniel Matsunaga.

She did give a serious answer, as she shared a photo of her husband of six years, former senator

and incumbent Sorosogon governor Chiz Escudero.

“My answer is no,” she said. “If you marry someone as amazing as this guy? The others are just dust particles in outer space.

Thank you Lord napakahusay mo sa turn of events.”

This not the first time Evangelista, 35, has addressed questions pertaining to her past relationships.

In 2019, she similarly joked about being an “unforgettable” partner, when asked by a fan whether she would be willing to befriend again a former flame.

“Ang problem ‘di nila bet makipag-friends sa akin. Kaloka,” she said. “But thank you pa rin for the movie-like memories. Mahirap ba ako kalimutan?

Char! Eme lang!” (MNS)

hEaRT EVanGELisTa

Isabelle Daza writes children's book about long-time nanny MANILA (Mabuhay) — Isabelle Daza has written another children's book, this time about her long-time nanny.

In "Yaya Luning," Daza shares her own story of growing up with a nanny, and in the process explaining "the dynamic of having a yaya in a family unit."

"She does not replace the role of a mother," the actress and model wrote in an Instagram Stories post, which showed her newest book.

"Instead my book aims to convey that a yaya has a special place in a child's heart," she stressed. "The book aims to give dignity to the yayas out there who selflessly dedicate their lives caring for their alagas/other children, and also remind parents that yayas need some love and care as well."

Daza said she is thinking of printing "a few copies" of "Yaya Luning," an idea that was warmly welcomed by her Instagram followers.

Last year, Daza and her team of artists and researchers came up with an animated story book that explains the COVID-19 pandemic to kids.

Before joining showbiz, Daza graduated from De isaBELLE DaZa La Salle University with a degree in Early Childhood Education, and worked as a preschool teacher.

She is pregnant with her second child with her husband, Adrien Semblat.

Their firstborn, Baltie, was born in 2018. (MNS)

Saturday-Friday February 13 - 19, 2021 Visit www.Balita.com

Being a 'showbiz royalty' has ups, downs for Janine Gutierrez

JaninE GuTiERREZ MANILA (Mabuhay) — Hailing from a showbiz clan has its ups and downs for Janine Gutierrez.

Gutierrez confessed that she sometimes finds it hard to get out of her family’s shadow because they are accomplished actors, actresses and performers in the entertainment industry.

“Siyempre kasi ang dami nila. It has its good side and 'yung medyo nakaka-pressure side,” she said.

“Nakakatulong kasi ang dami ko na agad kakilala sa industriya dahil mga nakatrabaho na ng parents ko, ng family ko. And then nakaka-pressure din kasi bitbit mo 'yung pangalan nila so ayaw mong mapahiya sila, na hindi ka kasing galing nila or things like that,” she added.

Gutierrez is the daughter of actors Lotlot de Leon and Ramon Christopher Gutierrez.

Her paternal grandparents are music icon Pilita Corrales and actor Eddie Gutierrez, while her maternal grandparents, de Leon’s adoptive parents, are screen superstar Nora Aunor and actor Christopher de Leon.

She is also the niece of her father’s half siblings, Tonton, Ruffa, Richard and Raymond Gutierrez.

Even if she is already a “showbiz royalty,” Gutierrez said she is determined to work hard and carve a path of her own.

Asked when she discovered her passion to become an actress, Gutierrez said it was during a time when she barely had any projects for a year.

“Una ko po siya naisip when I was in college pero just to try it out kasi nandiyan 'yung pagkakataon. Pero 'yung talagang naramdaman ko 'yung passion siguro was nung wala akong trabaho. There was one time na parang one year akong walang teleserye or pelikula,” she said.

“Doon ko naramdaman na hinahanap-hanap siya ng puso ko. Doon ko na-realize na gusto ko talagang matuto, mapag-aralan at makaganap ng maayos sa TV at pelikula.

Doon ko naramdaman 'yung gutom na ito talaga 'yung gusto kong gawin so kailangan matuto ako kung paano ko siya magagawa ng maayos.”

At 31, Gutierrez is certain that this is really what she wants to do in life.

“I think in recent years, talagang siguradong sigurado ako na ito talaga ang gusto kong gawin. More so, nung recently po sa huling pelikula ko po kasi, nanalo siya ng mga awards, yung ‘Babae at Baril.’ First time ko rin magkaroon ng award for acting."

"Para ma-recognize ka ng critics, directors, ang laking bagay. Para siyang confirmation na tama 'yung tinatahak mong landas. Siguro 'yun talaga 'yung final na ‘Okay ito talaga,’” she said. (MNS)

Saturday-Friday | February 13 - 19, 2021

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Loisa backs Maris, Sue: Women’s bodies no joking matter

L

oisa Andalio has expressed her support for her contemporaries Maris Racal and Sue Ramirez, who recently spoke up against the viral spread of a photo that was manipulated to make them appear naked.

Andalio was asked for her reaction to the incident, which has spurred their common talent agency Star Magic to pursue legal action, during a recent press conference for the iWant TFC series “Unloving U.” Andalio co-stars with her real-life boyfriend Ronnie Alonte in the series about step-siblings who fight their growing romantic feelings for each other.

Referring to the doctored photo of Racal and Ramirez, Andalio said: “Iba rin kasi trip talaga ng mga tao ngayon, e. Nasa sa ‘yo lang talaga kung papatulan mo, kung kapatol-patol ba.

“Okay ‘yung pinagsabihan nila, kasi hindi naman talaga tamang gawing biro ‘yung katawan ng babae. Hindi siya tamang gawing biro...

Ikaw din ang makaka-control sa sarili mo kung magpapaapekto ka ba o hindi.”

Aside from Racal and Ramirez, actress Barbie Imperial also became the target of malicious photo editing.

She was similarly made to

look nude when she was actually wearing a bikini in the original image.

In both cases, the photos were taken from the actresses’ public Instagram pages.

Andalio, 21, has had her share of posting revealing snaps, whether to chronicle her beach getaways or to share her fitness progress.

For A nd a l io, women should not be made uncomfortable, or worse, fearful, about sharing on social media photos of their bodies.

“Sa akin, walang masama sa pag-po-pose ng sexy kung wala ka naman ding masamang intensyon. Kung ganoon ka ka-confident o kaproud sa katawan mo, okay lang naman ‘yung ganoon,” she said.

“Nasa sa ibang tao na talaga kung paano nila ititake, kung babastusin nila o maa-appreciate nila. Kung maa-appreciate nila, thank you. Kung may mambabastos, God bless na lang. Ipasa-Diyos mo na lang ‘yung mga taong ganoon.”

(MNS)

(From left) Sue Ramirez, Maris Racal, and Loisa Andalio

Lani Misalucha reveals she's still struggling with singing following hearing loss

Lani Misalucha MANILA (Mabuhay) — Over a month after revealing she was now partial-

Julia Montes shows support for Coco Martin's film with Angelica Panganiban MANILA (Mabuhay) — Actress Julia Montes took to Instagram to express her support for rumored boyfriend, actor-director Coco Martin.

In her Instagram Story posts, Montes uploaded a screen grab and clip from the official teaser of Martin's upcoming movie "Love or Money" with Angelica Panganiban.

In her post, Montes simply wrote the movie's airing date.

To be distributed by Cinexpress, “Love or Money” will be streaming on KTX.ph, iWant TFC, TFC IPTV, Cignal PPV, and Sky Cable PPV beginning March 12. The romantic-comedy film is directed by Mae Cruz Alviar.

Fans and followers of Montes and Martin expressed their excitement as the actress continue to show her support for the "Ang Probinsyano" starr.

Last November, Montes also greeted the actor on his birthday.

Without saying anything else, the actress simply captioned her post with emojis of a birthday gift, a heart and a birthday cake.

Montes has yet to make her showbiz comeback but she has been using her platform to show support for her fellow actors, including Martin.

Every time she posts anything that’s related to Martin, fans are sent abuzz because they love how she still makes an effort to support her rumored boyfriend.

In previous interviews, Montes neither confirmed nor denied that she is in a relationship with Martin. The actor, likewise, has evaded questions about the real score between them.

Montes and Martin were first paired in the 2012 series “Walang Hanggan.” (MNS)

COCO & JULIA

ly deaf, Lani Misalucha opened up about her ongoing struggles.

"I'm still struggling with my singing," the renowned Filipino singer said in an Instagram post.

"I c a nnot hea r my voice well as well as the music. With the tinnitus being too predominant in my head is oftentimes masking the other sounds around me that also oftentimes driving me nuts," she added.

Last month, Lani revealed that she is now using a hearing aid, although she worried about losing her ability to sing.

But now, Lani is making

it clear that she is far from discouraged.

"I cannot thank you enough for pouring out all your love and support to me," she told her fans in her Instagram post.

"With all of you cheering me on I'm slowly regaining my confidence.

Thank you uli," she added.

Lani, dubbed Asia's Nightingale, revealed her hearing loss during the Christmas Special of singing competition "The Clash."

She said that she and her husband Noli battled the life-threatening bacterial meningitis in October.

(MNS)

Luis, Jessy name which celebs they would get jealous over MANILA (Mabuhay) — “Buo pa ang relasyon, tuloy pa ang kasal!”

This was Luis Manzano’s playful remark after playing with his fiancée Jessy Mendiola the viral “Jojowain o Totropahin” game, on top of another challenge, “Pagseselosan o Dededmahin,” featuring their showbiz colleagues.

Their exchange of answers was part of Mendiola’s latest vlog on YouTube.

Manzano did not mind admitting he would get jealous of Zanjoe Marudo and Jericho Rosales, saying they are Mendiola’s type physically, given the hypothetical situation that the actress is single and they are all courting her at the same time.

Mendiola earlier said in the vlog that her traditional type is tall, dark, and mysterious — qualities that fit both Marudo and Rosales, Manzano pointed out.

Mendiola, meanwhile,

LUIS & JESSY said that given the same hypothetical situation, she would get jealous of Yam Concepcion and Kylie Verzosa.

Concepcion, according to Mendiola, is Manzano’s type — “cool, maganda, magaling umarte.”

Verzosa, meanwhile, lives up to her beauty-queen title, Mendiola explained, saying that even women are awed by her looks.

Other celebrities included in both games include Maja Salvador, Carlo Aquino, Bela Padilla, Enchong Dee, and a number of foreign stars.

(MNS)

16

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Sewing scrunchies raises money for pandemic-hit family MANILA – In a tropical country like the Philippines, it’s common to see people, mostly girls and women, keeping their hair up in ponytails. Malls, markets, and even sidewalk vendors have an abundance of hair ties in all styles and designs. There are plain ones, and there are colorful ones.

Some are tight, and some are loose.

Ponytail holders are not only used to hold someone's hair in place while they washed their faces, but they are also a fashion statement, especially in the ‘80s and ‘90s. In the past year, they’re starting to be trendy again.

Enterprising Filipinas like Rolanda “Dhang” Morales De Jesus, 32, are taking advantage of this trend to earn extra income for her family amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

As an administrative staff in Malabon National High School, De Jesus earned enough money to provide a good life for her family. But there were always additional expenses to pay, and she needed another way to make more money. She started by selling hygiene items such as alcohol, face masks, and face shields, selling food such as bagoong, and atsara (or atchara), and other catering services. However, sales eventually slowed down.

“Kailangan ko ng iba pang pagkakitaan kasi dito sa family, dalawa yung nawalan ng trabaho. Ako, suwerte, luckily, hindi naman ako natanggal kaya tuloy pa rin yung suweldo ko (I needed another way to earn money because in my family, two lost their jobs.

Me, I was lucky I didn’t lose my job that’s why I continue to receive salary),” she said.

One day, she went browsing for ideas online until she found a business idea that eventually made her known as the go-to scrunchie store in Malabon City. Her business idea blossomed and became “Neyhann’s Sari-Sari Collections.”

“Sabi ko, ponytail [holder] kaya? Kasi yung sa online, walang masyado nun e. Nagisip ako yung wala masyado.

So nag-search ako sa YouTube, na-search ko na ang tawag pala scrunchie (I thought, what about ponytail holders?

Because there were only a few selling them online. So I went on YouTube and found out what they called scrunch-

ies),” she said.

Determined to start as soon as possible, she started teaching herself how to sew, purchasing cotton and silk cloth which she used as materials until she had enough to make at least 50 pieces by hand. It wasn’t easy, so she decided to buy herself a small sewing machine and was able to make about 300 more.

Soon enough, she started having resellers, mostly high school and college students who also needed extra cash to pay for tuition and gadgets for distance learning.

“May mga reseller ako — mga college students, grade 11, 12. Natutuwa naman ako kasi nakakatulong ako sa kanila (I have resellers - college students and grades 11 and 12.

It makes me happy because I can help them earn),” she said.

But her sewing machine was not designed for heavy work, so it eventually broke

SCRUNCHIES. Used as fashion statement during the ‘80s and

‘90S, scrunchies are starting to be trendy again. This prompted Rolanda “Dhang” Morales De Jesus to try the scrunchie business to earn extra income for her family amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

(Contributed photo)

thing that she was passionate about.

“Ang balak ko talaga ihinto na kasi wala naman din akong pambili ng machine.

Although may trabaho ako, may kailangan kasi akong iba.

Sabi niya, ‘Hindi, ituloy mo ‘yan.

Ayan, bumili ka ngayon ng sewing machine (I intended to stop because I couldn’t afford to buy a sewing machine. Although I have work, I need to prioritize other things. But she said, ‘No, continue.

Buy a sewing machine,’)” she added.

De Jesus stressed the importance of having friends who not Counterclockwise: Dhang, her cousin, and only support her mother clearly enjoy sewing scrunchies. dreams, but also build her confidown. De Jesus had to rethink dence when she feels unsure.

“Sila yung mga pushers her business idea.

According to De Jesus, she ko, ganun. Kailangan may would have given up on her mga kaibigan kang naka scrunchie business if it wer- suporta sa’yo kasi kung ikaw en’t for her friend, Rhuby, who lang at walang sumusuporta, gifted her with a heavy-duty parang hindi mo kakayanin sewing machine that cost (They’re the ones who push me. We should have friends around PHP5,000.

“Nung October, bir th- who support us because if it’s day ko. Inisip ko, ‘Sana may just you, you won’t be able to magregalo ng sewing ma- handle it),” she said.

The word “Neyhann” is acchine’. Tapos may nagbigay, office mate ko (Last October, tually a portmanteau of “hon” it was my birthday. I thought from “honey”, her term of ‘I hope someone gifts me with endearment for her husband a sewing machine.’ And then Jonar, and the names of their someone actually gave me one, two sons, Yohann, 10, and Giovann, 7. my office mate),” she said.

From time to time, her She said it was her friend who pushed her to pursue her family members, including business venture when she her 62-year-old mother and was on the verge of giving up cousin, help her throughout because she knew it was some- the process of making and

BACK... from Page 5 rhetoric on social media sites that they frequently visit."

For Vora, the fact that one in three APIs have limited English proficiency requires schools to do "an effective job of communicating with parents who speak another language."

“Out of the 1.9 trillion (from the stimulus package) a lot more money should go to schools and counselors. Whatever needs to be done to ensure that marginalized students are being supported right first and foremost,” Bora said.

Despite fears across the board, epidemiological evidence suggests that children are the population with the lowest risk of contracting COVID-19

selling scrunchies.

De Jesus said she’s the only person in the family who uses scrunchies, but should she have a daughter in the future, she’ll definitely make sure she has all the styles and colors.

Currently, there are about 35 different scrunchie colors and designs available in her shop, which usually cost PHP15 (in retail) or PHP12 per piece (in wholesale or 100 to 500 pieces). But she also sells them in cardboard and wooden boxes as well as pouches.

A cardboard box with six scrunchies of any design or color cost PHP85 while a cardboard box with 15 scrunchies of any design or color cost PHP215. A wooden box with six scrunchies of any design or color cost PHP115.

When placed in a pouch, three scrunchies of any design or color costs only PHP55.

The latest additions to her collection are scrunchie clips and headbands also made of cotton or silk.

“Halos lahat ng colors mabenta e. Kasi hindi ako nagi-stick sa isang kulay lang.

Kunwari may na-discover akong ibang kulay na silk or printed na colors, gina-grab ko ‘yun para maiba yung tingin ng tao. Nauubos naman siya (All colors are saleable. I don’t think of one color. For example, when I discover a new color or print, I grab them so people will see these as unique. These always sell out),” she said.

Cotton and silk, she said, are ideal fabric that are used to make her scrunchies because they have less tension than regular hair ties and don't leave a dent in people's hair. (PNA)

Saturday-Friday | February 13 - 19, 2021

LIGHTHOUSE... from Page 4 nation's retirees, and Universal Allocation per child beneficiaries, food cards to two million of Argentina's poorest families and allowing the president to re-negotiate and restructure its US $100 billion debt with private bondholders and US $45 billion borrowed from the International Monetary Fund.

5. Sylvana Simons of the Netherlands - though born in Paramaribo, Suriname, Sylvana's parents moved her while she was just 18 months old in the Netherlands.; She grew up in Hoorn, the Netherlands and studied at the Dansacademie Lucia Marthas and a barber school; then she worked as a dancer for singer CB Milton and concentrated performing on TV and radio. She began her television career as a VJ on TMF TV and there, she presented a soul and R & B program and in 1999 she transferred to another TV station twice, but had a radio talk show on Sunday afternoons from 1999 through 2001 She also wrote for Playboy Magazine as a regular columnist from 2000 to 2002 and in 2004, she published her first book at the House of Books, followed by another book, called "In Balance," which she wrote with her brother, Kenneth Leewin (a well-known fitness instructor and workout guru). As an actress, she starred in the film "Zoop in Africa," in 2005 and in 2012, she was a participant in the AVRO program 'Strictly Dancing," which she eventually lost. On May 18, 2016, Simons joined the political party "Denz," whose focus was on combatting racism, discrimination, xenophobia and and a desire to work for "decolonization of education" and women's empowerment. Finally on December, 2016, Simons left the party and founded her own Dutch political party, "Artikel," which had its name changed to "Bijit," later on. Finally, in 2018, she became a Member of the Municipal Council of Amsterdam.

6. Judit Varga of Hungary is known to be one of the 20 most influential female politicians worldwide, along the likes of New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern and Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin, this 40-year old mother of three boys was born in a middle-class family in Miskolc - a city that suffered greatly after the downfall of one-party Communist system. Varga was always closely attached to her hometown and lived there until she finished her Law degree .While in high school, she was nicknamed "the scholar," due to her oratorial command. She is able to negotiate in at least three languages: English, German and French. The tall, slender, fashion-oriented Minister of State in 2018 has a personality that oozes charm and confidence that makes Hungarian President Viktor Orban call her "Charm Cannon," because she is Orban's chief global defender on authoritarian approach for the rule of law. Varga's meteoric rise in the global political arena is evident through her upbringing, Her father was an agent of the Communist secret service and her mother has been a part of the judiciary, so the family had elite connections,. The fact that she can play the violin and can compete in soccer too, points the fact that she had elite upbringing. In addition, her husband, Peter Magyar, was childhood friends with a top Orban government official, Gergely Gulyas, She rose to become Minister of Justice due to her nine-year work at the European Parliament, where she promoted "Christian Conservatism," while focusing on protecting the Hungarian ruling party's position in the EU, (To be continued ...)

LACK... from Page 1 and with a stronger immune system to survive it. Several studies indicate that transmission of the virus among students, especially in elementary school, is very low.

While that may not be very comforting to parents of children in middle and high school, the main problem is that "there are adults and teachers in schools who do not have the same protections (as children)," said Louis Freedberg of EdSource.

This depends on the spread of the virus in the local community and the way schools can mitigate that spread beyond the well-known measures of wearing masks and social distancing, which require working with smaller groups of students.

“Having good ventilation systems, screening and frequent testing. A lot of school districts do not have those measures in place,” Freedberg said.

But back-to-classroom advocates also argue that schools are where kids get their meals, a task that several districts continued doing during the pandemic. "The impact of food insecurity on academic performance is something that we are starting to learn about," Freedberg said.

"We have to look more closely at the research and see how it applies to our communities. There needs to be some focus on making sure that research is available in other languages," he concluded.

procurement and distribution effort coled by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Gavi vaccine alliance, and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations.

Last month, two bills seeking to establish an indemnity fund for vaccine-related injuries in the country were filed in the Senate.

Both bills propose that the indemnity fund be subsidized by pharmaceutical companies supplying the government with vaccines for public immunization programs, by reserving 1% of the contract price to be deposited with the national treasury. The bills also propose the creation of a Vaccines Compensation Board to manage the indemnification fund.

For now, Galvez said, the government has submitted a draft indemnity clause to the WHO and the Gavi vaccine alliance.

"We have already the draft. Ang ball talaga nasa kanila sa WHO tsaka sa COVAX Gavi. We already submitted yung indemnity clause at nasa kanila yung

bola na ibigay sa atin yung final draft," he said.

Meanwhile, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said PhilHealth may cover individuals who develop adverse side effects from taking a COVID-19 vaccine, although the funding for this was not included in the corporate operating budget of the agency for 2021.

"I would like to suggest that if any fund may be identified or a source be identified to fund this particularly indemnification, siguro ang dapat mag-administer ng fund na yun ay yung PhilHealth para sila na yung gagawa ng benefit package," he said.

"So instead of giving it straight to people as a compensation for whatever side effect they might experience, it would be PhilHealth, through reimbursements to hospitals, that will provide the cure or treatment," he added.

The Philippines targets to inoculate 50 to 70 million individuals within the year, and an estimated 50,000 is expected to be vaccinated in February.

(MNS)

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(A person must pray this for three consecutive days without stating his wish. After the 3rd day the wish will be granted, no matter how GLI¿FXOW LW PD\ EH 3URPLVH WR SXEOLVK WKLV DV VRRQ DV \RXU IDYRU KDV been granted. Grateful Thanks) - God bless - ATE VIV

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PRAYER TO BLESSED VIRGIN (Never known to fail). O Most Beautiful Flower of Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request). There are none that can withstand your power. O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (3 times). 3 Our Father, 3 Hail Mary, 3 Glory BeSay this prayer for 3 consecutive days. You must publish it, and it will be granted to you.- KORY

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Holy Spirit Thou who make me see everything and show me the way to reach my ideal, You who give me the divine gift to forgive

and forget the wrong that is done to me and who are in all instances of my life with me. I, in this short dialogue, want to thank You for everything and confirm once more that I never want to be separated from You no matter how great the material desires may be. I want to be with You and my loved ones in Your perpetual glory. Amen.

(A person must pray this for three consecutive days without stating his wish. After the 3rd day the wish will be granted, no

matter how

difficult it may be. Promise to publish this as soon as your favor has been granted. Grateful Thanks) - God bless - OMEL

Most Holy Apostle St. Jude Thaddeus, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the name of the traitor who delivered your beloved Master into the hands of the enemies has caused you to be forgotten by many, but the Church honors and invokes you universally as the patron of hopeless cases and of things despaired of.

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

I promise you, O blessed Jude to be ever mindful of this great favor, and I will never cease to honor you as my special and powerful patron and to do all in my power to encourage devotion to you. Amen. THANK YOU - ARDY

PRAYERS

PRAYER TO SAINT THERESE

O Glorious St. Therese, whom Almighty God has raised up to aid and inspire the human family, I implore your Miraculous Intercession.

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

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Most Holy Apostle St. Jude Thaddeus, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the name of the traitor who delivered your beloved Master into the hands of the enemies has caused you to be forgotten by many, but the Church honors and invokes you universally as the patron of hopeless cases and of things despaired of. Pray for me who am so needy; make use, I implore you of that particular privilege accorded to you to bring visible and speedy help where TEXT MONICA help is almost despaired. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolations and succor of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings particularly (here mention your petition) and that I may bless God with you and all the elect throughout eternity. I promise you, O blessed JudeEMAIL: to be ever mindful of this great favor, and I will never cease to honor you as my special and powerful patron and to do all in my power to encourage devotion to you. Amen. THANK YOU - ARDY

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PH allergy experts encourage Covid-19 vaccination MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Philippine Societ y of A llerg y, Ast hma, a nd Immunology (PSAAI) reassured the public that the benefits of Covid-19 vaccines “far outweigh” the potential risks of adverse reactions, as well as the risk of developing severe Covid-19 or death.

During the Feb. 8 Department of Health media forum, PSAAI President and National Adverse Event Following Immunization Committee member, Dr. Rommel Lobo, presented the association's position statement after recent reports of possible adverse reactions to Covid-19 vaccines raised public concern.

“In general, vaccines are safe and effective. Vaccination saves lives. For the Filipinos, we will only give vaccines that are proven to be safe and effective. And vaccination is free and will be made available for all Filipinos starting with high-risk sectors such as health workers and then senior citizens,” Lobo said.

“Majority of Covid-19 vaccine adverse reactions are mild. Reactogenic reactions include pain, tenderness, and swelling and can be managed with supportive care. Mild allergic reactions such as rashes can be managed with antihistamines," he added.

Lobo said their organization has examined relevant information to offer reassurance that the vaccines can be administered safely even to people with food or medication allergies. However, he highlighted that healthcare practitioners should observe vaccinees for at least 30 minutes post-vaccination. He said that while the risk of anaphylaxis is rare, it should be recognized and managed promptly with Epinephrine.

He added that anaphylaxis is the only contraindication for some Covid-19 vaccines and healthcare practitioners who will be vaccinating against the disease should be sufficiently trained to properly recognize and manage anaphylaxis.

Lobo added that vaccination centers must be equipped with the proper medications necessary to manage immediate allergic reactions.

He said vaccines that have been granted an emergency use authorization by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration followed an open and

transparent review process and a thorough evaluation from scientific and public health experts to ensure that safety and effectiveness are met.

Meantime, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the added protection of the Covid-19 vaccine will bring the Philippines one step closer to

resuming a more normal life.

Vergeire however emphasized the need to still practice consistent use of face masks and face shields, physical distancing of at least one meter, and proper and frequent handwashing which are all vital tools for the country’s overall recovery. (MNS)

Cebu resident staying in Quezon City tests positive for UK coronavirus variant MANILA (Mabuhay) — A 35-year-old former overseas Filipino worker who was staying in Quezon City has tested positive for the UK variant of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, the local government said Thursday.

The man, who hails from Liloan, Cebu, was under quarantine for COVID-19 in an apartment together with another person. His samples were sequenced at the Philippine Genome Center.

Because of the findings, contact tracing and testing will be conducted in a community within Riverside in Barangay Commonwealth, city officials said, while the man and his companion will be transferred to Hope Facility within the day.

"We are acting very quickly to isolate the two, and to conduct extensive contact tracing and testing in the area," said QC Mayor Joy Belmonte.

"It is unfortunate that we learned about this only now."

Citing the Department of Health (DOH), the QC government said the man was considered as the eighth UK variant case in the country. His sample was collected on January 17, and the DOH tagged him as an active case with mild symptoms.

The man returned to the Philippines from South Korea where he was an OFW in August 2020 and stayed in Cebu.

On November 17, he moved to Sucat, Parañaque, and made frequent trips to a manning agency in Malate, Manila. His last visit to the agency was on January 14, 2021, after securing another overseas placement.

While waiting for deployment, he rode a taxi and stayed in a hotel in Manila on January 17. On that same day, he underwent a swab test in Pasay City.

The following day, he was informed that he tested positive for COVID-19 and his sample was sent to the Philippine Genome Center. He continued to stay in the same hotel until January 21, after

Saturday-Friday | February 13 - 19, 2021

PNP offers camps as Covid-19 vaccination hubs MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is ready to open its camps as inoculation centers in support of the government's coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccination drive.

"Depende rin po kasi ito sa arrangement between the different agencies concerned at saka ng PNP kasi kung ang purpose is ma-accommodate ang mas nakararaming mga mamamayan, baka yung lugar po na pagdadausan nito ay posible magamit po yung mga kampo ng PNP (It also depends on the arrangement between the different agencies concerned and then the PNP because if the purpose is to accommodate more people, maybe the PNP camps can be used for vaccination activities)," PNP spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Ildebrandi Usana said in a radio interview on Wednesday.

Usana said this aims to ensure that Covid-19 vaccines would be immediately administered to target beneficiaries.

He also assured the immediate transport of vaccines assigned to police units to their intended destinations.

Usana added that the PNP is now preparing its medical force to augment the country's health professionals who would be at the forefront of the nationwide vaccination drive.

This includes 2,705 medical reserve force members nationwide and 288 personnel from the PNP national headquarters. (MNS) which his agency booked a ride via a ride-hailing app and transferred him to an apartment in Riverside.

On February 5, his genome sequencing results showed he contracted the UK variant. On February 8, he developed a mild cough, and then on February 10 his agency arranged another swab test for him and his companion.

“Their condition will be strictly monitored by our experts, and we assure them that they will be well taken cared of in our facility”, said Dr. Rolly Cruz, City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) head.

Belmonte is now seeking legal advice as to whether the manning agency is liable for not following health protocols. (MNS)

Philippines to get COVID-19 shots from China's Sinovac on Feb. 23 MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Philippines will get an initial batch of 600,000 COVID-19 vaccine shots from China's Sinovac Biotech on Feb. 23, Malacañang said on Thursday.

Of these doses, 100,000 will be donated by Beijing for the Philippine military, said Palace spokesman Harry Roque in an online briefing.

"Ang bakuna po ng Sinovac na galing China, nakaukit na po sa bato ang pagdating. Ito po ang ay sa 23 ng Pebrero, 23 ng February po darating ang Sinovac," Roque said.

Sinovac has yet to be issued a n emergency use authorization (EUA) by the Food and Drug Administration, a requirement before a vaccine can be legally administered in the country.

The efficacy rate of Sinovac varied from 50%, 65% and 91% in human trials in

Brazil, Indonesia and Turkey.

Roque said there is no tentative arrival date yet for a separate, first batch of vaccines from the COVAX Facility, which aims to ensure equitable access to the vaccines.

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Debold Sinas on Thursday ordered police to help health authorities in tracking dow n and arresting smugglers of illegal coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines possibly being sold in the black market.

Sinas said in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH), the National Task Force Against Covid-19, and the Food and Drug Administration, police teams will monitor black market activities for counterfeit and unauthorized Covid-19 vaccines that may have entered the country.

“I have taken to task the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Intelligence Group, and other National Operational Support Units to organize operating teams that will launch operations to prevent the entry, distribution, and sale of Covid-9 vaccines without proper authorization from the concerned government agencies,” Sinas said in a statement Thursday.

The country has not yet approved a coronav irus vaccine for general use. The FDA earlier warned the public against counterfeit vaccines as authentic Covid-19 vaccines could be accessed only through the national vaccination program.

While there are no reported fake Covid-19 vaccines in the country yet, the FDA is coordinating with the PNP, the Bureau of Customs, and the National Bureau of In-

vestigation to prevent the entry of counterfeit vaccines.

“The PNP will strictly implement this official policy, and take appropriate police action in accordance with existing laws,” Sinas said.

Meantime, Sinas said the PNP vaccination plan “Caduceus” is now in the pre-implementation phase, which involves threat assessment, contingency planning, and simulation exercises in pilot areas, as well as the organization of

the Medical Reserve Forces, inter-agency coordination, and operational planning by police regional offices.

Under the plan, regional offices are tasked to provide security in the transport of vaccine shipments from storage hubs to vaccination centers.

They are also tasked to establish police assistance desks in vaccination centers to prevent criminal elements and threat groups. (MNS)

Saturday-Friday | February 13 - 19, 2021

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Galvez said sturdier pallets needed to prevent shaking of vaccine vials — DOH

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said sturdier pallets are needed to prevent the shaking of vials containing coronavirus vaccines, the Department of Health (DOH) said Wednesday.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said Galvez and other officials met earlier in the day to discuss the vaccine simulation held on Tuesday.

Galvez earlier said there was a need to minimize the movement of the vaccines after noting that the pallet shook on the airport lifter during the dry run.

“Ito namang pag-shake, sabi nila would be something na manageable pa and acceptable, although sabi ni Secretary Galvez kanina, dapat siguro magkaroon ng mas stable na pinaglalagyan, pati ‘yung mga pallet sinasabi niya ay kailangan… mas sturdy,” Vergeire said.

“Definitely minimal [movement] lang as much as possible,” she added. “‘Yung effect niya sa paggalaw, ‘yung effect niya sa temperature, dapat lahat ‘yan at the minimum lang.”

A vaccine simulation was staged to avoid wastage.

The exercise started with the arrival of dummy vaccines at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and ended with their delivery to various hospitals.

The first batch of vaccines, which is expected to arrive this month, will be spread out across hospitals in Metro Manila, Cebu and Davao. (MNS)

PH Covid-19

Poe: Face mask policy for members of same recovered cases household inside vehicles an 'avenue for corruption' nears 500K mark MANILA (Mabuhay) — For Senator Grace Poe, the policy requiring individuals inside vehicles to wear face masks even if they are from the same household could be an "avenue for corruption."

Poe reiterated her opposition to the policy, which was based on a decision by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.

"Ta laga ba ng pinagaralan yan ng IATF? At kung hindi alam ng IATF, that's the responsibi lit y

of the DOTr (Department of Transportation) to tell them, 'I don't think this is necessary,'" she said.

Poe said she would understand if such policy would be imposed on carpooling services or public utility vehicles, where passengers share a space with other commuters that do not belong in their own household. "[But] you're in your car with your family members.

When you go home, you have to keep those masks on?" she said.

"So again, this is an avenue for corruption because you can be apprehended. Even if you are with your family, they can fine you," she added.

Though the Land Transportation Office previously said that they would not apprehend nor impose fines for violators of the policy, the DOTr said policy-makers will discuss its implementation as well as the fines and penalties that will be imposed on violators. (MNS)

SENATOR GRACE POE

HTAC OKs AstraZeneca COVID-19 jab on 18-year-olds, older MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Health Technolog y Assessment Council (HTAC), an advisory body to the Health Department and PhilHealth, on Tuesday recommended the emergency use of the COVID-19 vaccine developed by British pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca for individuals aged 18 years and older.

Citing the European Medicines Agency, the HTAC said in its 5-page recommendation that “protection is expected given the immunogenicity profile seen in this age group and based on the experience of other countries with other vaccines.”

However, the HTAC said that the vaccine should not be given to individuals aged 18 years and below and those with a known history of severe allergic reaction to any of the vaccine’s components.

“While vaccination is not contraindicated in other special populations who are excluded in the analysis/ trials… close medical supervision will be required,” it said.

The HTAC also noted that the trial population did not include groups such as individuals aged 19 and below, immuno-compromised individuals, and pregnant and lactating women.

Meanwhile, the HTAC said that using AstraZeneca’s vaccine for individuals aged 56 years and above was “deemed acceptable.”

The agency earlier said there was “insufficient direct evidence regarding efficacy and safety for ages 56

years and older based on the interim results of the Phase III trial on… AstraZeneca.”

HTAC said it considered the following criteria in its assessment: -responsiveness to magnitude and severity; -clinical efficacy and safety; -affordability and viability; -household financial impact; -social impact; and -responsiveness to equity.

would be delivered to the Philippines, with the vaccination rollout expected in February.

The vaccine products were from AstraZeneca, Pfizer, and Sinovac. (MNS)

Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. in January said more than a million doses of vaccines

98.2% of PH healthcare workers recover from Covid-19 MANILA (Mabuhay) — About 98.2 percent of hea lt h workers who contracted the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) have recovered, the Department of Health (DOH) said Monday.

Its latest Covid-19 sit uat ion repor t shows t hat 14,535 he a lt hc a re workers tested positive for Covid-19. Of this number, 14,271 have recovered. Some 82

have died from the disease.

There are 182 current active cases -87 are mild, 73 are asymptomatic, 12 are in severe condition, eight are in critical condition and two are in moderate condition.

Ea rl ier, v acc i ne czar Carlito Galvez Jr. said the government would adhere to the World Health Organization’s advice to al-

locate the first batch of Covid-19 vaccines from the COVAX Facility for healthcare workers.

He said the 1.9 million healthcare workers nationwide would be prioritized in the vaccination program.

The country is set to receive the first wave of Pfizer-BioNTech and Cov id-19 vaccines from the COVAX Facility starting mid-February. (MNS)

MANILA (Mabuhay) — The country's total number of recovered cases from the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) is now 499,971 as 276 more recovered from the disease, the Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday said.

In its 4 p.m. case bulletin, the DOH said the figure represents 92.3 percent of those who tested positive of the virus that has so far beaten the illness.

The agency also reported 1,345 new confirmed cases and 114 new deaths.

These figures brought the overall tally of active cases to 30,188 and the death toll to 11,401.

The DOH noted about 88.2 percent of the active cases are mild, 6.1 percent are asymptomatic, 2.5 percent are severe, 0.60 percent are moderate, and 2.6 percent are in critical condition.

"There were 12 duplicates that were removed from the total case count, and, of these, 10 recovered cases have been removed. In addition, 190 cases were found to have tested negative and have been removed from the total case count. Moreover, nine cases that were previously tagged as recovered were reclassified as death after final validation," it said.

DOH data on Feb. 9 showed that 1,545 or 5.6 percent of 27,462 who were tested turned out positive for Covid-19.

Currently, there is a 21,400-bed capacity dedicated to patients with Covid-19.

Available are 61 percent of 1,900 intensive care unit beds, 65 percent of 13,500 isolation beds, and 78 percent of 6,000 ward beds.

About 79 percent of 2,100 ventilators are available for Covid-19 patients' use.

Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday reported 23 new COVID-19 deaths among overseas Filipinos.

This is the second time this year that the number of fatalities went beyond 20, with the DFA also reporting 23 fatalities last January 4.

The DFA did not explain the reason behind the spike in the number of fatalities.

The number of Filipinos abroad who have contracted COVID-19 rose to 14,556 with 2 new cases. There were no new recovery reported.

Filipinos currently being treated abroad for the disease are at 4,424, even as 9,155 of those infected have recovered, while 977 have died.

Those undergoing treatment are broken down as follows by region: 803 in the Asia Pacific, 803 in Europe, 2,715 in the Middle East and Africa, and 103 in the Americas. (MNS)

20

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