Weekend Balita (Los Angeles edition) January 23, 2021

LOS ANGELES / ORANGE COUNTY

VOL. XXX NO. 4

January 23 -29, 2021

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

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN PROmISES TO BRINg amERICa TOgETHER

By ABnER GALino

UNITED States President Joseph R. Biden Jr., popularly known as Joe Biden, promised to bring “America together” against what he called as the “common foes that the nation face,” and enumerating them as: anger, resentment, hatred, extremism, lawlessness, violence, disease, joblessness and hopelessness.”

After he was sworn in as the 46th president of the United States on Wednesday (January 21), Biden also said in his inaugural speech to “celebrate the triumph not of a candidate, but of a cause. The cause of democracy.

The people, the will of the people, has been heard, and the will of the people has been heeded."

Two weeks ago, a riotous mob stormed the Capitol building where Biden was inaugurated.

Five people, one of them a policeman, died during the violent episode.

As this unfolded, the people of

the State of California, a known bailiwick of the Democratic Party, also celebrated the swearing in of their former senator Kamala Harris.

The new Vice President was the first woman ever elected to the second highest post of the most powerful country in the world.

Harris swore before Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

Later in the day, Harris presided as Senate president and swore in three new Democratic senators.

One of them, former California Secretary of State Alex Padilla, was her replacement.

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN

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JOE BIDEN was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States on Wednesday (January 21, 2021). He promised to bring “America together” against what he called as the “common foes that the nation face.”

Duterte sends best wishes to Biden, Harris Nissan closing MAniLA (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte has sent his best wishes to newly-installed United States (US) President Joseph “Joe” Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, Malacañang said on Thursday.

“Our President Rodrigo Roa Duterte

sends his warmest greetings and the best wishes to 46th president of the United States, Joseph ‘Joe’ Biden and to his Vice President, Kamala Harris,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a virtual presser.

Biden was sworn in as the 46th pres-

ident of the US on Wednesday.

Roque said he was unaware whether Duterte will make a phone call with Biden to congratulate the US leader on winning the presidency.

It could be recalled that Duterte congratulated former US president Donald DUTERTE

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TOP STORIES

Global News Philippines to benefit from US immigration policies under Biden — envoy 8  Plenary debates on economic Charter revisions eyed in February 8  Palace hopes for ‘close, friendly’ ties with Biden administration 9  ‘No basis’ to dismiss de Lima’s drug case — DOJ 9  Pangilinan seeks Senate probe on rising food prices 9  Philippines expects VFA issues resolved under Biden, says envoy 10  UP president who signed DND accord ‘appalled’ by abrogation 10  House OKs proposed new Filipino way of greeting on final reading 12  Comelec eyeing longer voting hours, smaller precinct sizes for 2022 polls 12 

Sections BUSINESS. Makati Shangri-La to close after months of ‘low business levels’ 13  ENTERTAINMENT. Why Vice Ganda will never leave ABS-CBN 14  HEALTH & FAMILY. Gov’t to partner with pharma firm for storage of vaccines 18  FEATURE. Batanes agripreneur starts production of sweet potato beer 16 

REMEMBERING MLK. california Gov. Gavin newsom joins a civic organization in a feeding event for homeless people during the commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. last Monday at the St. Anthony’s in San Francisco.

“Dr. King urged us all to step up in service of others and today we carry that call to action forward,” said Governor newsom. “As our nation prepares to turn the page with a new presidential administration, we have faith that our country can again show the world that we lead with compassion, inclusiveness and optimism. our best days still lie ahead of us.”

its Philippine car assembly plant, DTI says MAniLA (Mabuhay) — Japanese car maker Nissan is ceasing its assembly operations in the Philippines due to weaker sales amid the global economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Thursday.

In a statement, the DTI said Nissan has informed the agency on January 20, 2021 that it will cease assembling its Almera model in the country.

The move is in line with the company’s global plan to “optimize production and efficient business operations in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region.”

Nissan’s A lmera assembly plant in Laguna employs 133 workers.

Trade Secretar y Ramon Lopez said the

stoppage of Nissan’s assembly was expected as the company, in its earlier discussion with the department, has already hinted about closing last year given weaker volume sales and low market share of the Almera.

In the Philippines, Nissan Almera’s sales of around 4,500 represents just 1% of the total vehicle market.

N i s s a n’s m aj or sales come from imported pick-ups and sport utility vehicles (SUVs).

“The announcement of Nissan to close their assembly operations in the countr y is regrettable, as these developments all the more demonstrate the critical situation of the local motor vehicle industry. Thus, the provisional safeguard measures need to be immediately put in place to protect the NISSAN

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ABNER GALINO, Fil-Am News Editor

Saturday-Friday | January 23 - 29, 2021

Finding purpose during a pandemic through Centennials! Babies! Weddings! College Apps!

By LYDIA V. SOLIS

It’s 2021! Who would have thought that we would be celebrating 2020 milestones via drive bys.

Centennials!

100th BDay party drive by Dr. Milagros P. ocampo sits at the entrance of daughter Juliet’s house in Monterey Park, last June, while waiting for dozens of Philwomenians drive by to wish her “Happy 100th Birthday!”

Dr. ocampo was a former Dean, Philippine Women’s University, college of Pharmacy, and retired as Vice President of the PWU Division of Allied Health Sciences and Social Development. She is also Adviser/consultant Emeritus of the PWU Alumni Association of Southern california (PWUAASc).

Photos by lvsolis

Vice Pres. Mel Paredes joins drive by motorcade to greet tita Mely.

Babies!

A family affair – Baby Shower, Baby Birth, Lola Nuptial

And Hudson’s Lola gets married!

Aloha, Hudson!

Baby Hudson Bryant

Jing said Erica and Andre both love Hawaii and New York, and named their newborn son Hudson Bryant, after the Henry Hudson Bridge in New York. Jing added that Erica got pregnant last December when they spent Christmas and New Year with her and fiance Bill Sullivan. it was a ‘drive by’ baby shower for Erica Lapid Vivas, posing with parents from left, Yollie and Edgar Lapid, husband Andre Vivas and mother-in-law Virginia ‘Jing’ Vivas.

Due to the pandemic, Virginia Vivas Sullivan said they had a simple wedding on October 18, at their Blue Point, NY home, which was followed by a reception at Tellers Chophouse in Islip New York. Virgie and Bill pose with sons Tim and Kevin, their witnesses, daughter-in-law Kate, and grandson Aiden, their ring bearer.

College apps!

Silid Aralan sa Embahada 2020 The Philippine Embassy, through Sentro Rizal Washington D.C., and the United Federation of Fil-Am Educators Maryland Chapter conducted this year’s “Silid-Aralan sa Embahada” using Zoom and Google Classroom platforms from August 10 to 14.

Jacob Pascasio, president of the Barkada Filipino Club at Chaminade College Prep, told Philippine Post that he and his sister made it to the Silid-Aralan sa Embahada 2020 Culminating Meeting.

“We just wanted to let you know,” said

Jacob, “that it was one of the most informative experiences we’ve had in a while, and we learned so much about our Filipino Culture in one day. We were amazed that representatives from the Philippine Embassy here in the US spoke during the virtual meeting today!

Thank you for letting us know about this event, and I also wanted to extend our thanks to Ms. Solis since I saw the original email about the event that you (Barkada adviser and teacher Louinn Lota) sent me was forwarded from her. We even had to dress up in Filipino Cultural attire when we turned our web cameras on!”

When author featured the Barkada Club in Philippine News as the first Filipino

Jacob Pascasio and his sister Jasmine joins Zoom meeting of Silid-Aralan sa Embahada 2020

Culture Club in Chaminade history, Jacob said he quickly began work on the details necessary for the news article and immediately sent them in to find an official publication of their club on an

international news outlet for all to see – in a matter of one week.

“The officers and I received multiple commendations,” said Jacob, “from our family members from the US and the Philippines, and we could not be more thankful to Ms. Lota and Ms. Solis.

“From this moment,” Jacob continued, “my passion and motivation for the Filipino Culture Club was truly sparked. We had a broader and more diverse audience that was receptive to our club’s mission and activities, and this proves as rather an understatement in light of our remarkable attendance records during our first club meetings and our long lines at each of our food sales (always end up having the food sold out!).”

Saturday-Friday | January 23 - 29, 2021

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“Suyomano” continues to thrive in virtual platform

S

uyomano is a Filipino virtual platform focused on cultural learning experiences touching from local languages, ancient scriptwriting, indigenous tribal cultures and medicine, Philippine mythology, traditional martial arts and beyond.

The entity believes that bringing forth the best of Filipino cultural heritage will spark a global movement that will connect people around the world through cultural understanding.

In 2020, Suyomano was one of the top finalists in the Reapra Singapore and Future Female Business Hackathon, besting almost 150 organizations from all over Southeast Asia and was chosen by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as one of the global organizations out of 550 entries from 93 countries.

Indeed, the world is longing to experience the wonders of Filipino culture in full bloom.

With the pandemic forcing traditional four-cornered classrooms to evolve into e-learning platforms, a newfound interest in online language learning also boomed with one article

by NBC News exploring how Asian Americans used the quarantine to learn their families’ languages.

The article, which featured Suyomano’s cultural classes, writes, “For these Asian Americans, it starts with a shared appreciation for the language

and a desire to pass it down generations. Learning is an opportunity to come together and reconnect with their roots.”

As Suyomano’s Jackielyn Junio puts it, “Learning our language, traditions and history are all essential to understanding ourselves.”

The idea of reconnecting with one’s roots has become a salient theme recently.

Last November, Disney UK released the 2020 Disney Christmas Advert which featured Filipino characters, themes, and even parols (Filipino Christmas lanterns). The 3-minute ad tells the heartwarming story of a lola (grandmother in Filipino) and her girl apo (granddaughter in Filipino) through traditional Filipino Christmas traditions.

The ad is part of Disney EMEA’s (Europe, the Middle East and Africa) “From Our Family To Yours” campaign, wherein proceeds will be donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The ad received a warm embrace from both Filipinos and non-Filipinos alike, with one article saying that “The ad touches on family and traditions that are both Filipino and universal.”

As a family-oriented people, Filipinos are no strangers to stories like this. Many Filipino grandchildren share a special bond with their grandparents, often built throughout childhood and cemented through adulthood.

For Filipinos, family doesn’t end with mother, father and sib-

lings, it extends to grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins.

That’s why Filipinos always find ourselves going the extra mile to send out pasalubong (souvenirs) and balikbayan boxes from wherever we are, craving lutong bahay (home cooked meals) like Adobo and Sinigang, and lining up to the nearest Jollibee store whenever they miss home.

Suyomano works to preserve and teach the next generation the Filipino language, knowing that it plays a key role in the expression and transmission of cultures.

“The mother tongue is the bridge to a fuller awareness of linguistic and cultural traditions, and it is indispensable to solidarity based on understanding, tolerance and dialogue.”

There are over 10 million Filipinos living and working all over the world. We are a global nation – resilient, adaptable, warm, bringing a touch of Filipino wherever we are, whatever we do. We have a knack for thriving where we’re planted because we nurture the ground we stand on. It’s who we are, and it’s our job to keep and protect that identity for the futures to come.

Suyomano curate carefully crafted courses on Filipino culture, language, arts, traditions, and destinations, featuring experts and leaders from

every field and industry both at home and abroad. Value, authenticity and diversity are at the heart of the work we do.

In support of cultural heritage preservation, we are proud to partner with Ms. Lyn Lambago, a pureblooded T’boli artist and cultural worker, in honoring the T’boli culture as proceeds of Lyn's classes go to her tribal T'boli house.

Suyomano is dedicated to the preservation, protection, and

Pilipino po tayo!

COVID-19 hospitalization rates slightly decline in California

By SUnitA SoHRABJi EMS contributing Editor

COVID hospitalization rates have slightly declined since the beginning of the year, said California Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Mark Ghaly at a Jan. 19 press briefing.

Currently, 20, 262 California residents are in hospitals due to COVID-related illnesses, a decrease of 8.5 percent from last week. Approximately 4, 963 people have been admitted into intensive care units in California, a 2.8 percent drop from the previous week.

The expected post-holiday surge did not emerge, said Ghaly. “There is a ray of hope. Hopefully, by the end of the end of this month, we will see a further decrease,” he said.

The state issued a hospital surge order Jan. 5, allowing patients to be transferred from hospitals with 0 percent capacity to facilities with a bit more room.Currently, most Southern California hospitals have 0 percent ICU capacity; the San Francisco Bay Area also has almost no ICU capacity.

The state has also requested 500 medical personnel from the federal government to add to its pool of 3,200 medical professionals. It has also developed 10 alternate care sites for less critically ill patients who are residents of assisted living facilities.

On the vaccination front, California met its goal this weekend of administering 1 million more doses of

the Pfi zer and Moderna vaccines, opening up the first tier to health care workers, people in assisted living facilities, and those over 65. A total of 1.5 million doses have been administered.

The state has received a total of 3.2 million doses. Ghaly explained that some doses are being held back so that people can receive the second mandated dose within 28 days of receiving the first dose.

Approximately 51,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine — shipped out between Jan. 4 and Jan. 8 — have also been held back after 10 people who received vaccine from that batch in San Diego needed follow-up care for symptoms of anaphylaxis.

A new variant strain of coronavirus — variant L452R, a mutation of the genetic code — has emerged in California. “We’re working hard to understand what this mutation means and the role of this variant in our transmission rates across the state,” said Ghaly.

L452R has been linked to the large outbreak of COVID last December in Santa Clara County.

The B117 variant in the United Kingdom has caused a 70 percent increase in transmissibility, said Paul Kellam, a professor of virus genomics at Imperial College London, as reported by The Guardian newspaper.

Ghaly said there is no information yet as to whether the mutation causes reduced efficacy of the vaccine.

propagation of Filipino culture.

“Our intention is to pass on the fullness of our identity in all its glory to the next generation of Filipinos wherever they may be in the world. Many of our kababayans had to leave everything behind in pursuit of opportunities abroad, to provide for their children and families. We offer this as an ode to their sacrifice, hoping to retrieve what was lost somewhere in between.”

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

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

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

kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com

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

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

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

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round twenty years ago, I met this stunning model at a fashion show at the then popular Filipino community venue called the Ambassador Hotel on the mid-Wilshire district of Los Angeles. During the chance meeting, she introduced herself as a professional hairstylist and a make-up artist. Though at the time, I mentioned to her that I used to go to the hair salons of either Ben Alano or Jun Capistrano around the Vermont area, I told her I will try to see her in her Northridge place, which actually might be more convenient from where I lived in Chatsworth. And that was how our friendship developed and flourished inspite of quite a few residential transfers between her and I, but we both managed to keep in touched with each other. More so, we were probably drawn to each other because BOTH of us were primarily of the same age category and we also shared the same Zodiac sign, SAGITTARIUS, with our BIRTHDAYS only four days apart.

"Dey," or "Gigi," as we all warmly called her was born and raised in Cavite City, Philippines and studied Cosmetology in Manila, but was immediately hired as a beautician in Cebu, where she became the most sought-after beautician of Cebu's elite society for more than ten years. But her relentless pursuit for greener pasteurs brought her to the United States in the early 80's when she enrolled and graduated with a Certificate in Precision Hairstyling and Make-Up at the then famous Vidal Sasoon Beauty Center in Beverly Hills.

Thus began her career in the beauty industry, while using her statuesque frame of 5 ft 10' as a Ramp model at various community fashion shows, where our paths crossed in 2001. Unbeknownst to me, she also pursued Interior Design, which along with her Beauty consultancy, she managed to interspersed her hair salon business along with designing her friends' residences.

Looking back on our twenty year friendship, Gigi and this writer treated each other like sisters. She was this generous, thoughful soul, who treated people with respect and love. Along with her longtime Assistant Cely, De Leon, she has thoughtfully treated both of us on special occasions like Mother's Day, once at the upscale Asian fusion Crustacean Restaurant and Rocksugar Thai Cuisine in Beverly Hills, And for the past 10 years, she usually invited 10 of us to her exclusive Birthday luncheons at various

Community Tribute to a beautiful soul and a thoughtful loyal friend, Yodel "Dey" Powers

Saturday-Friday | January 23 - 29, 2021

upscale restaurants such as: Wolfgang Puck's Spago Restaurant, The Beverly Wilshire's "Standard," "Buca Di Beppo," "The Burbank Bistro," "Marrakesh," 'Il Fornaio," "Mastro's and many more.

This writer will also miss her special attention to details geared particularly to each one of us, her numerous clienteles, whom she has practically memorized various types of hair treatment services we needed, at any given time, and there were times she would feed us with homecooked meals while we're waiting to be serviced. Her kindness and generosity was unparalled, that's why we all became her loyal followers like a hair "cult."

Among all of us, her numerous friends, Cely De Leon stands out as her loyal Assistant and this is her message: "Gg, you have been the BEST employer and a great friend anyone can ask for, because you have a loving heart, always supportive of us, ultra generous, and I am particularly thankful and very fortunate to have Our group photo at GG;s birthday on Dec. 20, 2019 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel's "Standard Restaurant with:friends from left: Louie Hileman, yours truly, Gila Vivat, GG, Dr. Ade Quinco worked for you for almost 20 years, as and some friends from Las Vegas you have treated me like an "older sister," and I know you have touched the lives of many of us through your funny and entertaining side. You made us feel special and glamourous just like you...surely, I know that the heaven above gained an angel in you, and I also know that you will likewise shine your star upon us. Rest in peace, my dearesr "Ginging" (my pet name for Gigi which meant "Little Girl."

Another friend, Maricel Lampl, sent this message: "Thank you Gg for the great times we shared; I'll always be grateful for being part of your wide circle of friends Photo taken at Wolfgang Puck's Spago Restaurant on and I will never forget your warmth, kindness and sin- December 20, 2013 with GG seated in front and Wolfgang Puck and yours truly behind. cerity that you had shown to have found a sincere, true friend in me... you truly were a genher and I will forever cherish the hapuine person."

Similarly, another hairstylist friend of py, crazy times and lots of camaraderie Gg, Louie Hileman, sent this message: "I we had since we shared many common have known Gg since we lived in Cebu. traits alike.”

GG and yours truly, taken at her home on Finally, another friend, Norma FabI was a little younger than her but she Christmas, 2019 was this much sought-after Beauty guru, regas sent this message: "Inspite of my already admired way back then, having busy schedule I always try to find prebeen the topnotched beauty consultant cious time to be entertained and have truly miss the BEAUTIFUL soul and loyof the wealthy women of the province... I fun while being serviced by a kind and al friend that she has been... May our have long admired her numerous talents loving friend, GG, who I can just spend dearest friend Gg, now rest in eternal peace in the loving arms of Our Lord. in hairstyle, make-up, fashion design and hours with... I will truly moss her."

All of us, Gg's numerous friends will God bless.

Interior Design as well. I am thankful

Rotary Club of Historic Filipinotown sets fund-raising golf tournament on Feb. 28

T

he Rotary Club of Historic Filipinotown will hold a golf tournament on Sunday, Feb. 28, at the Brookside Golf Club course in Pasadena to raise funds for its various humanitarian projects in the Philippines.

At least 60 golfers from all over the Greater Los Angeles Area have registered for the one-day, 18-hole tournament, according to club president Fernandico Q. Gonong Jr. Among the early registrants are those coming from the Philippine Military Academy alumni group, Rotary clubs, Lions Club, Alpha Phi Omega, and pastors in Southern California.

Tournament fee is $95 for those who registered on or before Jan. 18, and $120 for those who register after that date. The proceeds will be for the benefit of the “needy and unfortunate Filipinos back home,” Gonong said.

The tournament is also being held to raise awareness to the various projects of Rotary International District 5280, among them the Angel City Christmas Give Away, End Polio drive, Vision to Learn, Letter to My Parents Contest, Rotary Youth Leadership Assembly, International Humanitarian District projects, and Disaster Relief Program.

Prizes for hole-in-one, putting contest, straightest drive and closest to the pin will be awarded during the tournament, dubbed by some golfers as the “Best Fil-Am Golf Tournament in Southern California.”

Resgitration opens at 8:30 a.m. at the Brookside at the Rose Bowl, the oldest golf course in Los Angeles County situated in the foothills of Pasadena next to the famous Rose Bowl. For reservation, please call (626) 823-6162 or email maximo.fortu@lacity.org.

Saturday-Friday | January 23 - 29, 2021

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Green cards for Activists target 7 undocumented “essential solons who sought workers” on Biden’s Agenda to “disenfranchise

By AntHonY ADVincULA

nEW YoRK — On a recent Monday, Maribel Lapuz got up at 4:30 a.m.

The 46-year-old immigrant from the Philippines braved the sub-zero weather and took the train from Jersey City, NJ to a nursing home in Brooklyn, NY, where she has worked six days a week as a caregiver since last February.

A thousand miles away, Mario Ramirez drove from one house to another starting at 5:00 a.m. doing construction and plumbing work in Marietta, Georgia. Ramirez, a 52-year-old Mexican immigrant, has never missed a working day since the start of the pandemic.

“When the Trump administration sent the $1,200 stimulus checks to workers,” Lapuz said, “I didn’t get it; I was ignored.”

“Someone like me in this country is not eligible for unemployment,” Ramirez said. “That means I can’t stop working in order to support my family, despite the risk of COVID-19.”

Their situations may soon change.

Deemed “essential workers” by the federal government, Lapuz and Ramirez are among the 5 million undocumented immigrants who may be rewarded a path to citi-zenship—and it could happen during the first days of the Biden-Harris administration.

Indispensable to American life and economy, undocumented essential workers are now at the core of an immigration plan currently being drafted by congressional Dem-ocrats and immigrant rights advocates, and aggressively promoted by the incoming administration.

The new immigration legislation— folded into the $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill that Biden unveiled last week—will include granting undocumented essential workers a green card and decreasing the wait time to obtain U.S. citizenship.

“Essential workers, many of whom are undocumented immigrants, are unsung Ameri-can heroes—risking their lives during this deadly pandemic to care for our communi-ties and ensure food is on the table,” Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas) said in a recent virtual press conference.

“I’m working on legislation to immediately protect essential workers and their families from deportation and provide them with a fast-track path to citizenship.”

Vice President-elect Kamala Harris weighed in publicly on the issue.

Speaking last week with Spanish-language Univision, she said the incoming administration would automatically grant green cards not only to undocumented essential workers but also to DACA (Deferred Action For Childhood Arrivals) recipients as well as Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, and shorten by 5 years the time it takes to get U.S. citi-zenship.

“The incoming administration has a golden opportunity to set things right and offer im-migrant essential workers and their families relief from this pandemic, relief from per-secution because of their immigration status, and relief from invisibility," said Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigration

Rights, on a press call organized by America’s Voice.

Pushback from Republicans has already started. Lora Ries, former acting deputy chief of staff at the Department of Homeland Security, told The Los Angeles Times that the legislation will create more problems.

“Such rewards will attract more people to illegally enter the U.S. to await their eventual green card, undermining border security,” Ries said.

This week, more than 6,000 Honduran migrants and asylum seekers have reportedly been making their way north through neighboring Guatemala and Mexico. This cara-van could represent a resurgence of such efforts as Biden has vowed to reform Presi-dent Trump’s hard-line immigration policies.

Some immigration advocates and scholars also question whether the upcoming immi-gration plan is the right approach. If the Biden-Harris administration proposes to ex-tend legalization opportunities to 5 million undocumented essential workers, what about the other 8 million undocumented immigrants?

“Millions of immigrant workers are on the frontlines, risking their lives to keep our coun-try running. The depth of this crisis requires urgency,” said Mary Kay Henry, president of SEIU, on the press call with America’s Voice.

“We can’t beat the virus when millions of undocumented essential workers are left out. Providing [a fast-track to citizenship] is the only way we’ll be able to tackle the pandemic.’

Alex Padilla, California's Secretary of State who is set to replace Vice President-elect Kamala Harris in the U.S. Senate, defended the immigration plan for undocumented essential workers.

“It’s not that we are not going to deal with other undocumented immigrants,” Padilla said on the call with reporters. “Because of the urgency of COVID relief, it’s better to act sooner rather than later.”

Padilla invoked the immigration experience of his own parents, who came to California from Mexico in the 60s.

They never had a formal education, he said, and never had a day off—his dad worked as a cook and his mom cleaned houses.

“But they told us that if we work hard and do well in school, we can do what we want to be. That’s the American Dream,” he added.

“After four years of [Trump’s] constant at-tack on immigrant communities, the Biden-Harris administration will help us turn the tides. I hope the Congress and our nation will recognize that these [undocumented es-sential] immigrants stepped up when the U.S. needed the most and put themselves in danger during this deadly pandemic.”

“I’m very excited when I heard about this great news,” Lapuz said in Jersey City, NJ. “But I can’t help worrying that they are sending another false hope. I have been through this before.”

“My family has been waiting for this moment. We risk our lives and help this country to survive the pandemic,” Ramirez said.

“We should not be left in the dark anymore. My children were all born here—this is our home.”

communities of color”

By PiLAR MARRERo Ethnic Media Services

Grassroots activists from the districts of seven California Republican Congressmen who last week objected to the certification of the Presidential elections results called for their expulsion for seeking to “erase the votes” of people of color which they said were “the result of organizing and not fraud.”

The activists called for severe consequences for the group whom they called “the seditious seven” from California: Rep. Devin Nunes (Central Valley), Rep. Jay Obernolte (Central Valley), Rep. Ken Calvert (Inland Empire), Rep. Darrell Issa (San Diego), Rep. Mike Garcia (Los Angeles), Rep. Doug LaMalfa (Far North California) and Rep. Kevin McCarthy: (Central Valley).

“One of the common lies being told around the country in regard to fraud, especially across conservative outlets, is that they…can erase black women, black and people of color who make up a significant portion of the voting block in the state of California”, said Pablo Rodríguez, executive director of Communities for a New California based in California´s Central Valley.

The activists said the seven may not

be kicked out of Congress, but added that they will work to empower more voters in the districts they represent so “we can turn them blue,” said Tina McKinnor of LA Voice Action, a grassroot inter-faith group from Los Angeles.

“With their support for not certifying the election results, these representatives joined in the lies to disenfranchise voters,” said Chris Rice-Wilson, from the Alliance San Diego Mobilization Fund.

“The record votes we saw in our communities wasn´t the result of fraud but of organizing efforts”.

Michael Gomez Daly, executive director of Inland Empire United, based in San Bernardino, said that he´s ashamed of his congressman Ken Calvert but pointed to other local officials who “share conspiracy theories on social media.”

“They´re openly advocating violence,” he added.

Irene Kao, executive director of Courage California, a progressive online activism network, said that even though President Trump has been impeached and suffered politically “punishing him won´t be enough when these congressmen still have two years in office to continue pushing the insurrection he started.”

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Did You Apply For A Mortgage Forbearance During The Pandemic?

IF you are a homeowner struggling with mortgage payments during this pandemic, you are not alone.

A mortgage forbearance can provide temporary relief by allowing you to make either reduced payments or no payments at all, for a specific period of time. Usually, it is not automatic, and you will need to call your lender to request onealthough I have seen several lenders offer it automatically, in which case, you will receive a letter from your lender notifying you that it is available for you if you wish to accept it.

Please understand that a forbearance is NOT debt forgiveness; and this means that you will still need to catch up on the missed payments when the forbearance period is over and your financial hardship has ceased (at least that’s what the lender is hoping).

The type of mortgage you have will determine what options are available to you. For example, homeowners who receive a forbearance under the CARES Act will not be required to pay back all the missed payments in a lump sum. This applies to all federally-backed mortgages including FHA, VA, USDA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac mortgage loans. You can call your lender to find out if your loan is one of these.

If it is, you have the right to a forbearance of up to 180 days and can request an extension for the same

amount of time after that. In other words, the forbearance period can be a maximum of one year. If you inform your lender that you have a financial hardship, they need to give it to you by law and no proof of the hardship is even required.

Even if your mortgage loan is not one of the above, this doesn’t mean that you are out of options.

Most lenders I’ve dealt with generally have their own relief options and it’s just a matter of contacting them to find out what is available.

Due to the number of calls that lenders are receiving, it may sometimes be tough to get a hold of someone by phone but be patient as many lenders are doing their best to be more responsive to their customers.

If they do grant you a forbearance, make sure that you have something in writing and keep good records as you might need them in the future.

After the forbearance period, again, you will still need to make up the missed payments. You can reinstate by simply paying everything back in a lump sum if you are able. If not, the lender may allow you a repayment plan over a period of time during which the lender adds a set amount to your regular monthly mortgage payment. If you are still struggling financially, of course, this may not be helpful to you. In other words, if you were already struggling with your regular monthly mortgage

payment to begin with, how can you afford the additional amount if your income has remained the same?

If you are still in a financial hardship when your forbearance ends, another possible way to resolve the delinquency is by applying for a loan modification. A loan modification is NOT a refinance and so good credit is not required. Rather, with a loan modification, you are simply asking the lender to modify your current loan by changing the terms to make the payments more manageable.

For example, the lender may lower the interest rate, extend the term, partially modify the principal, or a combination of the above.

One thing you may want to ask your lender is whether or not they will require you to impound your property taxes and insurance once they reinstate your loan after being delinquent. In case you don’t know what this means, it means whether or not the lender will require you to open an escrow account in which they set aside a certain amount each month for your property taxes and insurance. If they do this, they will increase your monthly payment to account for such expenses so that you no longer have to pay the property taxes and insurance on your own.

While this is convenient for some people, it’s not for everyone. Some people prefer that they pay their property taxes and insurance on their own and keep their monthly mortgage payments the same. For example, I have clients who wait to get their tax refund every year to pay their property taxes. They would rather do this than having high mortgage payments through-

out the year. You may feel the same way about this so keep this in mind when applying for a forbearance and make sure to ask your lender about it.

If you are unable to resolve the delinquency for whatever reason, at some point the bank will have no choice but to foreclose on your property, and so it is important to plan ahead of time. In some cases, it may be necessary to file Chapter 13 bankruptcy to save your home if no other options are available.

Chapter 13 allows you to pay back all your missed payments over a 5-year period. And if you have other debts such as credit cards, personal loans, taxes and all other debts, all of these can be consolidated into one monthly payment that you can afford.

If you need help in figuring out your options, I’ll be glad to help.

For a free evaluation of your case, please call our office at Toll-Free 1-866-477-7772 to schedule a free consultation. ***NOTE: Due to the virus lockdown, I am currently offering consultations via phone or video. Please call the office to schedule your appointment with me.

Questions? Email me at gethelp@ rjb-lawoffices.com.

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

STARTING THE NEW YEAR FRESH WITH A DIVORCE

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TO many people, the New Year signifies a chance to have a fresh beginning. This is also the time of the year many people realize when a marriage is not working out and it may be time to start a new life as a single person whether or not you have children. You can decide to take action and file a divorce.

Before you take any action, you need to think about your situation carefully. First, you should decide whether you should move out of the family residence or not? If you and your spouse are communicating and have some type of respect left with one another, it may be more economical to continue residing in the same household until you resolve the issues in the divorce case. However, if your relationship is heated and riddled with conflict, then someone should move out.

If your spouse has threatened you, hurt you, or committed domestic violence, you may file a domestic violence temporary restraining order and request the court to order your spouse to move out of the house. In the same application, you may also request for custody, support, and attorney’s fees. If on the other hand you decide to be the one to move out, you should move somewhere close to your spouse if you have children to make it easier for both of you to co-parent with the children.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

viewpoint VIEWPOINT

Saturday-Friday | January 23 - 29, 2021

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7

What to know about Covid Mortgage Relief

RECENTLY enacted legislation, known as the CARES Act directs lenders holding federally backed mortgages to suspend borrowers' payments for up to 12 months if they have lost income because of the coronavirus outbreak. The law also suspends foreclosure and foreclosure-related eviction action and changes the rules regarding credit reporting during some or all of the coronavirus emergency period.

• If your mortgage is backed by the federal government, provisions of the recently enacted CARES Act allow you to suspend payments for up to 12 months.

• In addition you will not be charged late fees or reported to credit bureaus.

• Foreclosures and evictions will be suspended for at least 60 days.

• If your loan is not federally

charged if you made your payments on time and in full. Landlords may not charge tenants any fees or penalties for late payment of rent during any forbearance period granted to the landlord.

backed, contact your loan servicer or state or local government offices to find out what options you have.

• Additional help may be available after the forbearance period.

Is your loan backed by federal government? The CARES Act directs that if you are experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19, you will be granted forbearance on your

BARRISTER’S CORNER… FROM PAGE 6

Second, you should decide whether your spouse is the type who will disclose all the financial assets or not after you file for divorce.

Although the family code (family code 2100 et seq.) imposes a duty to disclose all material facts and information, spouses’ are not always forthcoming in disclosing completely all assets, debts, income and expenses specially after a divorce case is commenced. What sometimes happens is once a divorce case is commenced, assets are either not disclosed, disappears, or documents/ bank statements are not produced even with formal discovery. You should gather and make copies of all financial documents before filing the divorce.

Third, there is an automatic temporary restraining order (ATROS) in place once you file and serve your spouse with the divorce papers. The four standard mutual restraining orders are 1) removing their minor children from the state without the prior written consent of the other party or a court order. family code Section 2040(a)(1) 2) restraint from transferring, encumbering, hypothecating, concealing, or in any way disposing of any property, real or personal, whether community, quasi-community, or separate without the other party's written consent or court order; fam code 2040(a)(2) 3) restraint from cashing, borrowing against, canceling, transferring, disposing of, or changing the beneficiaries of any insurance or other coverage, including life, health, automobile, and disability held for the benefit of the parties and their child for whom support may be orders. Fam C 2040(a)(3). 4) restraint from creating a nonprobate transfer or modifying a nonprobate transfer in a manner that affects the disposition of property subject to the transfer without the other party's written consent or court order. fam c 2040(a)(4). There are exceptions to the above restrictions. One exception is for property transfers in the usual course of business or for the necessities of life. Examples would be property transfers as part of your usual business operations or to pay for usual household living expenses. Another exception is payment of reasonable attorney's fees. fam c. 2040(a)(2). If you need to do any transactions that may violate the ATROS, it is best to do it prior to filing and serving the divorce petition provided you do not breach your fiduciary duty to your spouse. If you are thinking of filing a divorce, it is best to consult an experienced family law attorney before taking any action.

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. Visit our website at Kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com.

federally backed mortgage loan for up to 180 days with the option to extend for another 180 days.

If you are a landlord with a mortgage on multifamily (5 or more units) housing you have similar protection that allows a 30-day forbearance on payments and up to two 30-day extensions.

If you are offered forbearance, carefully review the terms before signing. Best is just to have the missing payments added to the end of your mortgage term, but reportedly some borrowers are finding that lenders are instead imposing a balloon payment that would be more than they can afford.

How to Request Forbearance As a borrower with a federally-backed mortgage loan, you will be granted forbearance of up to 180 days by submitting a request to your servicer (the company you make payments to) and affirming that you are experiencing financial hardship during the COVID-19 emergency.

No further documentation or proof is required.

Landlords (5 or more units) must have been current on payments as of Feb. 1, 2020. If so, they must submit an oral or written request to their servicer who will approve a 30-day forbearance and, upon request from the borrower, issue up to two additional 30-day forbearance periods.

Right to Halt Forbearance As a borrower, the CARES Act gives you the right to halt forbearance at any time. This rule applies to you if you have a government-backed loan on a regular (1-4 unit) property or a multifamily (5 or more unit) building.

No Extra Penalties, Interest, or Late Fees During any forbearance period granted to you, your servicer cannot charge any penalties, interest, or fees that would not have been

No Reporting to Credit Bureaus Lenders are directed not to report you to credit bureaus for late or missed payments provided you are in one of the forbearance programs. This applies through July 25, 2020, or 120 days after the end of the emergency period, whichever is later. This means the fact you are not making full payments or not paying at all, will not affect your credit rating.

No Foreclosures or Evictions Guidance from the FHFA June 17, 2020 extended the moratorium on foreclosures and evictions for Federally-backed mortgages from May 17, 2020 until at least August 31, 2020.2 Landlords cannot evict renters during any period in which they are granted forbearance.

Additional Help Possible Once you reach the end of your forbearance period, you may qualify for additional assistance if you need it. Work with your servicer and, if possible, resume making your regular payments. If you still need help ask your servicer what other options are available. This could including reducing your monthly payments or some other type of loan modification. In the event you and your lender reach agreement on any loan modification, you cannot be reported to credit bureaus as “not current” on that loan.

NOTE: Forbearance is not the same as forgiveness. You will still owe the amount you didn’t have to pay, plus interest, during the forbearance period. Don’t confuse what it means and go spend your mortgage money.

If you have any intentions of refinancing your mortgage rate to current all time lows, you cannot have missed any payment even if its in forbearance. Talk to your loan officer before they run your credit or request for a lender pay off statement.

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

8

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global NEWS GLOBAL NEWS

Philippines to benefit from US immigration policies under Biden — envoy MANILA (Mabuhay) — Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez on Thursday said the Philippines will benefit from the immigration policies under the administration of new US Romualdez said that one of the main programs of the Biden administration is to restore the previous immigration policies.

“Alam ko 'yan 'yung one of the main programs of the Biden administration is to go back to what they had, ‘yung kanilang immigration policies. So that will of course benefit our Filipino kababayans,” he said.

Romuladez said the Democratic Party, of which Biden is a member, is known for its acknowledgement of immigration as part of the culture of the US. “Most Americans come from other parts of the world and they believe that the US is what it is today because of immigrants,” he added.

Biden will end a travel ban Trump put in place on some majority-Muslim countries.

Aside from this, he is also calling upon his administration to strengthen the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program for immigrants brought to the United States a s c h i ld r en t h at prevents deportation.

(MNS)

AMBASSADOR JOSE MANUEL ROMUALDEZ

DOJ junks quarantine breach complaint vs. Koko Pimentel MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Department of Justice has dismissed a criminal complaint against Senator Aquilino Pimentel III over his alleged quarantine breach last year.

Pimentel drew criticism in March 2020 when he accompanied his wife to a hospital despite supposedly being under quarantine for a then-suspected and later confirmed COVID-19 infection.

The senator explained that he learned of his positive COVID-19 test result when he was already at the hospital and claimed that he left immediately.

Lawyer Rico Quicho filed a complaint against Pimentel with the Department of Justice, accusing the lawmaker of violating Republic Act No. 11332 and regulations of the Department of Health.

But prosecutors, after a lengthy preliminary investigation, dismissed the complaint for lack of probable cause, which means they will not file a case in court.

The Office of the Prosecutor General under the DOJ said Pimentel is "not a public health authority" and was thus "not obliged to report" under the mandatory reporting provision of RA 11332.

But assuming that he had to report his medical condition as a private individual, prosecutors said "there was nothing to report" at the time he went to the Makati Medical Center and the S&R at Bonifacio Global City on March 24 and March 16, respectively.

The DOJ said Pimentel "only knew or learned about his condition of being positive for COVID-19 on the same day – 24 March 2020, while he was already at the premises of the hospital."

"There is no 'non-cooperation' under Section 9(e) of R.A. No. 11332 as Senator Koko Pimentel was deemed

SENATOR AQUILINO "KOKO" PIMENTEL III to have 'cooperated' when he left the hospital premises immediately after receiving the information about his medical condition," the DOJ said.

It added that the complaint itself, filed by Quicho, was "fatally defective."

It said Quicho was not the "proper party" to file the complaint and that his evidence was all based on news reports and considered "hearsay."

(MNS)

Saturday-Friday | January 23 - 29, 2021

Plenary debates on economic Charter revisions eyed in February MANILA (Mabuhay) — The House Committee on Constitutional Amendments is aiming to finish its deliberations on the proposed amendments to the restrictive economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution soon so that it can be endorsed to the plenary

by February.

In a media forum, Ako Bicol Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr., panel chair, said they would come up with a committee report on the Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 2 after one or two more hearings.

Asked on the timing of the proposal, Garbin said there is a need to prepare the economy and the needed policy to send a positive signal to the international business community.

“We want to send the signal to the business community that we are now open and that the restrictive policy will be lifted,” he said. “We want to better our position or business climate, we want to be proactive in promoting our investment.”

Citing data presented by the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and World Bank, Garbin said the Philippines is on top of one of the most restrictive economies in the world.

The OECD data, he said, further states that countries with restrictive policies receive less foreign direct investments (FDIs) as compared to neighboring countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.

“Tingnan mo ang Pilipinas geographically isolated compared to our neighboring countries, pagdating sa economic policy isolated pa rin kasi masyadong restrictive (Look at the Philippines. It is already geographically isolated compared to our neighboring countries, and it is also isolated when it comes to economic policy because it is too restrictive),” he said.

A paper prepared by the UP Research and Extension Services Foundation-Regulatory Reform Support Program for National Development (UPPAF-RESPOND) said as many as 1.6 million jobs would be created if the restrictive economic provisions of the Constitution are amended to open up the economy to foreign ownership.

UPPAF-RESPOND said easing the constitutional provisions that bars foreign ownership on certain industries would cut down joblessness rate by 40 percent to 5.1 percent from 8.7 percent recorded in October 2019.

“The new jobs will totally offset the annual job losses in domestic trade, finance, real estate & business services, and allow for significant job recovery rates in manufacturing (38 percent), construction (35 percent), other services including health and tourism (25 percent) and transport & storage (19 percent),” the preliminary study by UPPAF-RESPOND said.

The paper was submitted by Dr. Enrico Basilio, RESPOND chief and professor at the UP National College of Public Administration and Governance, to the House of Representatives.

According to the study, the removal of all foreign equity restrictions, or allowing 100-percent foreign ownership in all economic activities, is equivalent to the improvement of the foreign equity ratio of 0.281 in 2019 to zero, which translates to a nominal increase of FDI amounting to USD16.2 billion.

The study said the additional FDI of USD16.2 billion “will raise economic demand and total output that will eventually lead to the generation of up to 1.6 million new jobs,” thereby improving the country’s employment rate. (MNS)

TOLENTINO TO COMELEC: MAKE VOTING EASIER FOR PINOY SEAFARERS

SENATOR FRANCIS TOLENTINO

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Senator Francis Tolentino on Wednesday said the Commission on Elections (Comelec) should find ways to make voting easier for seafarers, especially those who are aboard vessels during the election period.

"Ang laki po ng nawawalang boto at sila po 'yung gustong bumoto. Ang duty nila, six months-six months... How do we address this problem?" Tolentino said in a Senate hearing.

"Can Comelec device a method on how we should allow the seafarers to exercise their right to suffrage?" he added.

Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said there is currently a "Vote Anywhere" policy

for Filipino seafarers.

"Whatever port they're in, they can actually go to the consular office and actually vote. Ang problema po, tulad ng sinabi ni Senator Francis, ay di naman sila palaging naka-dock," Jimenez said.

Online voting would be one way of addressing this concern but the poll body has yet to establish a system for such because of limited resources, he added.

Tolentino suggested that the Comelec deputize Filipino captains of Philippine-flagged vessels, which are considered part of the country’s territory under the law, to oversee the casting of ballots of the seafarers while at sea. (MNS)

9 BALITA global NEWS GLOBAL NEWS Palace hopes for ‘close, friendly’ ties with Biden administration

Saturday-Friday | January 23 - 29, 2021

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Malacañang on Wednesday expressed optimism that President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration would maintain its “close and friendly” ties with the United States (US) under the leadership of President-elect Joe Biden.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque issued the statement, as he extended the Philippine government’s congratulatory message to Biden who will be formally sworn in as the 46th

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president of the US on Wednesday.

“It’s always good news that democracy prevailed and we congratulate again the incoming president and we look forward to having close and friendly relations with the Biden administration,” Roque said.

On Monday, Roque dismissed a claim that Duterte had “lost an ally” since Biden camp is unlikely to compromise human rights issues.

Roque was confident that Biden

would not be tough on Duterte’s anti-narcotics drive.

He also hoped that Biden would fulfill his promise to prioritize offering legal status to an estimated 11 million illegal immigrants. Such a move, he said, would benefit Filipinos who are in the US. Duterte’s relations with the US had become strained under then-president Barack Obama who criticized the Philippines’ war on illegal drugs.

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The Philippines’ relationship with the US had improved under the presidency of Donald Trump, who Duterte branded as his “friend.”

Trump’s successor, Biden, served two terms as Obama’s vice president, from 2009 until 2017.

Trump will skip Biden’s inauguration. However, Obama and former presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton will attend the swearing in rites. (MNS)

Pangilinan seeks Senate probe on rising food prices MANILA (Mabuhay) — Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on Wednesday filed a resolution seeking a Senate inquiry on the rising food prices in the country.

In filing Senate Resolution 618, Pangilinan said increases in food prices have a “major impact” on the living standards of low-income households which “generally spend most of their income on food.”

He said the COVID-19 pandemic has also worsened the livelihoods of many Filipinos through job losses and reduced incomes.

With this, the senator said it is imperative to determine and implement immediate measures to stabilize food prices and ensure adequate supply of essential food products.

In his privilege speech, Pangilinan said the rise in prices of food is just as important as the COVID-19 vaccine and its prices.

He said food prices are on the rise as food supply dropped due to the series of pandemic lockdowns, successive typhoons, the African swine fever, and closed fishing season, among others.

‘No basis’ to dismiss de Lima’s drug case — DOJ MANIL A (Mabuhay) — The Department of Justice (DOJ) prosecution has “strongly” opposed detained Senator Leila de Lima’s motion to dismiss the drug charges against her, citing clear evidence that the former justice secretary acted to protect known drug lords inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP).

In their comment filed before the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 205 on Jan. 18, government prosecutors said they are “standing firm that there is no basis in fact and in law to grant the Demurrer to Evidence and strongly opposes the prayer of dismissal” of the opposition senator’s motion.

On Ja n. 7, de L i ma, through her legal counsels, asked the court that the instant Demurrer to Evidence be granted and that the criminal case be dismissed “for failure” of the prosecution to prove her guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

“She could not be exp e c t e d to p er s on a l l y transact drugs or to deliver drugs or possess drugs,” the prosecutors said of the defense’s claim that there is no direct evidence to incriminate de Lima.

On Feb. 17, 2019, an information for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 was filed against ee Lima but prosecutors noted that as early as April 2011, testimonies by prosecution witnesses including inmate Nonilo Arile, a former Manila detective before he was jailed, showed that de Lima was favoring certain inmates, particularly high profile drug convict Jayvee Sebastian.

Arile also claimed he personally saw de Lima at the maximum security compound in April 2011 when an inmate, Egay Alvarez was caught smoking shabu in a video. The video subsequently went viral on social media, prompting an angry de Lima to take

drastic action.

Arile, however, said Sebastian prevailed over de Lima not to proceed with t he demol it ion of t he kubols or huts for privileged inmates, allowing the drug trade to continue inside the NBP. The prosecution also cited the importance of testimony by former police genera l Benja m in Magalong, then head of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), who was stonewalled in efforts in conducting prompt raids in Bilibid to go after known drug lords operating behind bars.

This, even as Magalong’s information at that time had not centered on de Lima as a beneficiary of the drug trade.

Magalong had initiated a case build up in response to reported and discovered illicit drug activities of some CIDG, National Capital Region Police Office, Police Regional Office-Region 3 personnel and other law enforcement officers who are engaged in a modus operandi called “Agaw Bato” and have direct links to high profile inmates at the NBP. He lau nched Copa n Cronus to neutralize the network established by the NBP inmates and possibly determine the participation of other government officials including Bureau of Correction (BuCor) personnel and brought to his superiors’ attention the urgent need to raid NBP in order to isolate high profile inmates.

For mer BuCor ch ief Jesus Bucayu dissuaded Magalong from continuing the raid as his personal and family security was in danger.

“A raid was subsequently conducted without the CIDG who was then in possession of information of great intelligence value,” the prosecutors said.

The prosecutors also said the de Lima ordered raid was orchestrated.

“Contrary to the argu-

SENATOR LEILA DE LIMA ment of accused de Lima, Oplan Galugad proved to be not successful but selective only considering that not all high profile inmates who are targets of Oplan Cronus were actually isolated but continued to manage drug trading,” the prosecutors said, adding that the success of Oplan Galugad was “dubious.”

The prosecutors said based on t heir intelligence report contained in the case operational plan, “there were more or less thirty inmates confirmed to be involved in drug trading but the raid initiated by de Lima only 19 inmates were taken and brought in isolation.”

“But what is disheartening is the fact that de Lima, despite information picturing and pointing her close associate, Jaybee Sebastian to be a top drug trader,” they added.

They also said the absence of evidence showing de Lima’s direct link “does not negate the fact that she allowed, benefitted, participated, and tolerated drug trading during her watch as a secretary of justice.”

They said clear evidence that Sebastian enjoyed de Lima’s favor was clear on Valentine’s Day 2014 when Arile, through an inmate friend Steve Mesinas, met Ruben Acerbo, a drug lord based in Roxas City, and facilitated a transaction network with Jess Arsenal, who acted as the chief escort of Sebastian.

Sebastian and Arile testified that they sourced the drugs from Chinese drug lords, including Peter Co. (MNS)

“These food supply shortages and the resulting hunger may cause greater and long-term devastation than the Covid virus itself,” Pangilinan said.

“Hindi natin puwedeng sabihin sa mga kababayan natin na ‘stay healthy’ habang hinihintay ang bakuna kung wala namang makain o kaya napakataas ng presyo ng pagkain,” he added.

A survey of the Social Weather Stations in September 2020 revealed that families who experienced involuntary hunger or hunger due to lack of food reached a record-high 30.7% or an estimated 7.6 million households.

On January 18, 2020, the Department of Agriculture (DA) monitored the prices of the following commodities per kilo: regular milled rice, P38; galunggong, P280; dressed chicken, P180; liempo, P450; talong, P200; repolyo, P230; and siling labuyo, P1,000.

"Sa gitna ng isang pandemyang nag-alis ng mga hanapbuhay ng milyun-milyong mga kababayan natin, seryoso ang tanong: Ano nga ba ang mabibili ng P500 mo?"

Pangilinan asked.

"Hindi mapigilang mapa-aray ang mga namamalengke dahil sa sobrang taas ng mga presyo ng mga bilihin. Hindi na malaman ng mga maybahay paano pagkakasyahin ang kakarampot na kinikita ni mister," he added.

Last week, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order 123 which retained the 5% tariff on mechanically deboned chicken and turkey meat, a measure the Department of Agriculture said would prevent a jump in prices of processed meat products.

In issuing the directive, Duterte cited the “urgent need” to adopt measures aimed toward mitigating the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lives and livelihoods of Filipinos.

The EO took effect immediately and will be implemented until December 31, 2022 Further, Pangilinan said Senator Cynthia Villar, the chairperson of the committee on agriculture and food, already agreed to conduct hearings on the resolution.

(MNS) SENATOR FRANCIS “KIKO” PANGILINAN

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Facility Caregivers: Are you paid at least $494 a day when working a 24-hour shift?

CA R EG I V E R S working in Residential Care Facilities provide an important service to elderly and disabled individuals, as well as their families. These caregivers often work up to 24 hours per day, providing necessary care and supervision to ensure the health and safety of each facility resident.

However, many facility caregivers are grossly underpaid for the services they provide.

For tunately, California law protects caregivers who work in licensed Residential Care Facilities from wage theft. Specifically, all facility caregivers are entitled to receive at least minimum wage for every hour they work, including all hours they are required to be present at the facility. Starting in 2021, the minimum wage rate in California is $13.00 per hour for employers with 25 employees or less, and $14.00 per hour for employers with 26 or more employees. Additionally, with some exceptions, facility caregivers are also entitled to overtime compensation for all hours worked in excess of 8 per day or 40 per week, and double time compensation for all hours worked in excess of 12 per day.

In light of these requirements, facility caregivers who work 24-hour shifts must be paid at least $494 per day to comply with California’s minimum wage laws. That includes 8 hours of pay at the minimum wage rate of $13.00/hour ($104), four hours of pay at the overtime rate of $19.50/hour ($78), and 12 hours of pay at the double time rate of $26/hour ($312).

In lieu of paying overtime and double time wages, many employers pay facility caregivers a fixed salary, regardless of the actual number of hours they work each day. However, paying an employee a daily, weekly or monthly salary does not disqualify that employee from the minimum wage or overtime compensation requirements. In actuality, under California law, payment of a fixed salary to a non-exempt employee only compensates that employee for their regular, non-overtime hours worked. This means that a non-exempt facility caregiver who receives a fixed salary has probably not been compensated for any hours

he or she worked in excess of 8 per day or 40 per week. Furthermore, those uncompensated hours are considered overtime and double time hours, compensable at a rate one-and-one half times or two times the facility caregiver’s regular rate of pay.

If you are a facility caregiver receiving a fixed salary for working 24-hour shifts, you may have a substantial unpaid overtime claim.

For purposes of illustration, below is an example of how wage and hour claims are calculated for facility caregivers under California law: Tony is a facility caregiver. He works 24 hours per day and is not allowed to leave the care facility at any time during his scheduled shifts.

Tony’s employer also requires him to sleep in the facility at night and the residents frequently wake him asking for assistance. Tony receives a daily salary of $120 each day he works.

This makes Tony’s regular rate of pay $15.00 per hour ($120/8 hours per day).

Subject to that calculation, Tony’s overtime rate is $22.50 per hour and his double-time rate is $30 per hour, respectively. Because Tony’s daily salary of $120 does not compensate him for any overtime hours worked, Tony’s employer owes him $450.00 per day in unpaid wages: 4 overtime hours x $22.50 (Tony’s overtime rate), plus 12 double time hours x $30.00 (Tony’s double time rate). If Tony works 5 days per week, he is owed $2,250 per week, which equals $117,000 each year he works. If Tony brings a claim against his employer for these unpaid wages, he can seek unpaid wages going back three to four years, along with interest, attorney’s fees and costs, liquidated damages and penalties.

Caregivers work hard to provide support and assistance to our loved ones, and they should be paid in accordance with California law for their invaluable services. If you are a caregiver working in licensed Residential Care Facility and you are not being paid according to California law, we would like to help.

Please contact our firm at (818)807-4168 for a free and confidential consultation.

We love helping caregivers get the overtime compensation that they deserve.

This article is an attorney advertisement written by Lauren Peterson, 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.

Philippines expects VFA issues resolved under Biden, says envoy M A NIL A (Mabuhay) — The Philippines expects issues related to the Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States to be resolved under the newly installed administration of US President Joe Biden, Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez said on Thursday.

Romualdez said there is a planned bilateral dialog between the security forces of both countries.

"I'm quite confident na lahat ng mga issues sa ting visiting forces, mare-resolve yan. In fact, may planned bilateral strategic dialog between our Armed Forces and the Pentagon or the US Armed Forces," Romualdez said.

"This is a continuing program naman. Every year 'yan nagmi-meet sila. Lahat ng kung anong gusto ipaalam sa ating mga kaibigan sa America ite-take up nila dun. Tuluy-tuloy ang relasyon lalo na yung security relationshiop," he added.

The Philippines in February 2020 formally sought the termination of the VFA with the US after it canceled the visa of Duterte ally Senator Ronald Dela Rosa.

The country, however, suspended the termination process in June, citing political and other developments in the region.

The suspension was extended in November.

UP president who signed DND accord 'appalled' by abrogation

US PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN

In December, Duterte threatened to do away with the VFA if the US would not give the Philippines access to COVID-19 vaccines.

As regards issues in the South China Sea, Romualdez said the US under Biden is expected to continue to recognize the Philippines claims as reflected in the arbitral award won by the country.

"Sinabi na ni Secretary of State-designate Tony Blink-

en na kilala na natin sinabi niya na yung kanilang policy towards china will be more or less the same as what the trump administration had," Romualdez said. "kanya lang iba y ung kanilang approach. There will be cooperation in many other areas pero... for instance, yung sa South China Sea, the US has recognized our arbitral award. So they will continue with that policy," he added. (MNS)

MANILA (Mabuhay) — The president of the University of the Philippines in 1989 has expressed his disappointment over the Department of National Defense's decision to end the UP-DND accord that required prior notice before soldiers could enter the campuses.

In a statement, Dr. Jose Abueva said he and then Defense Secretary Fidel Ramos had "great respect for each other and for the institutions we represented."

"We had a deep understa nd i ng bet ween us about the inalienable rights to freedom, democracy, justice and peace that lasted beyond our respective presidencies," Abueva said.

"There was a deep, mutual understanding of the need to uphold t his agreement and do everything for the good of UP a nd the rights of its students, faculty and staff.

This understanding was rooted in

mutual trust, and mutual respect," he added.

"I am appalled and dismayed about this unilateral abrogation," Abueva said.

Abueva inked the pact w it h for mer Defense Secretary Fidel Ramos in 1989, days after a member of the Philippine Collegian staff was abducted on campus.

Donato Continente was later found out to have been arrested. He was allegedly tortured and forced to confess to the murder of American soldier Colonel James Rowe.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has unilaterally ended its 31-yearold agreement with UP. In a letter dated January 15, 2021, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenza na i n for med U P P resident Danilo Concepcion of the DND's decision to end the agreement, citing information that communists are recr u it i ng students inside UP campuses.

(MNS)

FORMER UP PRESIDENT JOSE V. ABUEVA, PHD.

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Comelec eyeing longer voting hours, smaller precinct sizes for 2022 polls

MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is leaning towards having longer voting hours and smaller precinct sizes in the upcoming 2022 elections amid the continuing threat of the COVID-19 pandemic, its spokesperson James Jimenez said Wednesday.

"Medyo wary kami sa two to three days of election. The Comelec is actually tending towards longer elections hours. Nakikita po natin sa ibang bansa, especially 'yung malalaking elections, they do have elections that lasts for up to 12 hours," Jimenez said during a Senate hearing on preparations for the next elections in light of the health crisis.

"As far as the two to three days of elections, as you pointed out, there's been a lot of concerns, a lot of worry of what happens at night," he added.

Reducing the number of voters in polling precincts is also part of the plan but it would require the identification of additional venues for voting.

"That will have an impact on the physical preparations naman because kakailanganin natin ng mas malaking espasyo at mas malalaking lugar. Siyempre dadami rin ang ating personnel," Jimenez said.

Duterte wonders why senators 'war-like' in COVID-19 vaccine probe — spokesman

The concept of early voting is likewise a welcome option for vulnerable sectors like the senior citizens and persons with disabilities, subject to the passage of an enabling law, he added.

Senate Bill No. 1104, seeking to allow the early voting period for senior citizens and PWDs, is still pending at the committee level.

Last September, a Comelec official said the poll body is mulling a two- to three-day schedule for the 2022 polls because of the pandemic.

(MNS)

Bicol Int'l Airport now 72.2% complete DARAGA, Albay (Mabuhay) — The construction of the Bicol International Airport (BIA), which is touted as the country's “most scenic gateway”, is moving at a fast pace.

To date, the construction work of the BIA has been logged at 72.2 percent overall progress rate, considering that the actual construction of the airport only started in December 2016.

As of January 13, Package 2A of the airport's development project is now 88.2 percent complete.

Construction work in Package 2A is being handled by t he Sunwest Constr uction and Development Corp. and covers the airport’s landside facilities, such as the administration building, air traffic control building, crash fire rescue

building, and the maintenance building.

Package 2B of the airport project, meanwhile, is now 49.5 percent complete. Package 2B, which is being handled by the E.M. Cuerpo construction company, covers the construction of the passenger terminal building, taxiway, runway extension, and other site development works.

Once completed, the BIA, which features the iconic Mayon Volcano as its magnificent backdrop, is expected to serve a total of two million airline passengers every year. The new international airport is also projected to boost air traffic in the region amid the pandemic.

The BIA initially started construction in 2008. However, development works were un-

completed until 2012. When the Duterte administration came in 2016, the airport's Package 2A and 2B projects were continued.

An important component of the Duterte administration’s “Build, Build, Build” Program, the BIA also intends to be instrumental in the transformation of Albay province, and the rest of the Bicol Region, into a strong economic contender.

DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade said having continuous transport infrastructure developments such as the BIA would prove vital as the country starts recovering from the impact of Covid-19.

“It can’t be denied that the aviation sector has been one of the hardest hit by the pandemic. That’s why it is important that we finish the airport at the soonest possible time, as this will absolutely give the economy a boost. Gusto ko matapos ‘yan within the year dahil gusto na natin itong agad na mapakinabangan ng ating mga kababayan (I want this to finish within the year because we wanted our fellowmen to use this soon). As we ready for take-off, kung baga, dapat all systems go,” Tugade said. (MNS)

MANILA (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte is puzzled over why senators were "war-like" as they looked into the government's vaccination drive against COVID-19, his spokesman said on Wednesday.

Vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., who had attended the Senate hearings, recently told Duterte that he no longer wanted to join the probe because "he has lost about 2 weeks worth of negotiations with drug suppliers," said the President's spokesman Harry Roque.

Duterte answered “no, go to the Senate, continue answering questions,” Roque said. “‘If they become abusive to you verbally, just stand up and leave. And if they cite you in contempt, I will come and fetch you,'” Duterte told Galvez, as Roque quoted.

“But certainly, if they start being abusive, just walk out.”

Asked if Duterte felt that lawmakers behaved this way during the last 2 hearings, Roque said "Certainly."

"He could not understand that the demeanor of the senators were apparently bellicose-like, they were war-like. And of course, there was like already an attitude as if there was corruption going, when it was fact-finding in fact,” said Roque.

"The President thought you know, despite the separation of powers, and despite the power of oversight, it does not give the senators the license to be abusive," he added.

Galvez and Health Secretary Francisco Duque III will attend the next hearing if it pushes through this week, Roque said.

The head of the inoculation efforts also suggested that senators sign a confidentiality disclosure agreement with pharmaceutical groups so they could get more information on the COVID-19 shots, said the Palace spokesman.

"He’s (Galvez) of the opinion that everything will turn out okay because all the questions have been answered, and that there may have been miscommunication somewhere down the line," he said.

"I think there will be informal discussions, I’ve heard. And let’s see what happens."

Galvez earlier Tuesday said negotiations for vaccines are covered by confidentiality agreements, which prevent authorities from divulging prices to the public.

"Maaari pong mawala sa atin ang 148 million doses ng nine-negotiate po natin sa vaccine companies kapag lumabag po tayo sa ating kasunduan," he told reporters in an online briefing.

The government "will always try to negotiate for vaccines that are safe, effective and cost-efficient," said Galvez, who is also the Chief Implementer of the National Task Force Against COVID-19.

"Wala pong korapsyon," said the former military general. (MNS)

HOUSE OKS PROPOSED NEW FILIPINO WAY OF GREETING ON FINAL READING MANILA (Mabuhay) — A measure institutionalizing a new Filipino gesture of goodwill, praise, and respect as an alternative to the traditional “mano” (placing elder's hand to the forehead) and handshake to reduce the chances of transferring communicable diseases hurdled third reading approval at the House of Representatives.

During Tuesday’s plenary session, a total of 212 lawmakers voted in favor of House Bill 8149, or the proposed “Bating Pilipino Para sa Kalusugan Act”. Only one voted against it while one abstained from voting.

The bill proposes a new and safe way of greeting performed through the simple act of gracefully laying one’s palm of the right hand at the center of the chest while simultane-

ously lowering the head, with eyes either closed or cast down.

Marikina City Rep. Bayani Fernando, the author of the bill, said the medical profession has established that the traditional, well-meaning, and innocent gesture of handshake transmits communicable diseases and is a risk to one's health.

Fernando said the alternative of placing the hand over the chest is a universal gesture of good faith coming from the heart, while a nod is a traditional Filipino gesture of respect.

The bill covers all Filipino citizens and all other persons in the country.

It mandates all government agencies and instrumentalities to allocate their respective resources for information dissemination and encourage the practice of the new gesture. (MNS)

BATING PILIPINO. Marikina Rep. Bayani Fernando shows how to do the 'Bating Pilipino' under his proposed House Bill 8149. The bill hurdled third reading approval at the House of Representatives on Tuesday (Jan. 19, 2021).

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Makati Shangri-La to close after months of ‘low business levels’ MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Makati Shangri-La on Wednesday announced that it would close temporarily starting next month, aside from downsizing its workforce, due to continued low business levels caused by the pandemic.

In a statement, t he Makati Shangri-La said after considering “all viable options,” it would reorganize its workforce and operations in the Philippines.

“As part of the reorganization exercise, we will sadly be parting ways with a number of colleagues and we will be temporarily closing Makati ShangriLa, Manila,” it said.

The hotel said at the start of the pandemic, they prioritized the preservation of as many jobs as possible through “multiple cost management initiatives”, such as salary reductions at the management level, implementing shorter work weeks, hiring freeze, and cuts in non-essential spending.

“At the same time, for the past 10 months, we have provided assistance for our rank and file to help them through these challenging times,” it added.

However, the prolonged timeline of restrictions on leisure businesses, such as hotels, has resulted in increasing finan-

cial pressure on the MakatiShangri-La’s business in the Philippines.

To help ease the burden on personnel who would be downsized, it said they would receive a “fair compensation package that is higher than local statutory guidelines” and extending health care coverage and grocery support until December 31 this year.

“We are also providing colleagues with career transition assistance to help them get back on their feet,” the Makati Shangri-La said.

It said the hotel will reopen at a later date when business conditions improve, noting that it would “vigilantly monitor” local and global developments in the meantime.

In a statement, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said she was saddened by the decision to close the hotel beginning February 1.

“The hotel has been a pillar in the tourism industry in the country and has contributed to positioning the country in the region and around the globe.

Nevertheless, we are hopeful that Shangri-La Makati Hotel will soon reopen its doors to international and domestic clients,” Puyat said.

In the meantime, she said her department would continue to spearhead the acceleration of recovery of the country’s tourism industry and assist its tourism stakeholders “as it has done so in the previous months.”

(MNS)

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House ratifies bill on AMLA amendments MANILA (Mabuhay) — The House of Representatives on Wednesday ratified the bicameral conference committee report on a bill strengthening the country's anti-money laundering law.

The chamber approved the final reconciled version of the measure, which introduces amendments to Republic Act 9160, or the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001, ahead of the February 2021 deadline set by the Paris-based global dirty money watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

The bill seeks to include tax crime as a predicate offense to money laundering and set a threshold to an excess of PHP25 million.

It shall also require the submission of reports on all real estate transactions involving an excess of PHP7.5 million to the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC).

The final version of the bill retained the House provision granting the AMLC the power to investigate, issue subpoenas and conduct search and seizure.

It will now include Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) and their service providers among the covered persons.

Speaker Lord Allan Velasco said the proposed law would help the Philippines avoid being included in the gray list of FATF-International Cooperation Review Group.

“We are glad that the bill is now just one step away from becoming a law and we are poised to beat the deadline for us to come up with a much stronger legislation against money laundering so we can avoid being placed on the FATF gray list,” Velasco said.

Inclusion in FATF’s gray list will result in additional layers of scrutiny from regulators and financial institutions, delayed processing of transactions, and blocking the country’s road to an “A” credit rating.

“The Philippines cannot afford to be in that list as it would further hurt the economy already struggling from the devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.

Velasco said the final version of the AMLA amendments will be sent immediately to President Rodrigo Duterte for his signature.

The Philippines was gray-listed by the FATF in 2000 for failing to address “dirty” money issues, paving the way for the enactment of RA 9160 in 2001. It was subsequently removed from the list in February 2005. (MNS)

Senator Francis Pangilinan

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Why Vice Ganda will never leave ABS-CBN

V

ice Ganda has professed his support for and loyalty to ABS-CBN, and explained why he would never leave the network.

Vice Ganda said the plot twist that he never wishes to hear is the news that the noontime show will no longer air.

“For me, no. Hindi ko talaga keri.

Hindi talaga kekerihin. Hindi ko alam kung paano ko yun idi-deal with. Kasi nangyari na ito sa amin dati,” he said.

Looking back at the times when the show was at its lowest, Vice Ganda mused about how the ABS-CBN management still had their backs and did not cancel their show.

“Ako talaga, hinanda ko na yung sarili ko. Feeling ko talaga, tatanggalin kami nung panahon ng AlDub,” he said referring to the widely popular tandem of Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza in their rival show.

“Nung panahon ng AlDub, feeling ko wala nang nanonood ng Showtime. Parang buong Pilipinas, nakatutok sa AlDub. Tapos parang ang laking kasalanan kapag fan ka ng Showtime."

“Ang laking kasalanan kapag nanonood ka ng Showtime. Parang nag-aa-

way-away yung mga tao sa social media. Parang hindi ka dapat nanonood ng Showtime, dapat lahat tayo nakatutok lang sa AlDub. Yung ganun. Tapos ang baba baba na ng ratings ng Showtime,” he added.

At that time, Vice Ganda said he already reached that point where he’s accepted that their show might be stricken off the air because of how it was performing compared to “Eat Bulaga” where AlDub originated.

What he feared though did not happen as the ABS-CBN management continued to believe in the “It’s Showtime” team.

“Ako, laban na laban pa rin ako. Pero dumating ako sa punto na habang lumalaban ako, tinanaggap ko na feeling ko, anytime soon, tatawagan ako ng management. Tapos sasabihin, ‘We are cancelling the show.’ Tanggap ko yun. Tapos, hindi nangyari. Hindi ginawa ng ABSCBN. Hindi ako nilaglag. Hindi nilaglag yung show,” he said.

For this reason, Vice Ganda vowed to stand by the network now that it needs support the most.

“Yun ang pinanghahawakan ko eh.

Magkamatayan na. Hindi ko iiwanan itong ABS-CBN ngayon. Kasi nung nangyari ito sa buhay ko, hindi ako iniwanan

VICE GANDA ng ABS eh. Lahat kaming hosts, lahat kaming show, isama na natin yung director namin, hindi ‘yan iniwanan ng ABS nung mukha na kaming kawawa at halos patay na kami,” he said.

“Kaya ngayon na nangyayari ito sa

ABS, hindi rin kita iiwanan katulad ng hindi mo pang-iiwan sa akin noon."

ABS-CBN’s previous license to operate expired last year and its application for a new franchise was rejected by a House panel in July 2020. (MNS)

What Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla are looking forward to in 2021

KATHRYN BERNARDO & DANIEL PADILLA MAniLA (Mabuhay) — Celebrity couple Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla could not believe that it has already been a year since they started working on their digital movie series “The House Arrest of Us.” Speaking during its finale press conference on Wednesday, the couple said they did not notice how fast time flew even if they were just stuck at home most of the

time last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“Ang bilis ng panahon. Mag-one year na.

Hindi natin napansin kasi lahat tayo nasa bahay and busy sa kanya-kanyang work from home situations. Na-realize namin ni DJ na tumatanda na kami. Magbi-birthday na naman ako. Parang kaka-celebrate ko lang nung nag-start 'yung lockdown tapos

paparating na naman 'yung March,” she said.

“Parang kailan lang pinag-uusapan natin 'yung gagawin na show for pandemic tapos ngayon finale na. Napakabilis ng mga bagay so don’t take it for granted,” Padilla added.

Now that their series is about to end, the two shared what they are looking forward to this 2021.

“As a love team, sana matuloy na din 'yung project na niluluto para sa amin. Sana within the year magawa natin iyon dahil marami na ring nag-aabang and naghihintay. Kami rin siyempre, 'yung storya na binigay sa amin parang nakaka-excite na rin siyang gawin,” Padilla said.

According to Bernardo, the script for their upcoming series is just undergoing some revisions.

“Excited kami sa teleserye na gagawin kasi' yung concept nun galing kay Gege so gusto namin ni DJ talaga. Medyo na-delay 'yun kasi inaayos 'yung script. We are happy because we are working on a project na gusto talaga namin 'yung concept,” she said.

Thanks to their New Year trip to Boracay, Bernardo and Padilla feel recharged and are ready to dive deep into work again.

The couple’s teleserye comeback is one of the offerings ABS-CBN introduced in its “Together As One sa 2021” reveal December.

Based on the teaser, the still-untitled TV project will be a romantic series about experiencing timeless love. (MNS)

Andre Paras, Sef Cadayona to host new Kapuso show ‘Game of the Gens’ MAniLA (Mabuhay) — Andre Paras and Sef Cadayona are the hosts of new Kapuso show "Game of the Gens."

The comedy game show will feature celebrity contestants belonging to different generations.

"Di ba may Boomers, may Millennials, Gen Z, Gen X. Very fortunate kami to host sa ganitong klase nang show na pagsasama-samahin namin

sila," Sef said.

Andre said the show will be fun and informative as the questions will revolve around the pop culture of the different generations.

"Hindi lang siya magiging game show. 'Yung mga Kapuso natin na manonood, they will learn a lot," he said.

"Like ako, born '95 ako pero mahilig ako sa 60s, man mahilig sa fashion," he added.

70s music. 'Yung iba naThe show will air soon on GMA News TV. (MNS)

Catriona Gray hits 11 million followers on Instagram

CATRIONA GRAY MAniLA (Mabuhay) — Catriona Gray shared a stunning throwback photo as she reached a new social media milestone.

The former Miss Universe celebrated on Instagram for having 11 million followers, thanking all those who have supported her on the platform.

"Feeling fierce having 11 million of you to share this journey with. Thank you for your never-ending support.

I'm always grateful," she said.

This makes Gray one of the most followed celebrities in the Philippines on Instagram, joining the likes of Anne Curtis (16.1 million followers), Liza Soberano (14.7 million followers), Kathryn Bernardo (13.8 million followers), and fellow Miss Universe titleholder Pia Wurtzbach (11.6 million followers).

She has surpassed the follower count of Alex Gonzaga (10.4 million followers), Julia Barretto (9.8 million followers), Nadine Lustre (9.6 million followers), and Vice Ganda (9.5 million followers).

Gray made history in 2018 as the Philippines' fourth Miss Universe, following in the footsteps of Wurtzbach, Margie Moran, and Gloria Diaz. (MNS)

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Despite showbiz success, Arci Muñoz still plans to become a pilot K apamilya actress Arci Muñoz will soon fulfill her dream to be a pilot.

Muñoz said that her dream to become a pilot is one of the reasons she underwent basic citizen military training last year.

Munoz, who is now a sergeant of the Philippine Air Force Reserve (PAFR) Command, revealed that she will soon enroll in a flying school.

"Yun talaga ang gusto ko ever since. Balak ko rin maging piloto. Actually mag-i-start na ako ng flying school ko sa February or March," Muñoz said.

"Kailangan ko lang talaga maghanap ng medyo mahaba-habang bakanteng schedule kasi matagal 'yon, matagal ang

Arci Muñoz pag-aaral na 'yon," she added.

Aside from performing her responsibility as a Filipino, the actress said she took military training to inspire people, especially women.

"Actually for me it's part of

my responsibility as a citizen of our country, kaya ko ito ginawa. And I also want to inspire a lot of people, mostly the young generation and the girls, tayong mga kababahaihan na kaya rin natin ang ginagawa

ng mga lalaki nating sundalo," Muñoz said.

"So 'yon 'yung ipinakita ko habang nagte-training kami.

Talagang hindi ako sumuko.

May time na lumuluha na ang mata ko sa sobrang hirap pero kaya ko 'to. May time na tinatanong ko sarili ko ano ba itong napasok ko but at the end of the day, it's the fulfillment na I endured that feat at during the time of pandemic pa na nakapag-training kami sa bundok pero we did follow safety procedures. Pero ibang feeling, there's a renewed feeling of self-respect na I gained after graduating," she added.

Muñoz said she remains an active reservist. Before her 32nd birthday last January 12, she even joined a humanitarian mission in Tarlac. (MNS)

Nova Villa conferred with papal award MANILA (Mabuhay) — Veteran actress Nova Villa was given the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal, the highest award given by the Pope to lay people.

According to a report published by Veritas846, Villa, Novelita V. Gallegos in real life, received the award on January 14 at San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish in Quezon City.

“Yung ambisyon kong mag-artista became a mission, lahat ng ginagawa ko sa showbiz ay may kaakibat na misyon,” Villa said.

Villa, who has been in the entertainment industry for five decades, admitted that she was surprised to have been given the recognition.

“Bukal sa puso ko 'yung anything na ginagawa ko for God. I’m happy to do it kahit mahirap,” she said.

Villa also appealed to Filipinos to continue being a good servant of the Lord.

“I think, I am just an instrument of God’s grace to people. By being nice to people, giving smile at them, you’re giving them hope,” Villa added.

Novaliches Bishop Emeritus Antonio Tobias nominated Villa for the papal award in June last year.

Aside from Villa, other Filipino celebrities

who previously received the papal award were comedienne Ai Ai delas Alas and National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab.

Villa is the long-time onscreen partner of the late King of Comedy Dolphy

— they starred as husband-and-wife in ABS-CBN sitcom "Home Along Da Riles" for 11 years.

In 2018, Villa starred in comedy-drama film "Miss Granny" with Sarah Geronimo. (MNS)

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Jose Manalo, Derrick Monasterio, Kakai Bautista to host new reality show 'Catch Me Out Philippines'

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Move over, JoWaPao! Jose Manalo is forming a new trio with Derrick Monasterio and Kakai Bautista in a new Kapuso show "Catch Me Out Philippines."

The three hosts said the concept of the program is a combination of game, reality, and talent show.

A guest celebrity will have to evaluate a pool of performers and correctly guess who among them is an ordinary person and not a professional act.

"Ang maganda dito sa show na 'to sobrang may puso siya saka maka-masa siya kasi binibigyan nga natin ng chance 'yung mga mga normal na tao na nakikita natin sa labas na ipakita kung anong meron sila, talento nila," Derrick said.

According to Kakai, all kinds of entertaining performances will be on the show, such as singing, dancing, or even playing a clown.

Jose said the performers have been trained for several months already in preparation for the show.

"Ito 'yung mga taong nangangarap na maging ganito sila pagdating ng oras at pinili sila," he said.

"Catch Me Out Philippines" will start airing on GMA-7 on February 6. (MNS)

Sarah G opens up about new home with Matteo MANIL A (Mabuhay) — Nearly a year into her marriage, Sarah Geronimo considers herself a hands-on housewife, saying, in jest, that she could even apply as a household helper.

Geronimo spoke candidly about her married life in a recent, two-part vlog of celebrity doctor Vicki Belo, wherein the pop star took part in a baking tutorial.

“Puwedeng-puwede po ako mamasukan dito,” G eronimo quipped, when Belo asked her which chores she can do at home.

“Maglaba, magplantsa, magluto, tagalinis, pampaligo ng aso,” the pop star enumerated.

Geronimo, 32, has particularly enjoyed spending time in the kitchen, she said, given her newfound

“addiction” of baking and testing recipes.

Matteo Guidicelli is a proud husband to the budding pastry chef, actively sharing on social media the results of Geronimo’s baking.

Geronimo and Guidicelli, who got married in February 2020, moved to their new home in October, the hitmaker revealed in the first part of the vlog.

“Mas mentally healthy for us na may outdoor talaga, may garden,” she said, noting they are renting the house for now.

Geronimo also opened up about the dynamics of her relationship with Guidicelli, including her seeking for “validation” and the actor being more “clingy.”

“I think ang mga babae, mayroon tayong subconsciously, we always look

for validation. You’re making sure na mahal ka nung lalaki,” she said.

For Geronimo, words of affirmation helps address that need. “Mahal mo ba ako, mga ganoon, mga pa-cute, parang timang!” she said.

When asked whether her being older by two years than Guidicelli has ever factored in their relationship, Geronimo said, “Hindi naman po.”

“Iyong maturity namin, magkaiba. May mga bagay na mature siya, ako, immature. Tapos feeling ko, mas mature ako sa bagay na ‘to, ta’s siya, malapit na,” she explained, laughing.

Geronimo’s conversation with Belo marked the rare instance the singer openly spoke about her marriage.

Belo and her husband,

SARAH GERONIMO & MATTEo GUIDICELLI Hayden Kho, are known to be close friends of Geronimo and Guidicelli. The doctor’s family even accompanied the newlywed couple during their July honeymoon. (MNS)

16

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Saturday-Friday | January 23 - 29, 2021

Batanes agripreneur starts production of sweet potato beer TUGUEGARAO CITY – Mass production of the Ivatan Beer, the first and only locally brewed beer in Batanes, has started in the country's northernmost province.

According to Dr. Alfonso Simon, Batanes State College (BSC) president, the technology used for producing the beer using sweet potato was developed by the research and development department of the BSC and transferred to a local entrepreneur.

The BSC, through Simon, and trader Dennis Lim of Tawsen Agri-Ventures, signed the Technology Licensing Agreement (TLA) of the said beverage.

Simon, in an interview, emphasized the significance of the Ivatan Beer to the people of Batanes.

"The fact that the Ivatan Beer is made from the locally-grown 'wakay' or sweet potato, which is abundant in the province of Batanes, the product becomes even more interesting and appealing to the locals of Batanes," he told the Philippine News Agency.

TikTok to help promote sci-tech in PH MANILA – Video-sharing platform TikTok will help promote science and technology in the country via a partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), an official of the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) said on Wednesday.

PCIEERD executive director Enrico Paringit told the Philippine News Agency that the two will collaborate to popularize research

Lim, a former college instructor who had turned entrepreneur, said that Ivatan Beer's commercialization will “immensely contribute to the flourishing Batanes' tourism industry.”

The Department of Science and Technology-Cagayan Valley through Regional Director Sancho Mabborang has issued the Fairness Opinion Report (FOR) on the licensing agreement's terms and conditions.

In September 2020, Tawsen Agri Ventures and BSC signed the term sheet of the licensor and the licensee to agree on the conditions to push through wth the Ivatan Beer's commercialization.

BSC received a PHP400,000 fund from the DOST to develop the beverage in 2018. The following year, the native beer made its public debut during the Science and Technology Caravan

in Batanes.

In the same year, the product won third place in the Regional Invention Contest and Exhibit. (PNA)

BATANES’ PRIDE.

Commercial production of the Ivatan Beer, the first and only locally b r e we d b e e r i n Batanes, has begun in the province.

The beverage is produced from sweet potato, which grows abundantly in the northernmost p r ovi n c e of t he c o u n t r y. ( P h o t o c o u r t e s y o f D r.

Alfonso Simon/ Batanes State College)

and development through series of training and launching contests.

TikTok will also help PCIEERD to promote its Tiktok page, "Pinoy Science", he said.

"TikTok looks at this partnership as its contribution in creating a platform for people to learn. The partnership provides them with educational content that can be viewed by their users," Paringit said.

He said that TikTok Philippines reached out to the PCIEERD last year, and invited the DOST-attached agency to create a TikTok account for its Pinoy Science Facebook page.

The Pinoy Science TikTok account showcases PCIEERD technologies, and the videos were created by in-house staff and researchers.

In Dec ember 2020, T i k-

Tok Global reached out to the PCIEERD for a longer and deeper partnership, wherein researchers and the public are trained on how to use the platform in communicating science will be provided, Paringit said.

"The new partnership will provide capacity building for researchers and science communicators. Trainings will be done via Zoom meetings and will be facilitated by TikTok content creators," he added.

He said he expects a wider reach for PCIEERD through this partnership since TikTok will help the agency promote the page to their followers across different social media platforms.

"We hope that through this partnership, our citizens will be aware of our technologies, and

appreciate them," he said.

Meanwhile, PCIEERD and TikTok will be launching two contests -- the #PinoyInnovator challenge, and #PinoyScience challenge. #PinoyInnovator would test the ingenuity of Filipinos, as they would have to develop a gadget using household items. This contest will run from February to March, and the winner will be awarded in April. #PinoyScience, on the other hand, is a science communication contest that will require users to explain the science behind PCIEERD technologies or projects. This will run from April to July, and a winner will be announced monthly.

More details about these contests will be announced next week.

Europe, US, and developing countries and have laid-off approximately 42,500 workers globally.

Moving forward, Nissan plans to further cut its global production capacity by 20% as well as its number of models offered to the market, according to the DTI. With the closure of Nissan’s local assembly plant, Lopez emphasized the need for the provisional safeguard measures on automotives.

“The stoppage of Almera’s assembly operations, following closely that of Honda and Isuzu, only highlights that the local auto assembly industry is critically impacted by the surge in imports and will thus

benefit from the time-bound safeguard duty,” he said.

“Alongside the modernized incentives being made available under the CREATE Bill, the DTI is undertaking a comprehensive approach to revive the auto industry - employing coherent policy measures while still maintaining fair trade and the contestability of the market for imports. This, together with the major reforms we are doing—such as the Public Service Act, the Rice Tariffication Law, and the Build, Build, Build program, and many more—will bring about a more attractive investment climate moving forward,” the Trade chief added.

The DTI said the Philippine

auto market is one of the most open among the larger ASEAN member countries.

For instance, it said, Thailand imposes an 80% Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff rate on completely built-up units (CBU) originating outside ASEAN. Meanwhile, with various non-tariff measures on motor vehicles in place, Indonesia has effectively discouraged imports and, as a result, imports account for only 7% of Indonesia's domestic market.

“This is in stark contrast to the Philippines, where locally assembled light commercial vehicles account for only 7% of the market,” Lopez said.

(PNA)

NISSAN... from Page 1 domestic industry from further serious injury,” Lopez said.

Nevertheless, Nissan assured the DTI that the 133 workers will be provided reasonable compensation packages and that only assembly workers are affected, as operations of their marketing and distribution network will continue – selling units imported mainly from Thailand and Japan.

Moreover, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the DTI regional offices will collaborate in providing affected workers with manufacturing jobs.

Since 2019, Nissan has already closed plants across

(MNS)

DUTERTE... from Page 1 Trump through a phone conversation on Dec. 3, 2016, or even before the inauguration of Biden’s predecessor.

Malacañang, nevertheless, has expressed confidence that Duterte will gain friendship with Biden.

Roque said Biden’s inauguration is proof that the US has “deep” roots in democracy.

“And today, it has reassured the world that its people remain committed to peaceful electoral transitions and the noble principles of representative democracy,” he said.

Keeping the ‘long-standing’ partnership’ The Philippines is one of the US’ oldest Asian partners. It is also the oldest security ally of the US in Southeast Asia.

Biden’s presidency came amid the uncertain status of the Philippines’ Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the US. The Philippines formally notified the US about its intent to revoke the VFA in February 2020. However, the VFA remains in effect after Duterte ordered on June 1 last year the suspension of VFA termination “in light of political and other developments in the region.”

The VFA, a 1998 military pact between Manila and the Washington, authorized American troops who are participating in joint military drills to visit the Philippines sans passport and visa.

Roque was optimistic that Us and Philippines’ long-standing partnership will be maintained under the Biden administration.

“We in the Philippines look forward to continuing our long-standing partnership with the United States, in working together for a freer, more peaceful world,” he said.

Roque also expressed confidence that Biden “will wear his new mantle of leadership with pride and with due regard for the hopes and aspirations of the rest of the world.”

Protecting national interests While the Philippines expects warm ties with Biden, it would continue protecting its national interests as part of Duterte’s independent foreign policy, Roque said.

“Ang Presidente po ay sinusulong ang independiyenteng panlabas na relasyon na ang inuuna po ay interes ng ating bayan at ng mga sambayanang Pilipino (The President is pursuing an independent foreign policy to protect the interests of the country and its citizenry),” he said.

Roque said the Philippines also expects the US to do the same.

“Ganoon din po ang mga Amerikano. Isusulong nila ang kanilang pang-national na interes. (Americans will do that as well. They are will also protect their national interests,” he said. (MNS)

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN... from Page 1 Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement on the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris: “Our country is rooted in our democratic ideals and the peaceful transfer of power, despite headwinds suggesting otherwise. With the historic inauguration of President Joe Biden and California’s very own Vice President Kamala Harris, we look forward to coming together and becoming the America we know we can be.”

“Today is a hopeful and inspiring day in America. I stand with the President in his clarion call for unity and healing, to once again listen to and respect our fellow Americans, to ‘end this uncivil war.”

“California stands ready to be a full

partner to the Biden-Harris administration as they tackle some of the most challenging crises of the generation: restoring our nation’s promise and reasserting our leadership on the global stage – all while working to bring the COVID-19 pandemic to an end, advance our economic recovery and build back better.”

For his part, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti twitted the following in celebration of the swearing in of President Biden and Vice President Harris: “A path to citizenship. A return to dignity.

A renewed commitment to immigrant rights.” @POTUS Biden's plan to put 11 million immigrants –– family members, neighbors, Dreamers, TPS holders, and

essential workers –– on a path to citizenship is a portrait of American values.”

The mayor also praised young poet and Los Angeles resident Amanda Gorman for delivering an inspiring poem during the inauguration ceremony.

The 22-year-old Gorman was a Harvard graduate. She made history for herself and as well as for the City of Los Angeles when she read her poem during the ceremony.

The poem is titled: The Hill We Climb.

The concluding lines of the poem read: “So let us leave behind a country better than one we were left with. Every breath from my bronze-pounded chest we will raise this wounded world into a wondrous one.

We will rise from the gold-limbed hills of the West. We will rise from the windswept Northeast where our forefathers first realized revolution.

We will rise from the Lake Rim cities of the Midwestern states.

We will rise from the sun-baked South.

We will rebuild, reconcile and recover in every known nook of our nation, in every corner called our country our people diverse and beautiful will emerge battered and beautiful.

When day comes, we step out of the shade aflame and unafraid. The new dawn blooms as we free it. For there is always light. If only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.”

Balita Weekend Balita, Sat.-Fri., August 18 - 24, Saturday-Friday | January 23 - 29, 2021

2018

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 Visit www.Balita.com areVisit none that www.Balita.com 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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CLASSIFIEDS/JOBMARKET PRAYERS

PRAYERS

PRAYERS

PRAYER TO SAINT JUDE

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PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

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PRAYERS

PRAYER TO SAINT JUDE

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

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PRAYERS

CAREGIVER/STAFF

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

Live in for the Elderly in Arizona.

Holy Spirit Thou who make me see everything and show me the

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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and inspire the human family, I implore your Miraculous Intercession.

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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 With tribulations, parking, wi-fi, ac/heater, necessities, and sufferings particularly (here mention free utilities.

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I promise you, O blessed Jude to be ever Close to everything. Female mindful of this great favor, and I will never cease to honor you as my p r efe r r e d.

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PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT 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 HYHU\WKLQJ DQG FRQ¿UP RQFH PRUH WKDW , QHYHU ZDQW WR EH VHSDUDWHG 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.

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Most Holy Apostle St. Jude Thaddeus, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, theGIOVANI name of(310) the traitor who delivered your beloved Master CALL 880-2370 (323) 939-3964 into the hands of the enemies has caused you to be forgotten by CALL CATHY 818-857-0115 many, butFor theWinnetka 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 Specialist, bring visible andHospice speedy help where Computer Security Care help is almost despaired. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolations and succor of heaven Develops plans to safeguard files against in all my necessities, tribulations,computer and sufferings particularly (here accidental unauthorized mention your or petition) and thatmodification, I may bless destruction, God with youorand all and to eternity. meet emergency needs. thedisclosure elect throughout I promisedata you,processing O blessed Jude to be 2 Yrs. exp.ofreq.

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PRAYERS Send resume to: Blue Spirit Hospice, Inc. 1433 W. Merced Ave.THERESE Unit 220 PRAYER TO SAINT W. Covina, CA 91790 O Glorious St. Therese, whom Almighty God has raised up to aid and inspire the human family, I implore yourCruz Miraculous Intercession.

Attn: Gerald De La

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 H[SHULHQFHV RI P\ OLIH DQG WR ORYH *RG ZLWK IXOO FRQ¿GHQFH 6W 7KHUHVH P\ &DUPHOLWH 6LVWHU , ZLOO IXO¿OO \RXU SOHD µWR EH PDGH known everywhere’ and I will continue to lead others to Jesus through you. Amen THANK YOU - ABA

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Saturday-Friday Saturday-Friday || January January 23 23 -- 29, 29, 2021 2021

Philippines to get up to 40 million 'free' COVID-19 shots from COVAX — official MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Philippines will receive up to 40 million COVID-19 vaccine doses for free from the COVAX initiative, an official leading the inoculation drive said on Thursday.

L e d by t he World Hea lth Organization and GAVI vaccine alliance, the global COVAX initiative aims t o VACCINE CZAR CARLITO GALVEZ

ensure equal distribution of vaccines.

Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez said he has seen a "confirmation of participation" in the COVAX scheme.

"Ikinagagalak ko pong ibalita na ang ating COVAX Facility para sa Pilipinas ay naaprubahan na po. Sa loob po na posibilidad na makasiguro mayroon tayong 30 to 40 milion na doses for free, para po sa lahat sa ating mga kababayan," he said in a public briefing.

Vaccines from COVAX will include those developed by US-based Pfizer and Johnson&Johnson, British drugs group AstraZeneca, and the Covovax from the Serum Institute of India, said Galvez.

These will be on top the 148 million vaccine doses that the Philippines is hoping to secure this January, he said.

The government aims to begin immunization next month, hoping to inoculate 70 million people, or two-thirds of the population, this year. (MNS)

Gov't to partner with pharma firm for storage of vaccines MANILA (Mabuhay) — Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and National Policy Against Covid-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. on Wednesday inspected the cold storage facilities of Zuellig Pharma, which is among the private firms that have committed to help in the rollout of the national vaccine program.

During the site visit, Zuellig chief executive officer Maikel Kuijpers expressed the company’s commitment to help the government in the safe, efficient and timely distribution of Covid-19 vaccines nationwide.

“We are increasing our capacity since the start of the pandemic to ensure that we are ready to receive and distribute Covid-19 vaccines from different manufacturers and with different storage requirements,” Kuijpers said.

The company’s cold rooms, located in various parts of the country, can hold up to 650 million vaccine doses at any given time.

Meanwhile, Zuellig’s walk-in freezers, with temperatures ranging from -50 to -25 degrees, can store up to 40 million doses.

The pharmaceutical company also has ultralow freezers that are capable of maintaining temperatures of -80 degrees and can hold up to 6.5 million vaccine doses.

Duque, meanwhile, thanked the company for its assistance, noting the importance of the whole-of-society approach in ensuring the success of the inoculation program.

“We are thankful to Zuellig Pharma because, without hesitation, you’ve come forward to respond to the calling of the national government for its demands for an adequate storage capacity ranging from 2 to 8 degrees to -20 to the more sophisticated cold storage temperature requirement of -70 to -80 degrees,” he said.

“You are one of the few companies that have this kind of capacity. That’s why we depend on you for the large part in terms of our wish to really successfully implement our national vaccination roadmap,” he added.

Zuellig Pharma has been a leading player in the supply chain management of numerous vaccines sold in the Philippines and other countries.

The company is also part of the Covid-19 Taskforce T3 (Test, Trace, Treat), representing the private industry, and has assisted the government in crafting the Covid-19 supply chain framework.

The framework aims “to ensure efficient distribution of Covid-19 vaccines while ensuring product quality and longevity of vaccines throughout the process.” (MNS)

As part of the preparations for the COVID-19 vaccine deployment, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and Vaccine Czar Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr. visit three cold storage facilities that can potentially be used in the first wave of COVID-19 vaccine roll-out. (DOH photo)

DOH: Holiday activities might be factor in spike of COVID-19 cases outside NCR MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Department of Health on Thursday said the observed increase on the number of COVID-19 cases in areas outside Metro Manila could be attributed to the recent holiday activities.

"Outside of Metro Manila po talaga, nakikita natin ang medyo pagtaas ng kaso at atin pong binabantayan," Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a Laging Handa public briefing.

"One of our major assumptions would be ito pa rin po 'yung ating epekto ng mga holiday... Nag-uwian po ang mga kababayan maaari sa kanilang probi-probinsya at nagkaroon din ng salu-salo, celebration. All of these things might have contributed to the increase on the number of case in other areas," she added.

The spike was observed in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley, Bicol Region, Central Visayas, Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN, and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, according to the health official.

As of January 20, the Philippines recorded a total of 505,939 COVID-19 cases, with new infections numbering 1,862.

Zamboanga City logged the highest daily increase with 206 new cases, followed by Davao City with 109, Kalinga with 102, Quezon City with 77, and Benguet with 74. (MNS)

Employer must pay Covid-19 hospitalization of househelp MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC), an attached agency of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), said employers have to pay the medical expenses of their kasambahay (house helper) who contracted the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Dr. Reynaldo Sta. Ana, the health officer of the OSHC, said it is the responsibility of the employer to take care of the kasambahay once they got sick.

“Based on the DOLE-Department of Trade and Industry guidelines regarding Covid-19.

The employer has to take charge in the hospitalization and testing of the kasambahay with regards to Covid-19,” he said in a virtual forum on Monday.

Sta. Ana also said the employer should not terminate a house helper infected with Covid-19.

“It should not be a reason to terminate the kasambahay. They can end their employment if they are not performing their jobs,” he said.

“Instead, the employer should have compassion.”

He said employers should help their house helpers to have access to medical facilities “for them to treated and assessed by specialists and help them meet their medical needs”.

The official also reminded the public to always follow minimum health and safety protocols to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

“We always remind the people especially the members of household of the minimum health standards,” he said.

Underscoring the importance of dialogue in settling labor disputes, DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III encouraged kasambahays to file labor-related complaints at the labor department.

This as Bello issued Labor Advisory No. 35, which spells out the procedures on the conduct of mandatory conference, issuance of compliance order, and handling of appealed labor disputes involving kasambahay. The advisory was issued on the eve of the celebration of the Kasambahay law signed in 2013.

The issuance supplements Labor Advisory No. 17, Series of 2018, which provides guidelines on handling kasambahay complaints or requests for assistance through the Single Entry Approach (SEnA).

SEnA is a mechanism that provides accessible, speedy, impartial, and inexpensive settlement procedures of all labor and employment issues through a 30-day mandatory conciliation-mediation.

Under the guidelines, after a request for assistance has been filed by the kasambahay at the DOLE Central/Regional/Provincial/Field Offices or its Attached Agencies, a mandatory conference shall be conducted by the handling officer and the issue shall be resolved within 30 days from the conduct of initial proceedings.

The DOLE reported that 80 requests for assistance (RFAs) involving local kasambahays have been acted upon in 2020 with 62 percent disposition rate.

The issues raised by the kasambahays include illegal termination/dismissal, non-payment of salaries, non-payment of back pay, non-payment of overtime and holiday pay, underpayment of wages, and non-payment of 13th month pay.

The house helpers also asked for assistance on the non-payment of service incentive leave, indemnity pay, separation pay, no day-off, return of personal belongings, and non-remittance of Social Security System, Philippine Health Insurance or PhilHealth and Pag-ibig benefits.

Of the 60 settled RFAs, 46 involved payment of monetary benefits to 50 kasambahays amounting to PHP550,285.

DOLE regional offices and National Conciliation and Mediation Board disposed of the RFAs in an average of 15 days. (MNS)

Saturday-Friday | January 23 - 29, 2021

Amid deaths among Norway’s aged after Pfizer shots, Duterte touts Sinovac anew MANILA (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday sneered at senators who favored the coronavirus vaccine developed by Pfizer-BioNTech following the deaths of some old and frail people in Norway who had received the jab.

“Gusto ninyong Pfizer, kayong mga senador?

In Norway, 25 persons died after receiving Pfizer vaccination. Gusto ninyo? Mag-order kami para sa inyo,” he said in his weekly national address.

At least 23 senior citizens in Norway aged 75 and over died after receiving the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, the country reported last week.

In an interview with Bloomberg on Monday, however, Norway's health authorities said they saw no evidence of a direct link between the deaths and the vaccine, and that it was expecting such an outcome from vaccinating the oldest and frailest people first.

The Norwegian Medicines Agency told the US news site that all the fatalities were over 75 and "already seriously ill."

“Clearly, COVID-19 is far more dangerous to most patients than vaccination,” said the agency's medical director Steinar Madsen. “We are not alarmed.”

However, Madsen also said they cannot rule out that the vaccine didn't "tip the patients into a more serious course of the underlying disease."

In an earlier report, the medicines regulator also said that common side effects of the vaccine such as fever and nausea "may have contributed to a severe course in elderly people who are frail."

Because of this, Norway's health authorities have changed their recommendation for the Pfizer vaccine.

“Norwegian Health Authorities have now changed [their] recommendation in relation to vaccination of the terminally ill (Clinical Frailty Scale 8 or higher),” BioNTech said, according to a Reuters report.

The Clinical Frailty Scale, a widely used system of classification in elderly care, defines degree 8 patients as approaching end of life and typically unable to “recover even from a minor illness.”

Madsen also told Bloomberg—which put the number of fatalities at 33—that Norway has vaccinated 48,000 people, including most of its nursing home residents, and that the reported fatalities make up “well under one out of 1,000.”

According to the Reuters report, an average of 400 people die each week in nursing homes and long-term care facilities in Norway.

There have been no similar reports of deaths in other countries where the vaccine is being administered.

Duterte boosts Sinovac At the same briefing, Duterte slammed critics of Chinese firm Sinovac's COVID-19 vaccine CoronaVac. Duterte said Sinovac was already being used in the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Egypt, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

“Ayaw ko ng mga tangent na mga tirado ninyo.

‘Eh bakit ba ito si Duterte Sinovac nang Sinovac?’ […] Kung sino ka man, ganito ‘yan, long before noong pumutok ito, tumawag na ako kay President Xi Jinping,” he said.

“Tapos sabi ko, 'Wala kaming resources. We do not know how to make it. Please do not forget the Philippines',” Duterte added.

Sinovac is still conducting Phase III trials of its vaccine. In Brazil, it only showed a “general efficacy” of 50.4 percent.

Duterte has several times expressed a preference for China's vaccines over those made by Western countries. (MNS)

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Vaccinated people still need to follow travel protocols

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Individuals who have already been inoculated with the Covid-19 vaccine would still need to follow the government's travel protocols, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said Monday.

During the House health committee's hearing into the government's Covid-19 vaccination plan, Duque said vaccinated individuals may not be exempted yet from travel protocols since there is no sufficient evidence showing that the available Covid-19 vaccines can prevent the transmission of the virus.

“They will continue to follow on these existing protocols.

They will not be exempt just because they have been vaccinated, because as earlier pointed out, it is not yet clear nor there is sufficient body of evidence to show that the vaccines can actually prevent the transmission,” Duque said.

Infectious disease expert Dr. Edsel Salvaña said there is no existing Covid-19 vaccine that can prevent transmission at this point.

Salvaña said AstraZeneca, Sinovac, and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines can prevent 100 percent of severe disease, while Pfizer's prevention rate is at 89 percent.

Salvaña stressed that the most important part of the vaccination program is the prevention of severe disease and to save the vulnerable population.

The government is set to launch a nationwide Covid-19

program, which aims to establish a sustainable and fully integrated vaccine deployment and immunization program against virus.

The program will utilize the framework of a whole-of-nation and whole-of-society approach in collaboration with the national government agencies, local government units and the private sector.

Some LGUs have already earmarked funds for the Covid-19 vaccination of their constituents.

Quezon Rep. Angelina Tan, chairperson of the House health panel, said the briefing comes in light of the need to expedite the Covid-19 immunization program as well as ensure that it is safe and effective and that all agencies concerned are on the same page.

“We cannot afford to make mistakes at this critical juncture in our fight against the pandemic. We have to be on time for the Covid-19 inoculation drive. We need the vaccine rollout to be ready without compromising its safety and efficacy in order to build the trust and confidence of the public,” Tan said.

Duque sa id t he vacci ne roadmap seeks to promote safe, equitable and cost-effective immunization of Filipinos; full recovery of the economy and normalcy of the lives of the people; and sustainable public immunization for the next three to five years.

He said the country may reach

herd immunity within the year if there is enough global supply of Covid-19 vaccines that the country can access and utilize.

National Policy Against Covid-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said areas with a high rate of Covid-19 cases such as Metro Manila, Metro Cebu and Davao will be given priority for the vaccination rollout where 24,668,128 sectoral priorities have been selected as follows: 1,762,994 frontline health workers; 3,789,874 indigent senior citizens; 5,678,544 remaining senior citizens; 12,911,193 remaining indigent population; and 525,523 uniformed personnel, which accounts for more than 22 percent of the country's projected population of 108.8 million, as of the third quarter this year.

Galvez said those who will be vaccinated also include teachers and social workers in the public and private sectors followed by all remaining government workers; essential workers in agriculture, the food industry, transportation and tourism; sociodemographic groups in significantly higher risk areas other than the senior citizens and indigent population such as those persons deprived of liberty, persons with disabilities, and Filipinos living in high-density areas; overseas Filipino workers; other remaining workforce; and the remaining Filipino citizens.

(MNS)

Indian firm Bharat seeks EUA from FDA for COVID-19 vaccine MANILA (Mabuhay) — Bharat BioTech has applied for an emergency use authorization (EUA) for its COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said.

“They submitted an application this m o r n i n g ,” FDA Director General Eric Domingo said.

“Pre-evaluation [of their application] is going on,” Domingo added.

Only Pfizer-BioNTech C OV I D -19 vaccine has secured

EUA from the Food and Drug Administration so far after the FDA found it 95% a nd 92% ef fect ive on study population and among all races, respectively.

A v a c-

cine should be issued an EUA for it to be administered in the country.

Ot her COV ID-19 vaccines with pending EUA application before the FDA include

that of AstraZeneca, Gamaleya and Sinovac.

Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez, Jr. earlier said the Philippine government will be securing 148 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines from seven vaccine makers so far including Pfizer-BioN Te ch, Si nov ac, A strazeneca, Novovax, Johnson and Johnson, Gamaleya and Bharat BioTech.

The country’s C O V I D -1 9 vaccine rol lout is expected to st a r t nex t m o n t h .

(MNS)

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