Weekend Balita (Los Angeles edition) January 9, 2021

LOS ANGELES / ORANGE COUNTY

Nearly half of Pinoys opt to skip COVID-19 vaccine — Pulse Asia PAGE 18 VOL. XXX NO. 2

January 9-15, 2021

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

CALIFORNIA LEADERS DENOUNCE “ASSAULT” ON U.S. DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS

By ABnER GALino

GOVERNOR Gavin Newsom called the tumultuous event on the nation’s Capitol building in Washington, D.C, as an “outright assault on our democratic institutions.”

IN a statement issued on Wednesday, California Governor Gavin Newsom said: “Peaceful protest is an important mechanism of our democracy but what we are witnessing in our nation’s Capitol building is reprehensible and an outright assault to our democracy and Democratic institutions.”

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In a statement issued on Wednesday (January 6), shortly after an scheduled press conference was cancelled, Newsom said: “Peaceful protest is an important mechanism of our democracy but what we are witnessing in our nation’s Capitol building is reprehensible and an outright assault to our democracy and Democratic institutions.”

“The people of California have spoken, and our congressional delegation should never have to fear for their lives to represent Californians. We are concerned for the safety of California’s congressional delegation and U.S. Capitol staff, and are reaching out to offer support in every way

possible. President Trump must call for an end to this escalating situation, acknowledge the will of the people to bring President-Elect Biden to the White House and move immediately to a peaceful transition of power.”

For his part, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti also condemned the violence, which has resulted in at least one loss of life.

In a series of tweets Garcetti said: “This is a dark day for America.

The assaults on the integrity of our elections and the safety of the U.S. Capitol are wrong — defying our constitution, our core decency, and our common humanity.”

“Our nation will withstand this CALFORNIA LEADERS

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LA County launches free $5 BILLION ‘GOLDEN STATE technical assistance for STIMULUS’ WITH CASH AND RENT small business RELIEF FOR LOW-INCOME PEOPLE THE Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) has launched a new online resource to help businesses large and small navigate through economic uncertainty and prepare them for a post-COVID-19 economy.

The BizHelp Program will offer support and resources via a series of online webinars starting January 12, 2021.

The BizHelp Program is available to all businesses in the County of Los Angeles and is offered free of charge.

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By SUnitA SoHRABJi EMS contributing Editor GOVERNOR Gavin Newsom has announced the $5 billion ‘Golden State Stimulus’ proposal on January 6 containing a $2.4 billion in direct payments to low-income families

and an additional $2.6 billion to help renters facing eviction amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ne w s om a l s o a n nounced a possible extension of the state’s eviction moratorium — AB 3088, authored by Assembly member David Chiu, a

Democrat representing San Francisco — which is set to expire Jan. 31.

At least 1 million families in the state face eviction if the moratorium is allowed to expire.

“People are dealing with the anxiety and distress of being evicted. $5 BILLION

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Update: Vaccinations in LA County LA County has received 166,300 doses of Moderna vaccine as of Monday (January 4) of which 31,915 have been administered to staff and residents at skilled nursing facilities to EMTs and paramedics, and to healthcare workers in clinics.

Included in the recipients are healthcare workers at urgent care and primary care clinics, at intermediate and home healthcare facilities and services, as well as healthcare field workers who face a high risk of exposure.

After the holidays, the pace of vaccinations is picking up as the number of people qualified to administer vaccines expanded and additional locations to administer vaccines are opened to priority group healthcare workers who don’t work at acute care hospitals.

This week, there are 18 vaccination sites open across the county for frontline health care workers with appointments.

In addition to the 18 vaccination sites, next week an additional six to eight vaccination sites will open

for healthcare workers in Tiers 1 and 2 if the County receives enough vaccine from its allocations.

Public Health is also working with pharmacies to utilize their staff to administer vaccines to priority groups.

Efforts continue with LA health teams and partners at Curative to vaccinate both staff and residents at skilled nursing facilities.

As of Monday, an estimated 11,680 staff and residents have been vaccinated at skilled nursing facilities.

The federal pharmacy program should begin vaccinating staff and residents at long-term care facilities next week.

Appointments at the 18 vaccination sites are being accepted only for healthcare workers at high or medium risk of COVID-19 exposure who work in specific settings.

These settings include: Acute care hospitals; federally qualified health centers; home healthcare organizations; infusion and oncology centers; intermediate care facilities; residential or inpatient sub-

stance abuse and mental health facilities; urgent care clinics; primary care clinics, rural health centers and correctional facility clinics.

“We understand there are a lot of people interested in getting vaccinated.

However, we must proceed with administering vaccinations within the priority groups identified by the CDC with additional guidance provided by the State. We understand that some people may feel they should be or are in these priority groups. However, there are clear definitions that we have posted on our website – these are very specific groups according to the priority tiers.”

“The County is in Phase 1A and making sure that frontline healthcare workers and residents at longterm care facilities are all offered vaccines. Healthcare workers are prioritized since they need this protection to stay healthy and be able to care for everyone. And medically fragile residents at long term care facilities need early access to vaccines to prevent the very high mortality rates experienced by

residents in these facilities.

Vaccinating these priority groups should go through January.”

“We hope to begin vaccinating priority groups in Phase 1B in early February, assuming adequate supply of vaccine. The state has identified two tiers in Phase 1B. Tier 1 in Phase 1B includes: individuals 75 and older, and those at risk of exposure in education, childcare, emergency services and food and agriculture; Tier 2 in Phase 1B includes persons between the ages of 65 and 74, those at risk of exposure if you work in transportation and logistics; in industrial, commercial and residential and sheltering facilities and services; in critical manufacturing; and congregate settings with outbreak risk including homeless and incarcerated. For Phase 1B we are planning for eligible priority groups to be able to go to registered primary care providers, pharmacy partners, or community vaccination sites. And we hope we are able to move to Phase 1C, assuming adequate supply of vaccine, by late March, early April.”

Saturday-Friday | January 9 - 15, 2021

LA COUNTY... FROM PAGE 1 The LACDA has teamed up with three local technical assistance providers – Acelera Advisory Group, Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment, and Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corporation – to host webinars that will cover various topics such as tips for successfully securing financial resources, operating post COVID-19, understanding basics in accounting and bookkeeping, and improving credit for business owners. Registration is required to participate.

“Local small businesses in the County of Los Angeles continue to face obstacles when it comes to securing resources,” said Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Hilda L. Solis, Supervisor to the First District.

“By lifting up this sector, we can spur innovation, bring back jobs, preserve community character, encourage development, and ensure generational prosperity. I urge our small business community to take advantage of the LACDA’s new BizHelp Program which will provide technical assistance and offer support in navigating these uncertain times.”

“The County is doing all it can to provide a variety of tools to businesses impacted by recent events. The BizHelp Program provides professional advice and guidance to prepare business owners to move their business forward and reach their future goals,” said Emilio Salas, Executive Director, LACDA. Registration is now open. Webinars begin on January 12, 2021. Businesses interested in participating or requiring further information can visit bizhelp. lacda.org.

BLESSING OF DERMSKIN CLINIC AT WEST COVINA

(L-R) LALAINE FERNANDEZ, JANET GOTOC, DR. MARIVER DIAZ AND ROLAND FERNANDEZ

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New White House could remove public charge rule for good

By SUNITA SOHRABJI EMS Contributing Editor

T

he incoming Biden-Harris administration has an opportunity to immediately revoke implementation of the public charge rule, easing anxiety for millions of immigrants who have denied themselves federal benefits over the past three years for fear of losing their ability to upgrade their immigration status.

“Public charge will be a front-burner issue for the new administration because it is so entwined with our current public health crisis and connected to the pandemic,” said Daniel Sharp, chief of the Office of Immigrant Affairs in Los Angeles County’s Department of Consumer and Business Affairs. “We do expect the new administration to prioritize the issue,” he said in an interview with EMS, noting that President-elect Joe Biden had committed to ending the rule while campaigning for office.

If Democrats take back the Senate with the Jan. 5 Georgia run-off election, the incoming Congress has an opportunity to permanently remove public charge from the immigration code, said Sharp. He noted that if it is not permanently removed, a future administration could once again implement the rule, which has had an enormously chilling impact on immigrants even before it was formally rolled out by the outgoing Trump administration.

“It is going to take a multi-year effort

to undo the harm that this rule change has set in,” he said.

The public charge rule, which was introduced with the Immigration Act of 1882, is a means test used to determine ineligibility for immigration or residency status.

The seldom-used rule can be used by consulates abroad to determine whether an applicant could ever become completely dependent on public benefits; and by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to deny a green card to those unable to essentially pass a wealth test.

Factors such as age, the ability to speak English, and future earning capabilities are used as determinants of whether or not to grant a visa or green card.

USCIS can deny a green card to immigrants who have ever used Supplemental Security Income; Temporary Assistance for Needy Families; general assistance cash benefits (welfare); Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly called food stamps); Section 8 Housing or Rental Assistance; or federally funded Medicaid.

Public charge is not invoked during the naturalization process.

Critics of the rule have called it a “cruel wealth test,” used to keep poor immigrants out of the U.S. In the early 1900s, the rule was frequently invoked to bar immigrants from the developing world for permanent residency in the U.S.

OBIT Sid Guerrero passes away

Sid Guerrero Sid Guerrero, former Photo Editor of Philippine Times and former president of the Press Photographers of the Philippines (PPP-USA), has passed.

Guerrero died in the morning of Monday apparently as a consequence of his lingering poor health.

Among those who expressed sorrow over the photographer’s death is the current PPP-USA president Bobby Crisostomo.

“Sid Guerrero is a very good person and a reliable brother in the profession. He surely will be missed by everyone,” Crisostomo said.

Guerrero left behind his wife Nora and four sons.

In more recent years, the rule has been less frequently invoked: prior to 2019, less than one percent of all immigration cases were denied based on the public charge rule.

Currently, more than 10.3 million immigrants use some form of federal benefits.

Manjusha Kulkarni, executive director of the Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council, noted that when President Donald Trump hinted in 2017 that he was going to implement the little-used rule, “the news spread like wildfire in the immigrant community.”

Even before the rule was finalized in August 2019, immigrants began denying themselves federal benefits, including school lunch programs, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, which are not considered in public charge determinations; immigrants nonetheless dis-enrolled their children from the benefits, fearing possible impact to their immigration status.

Kulkarni referred to data from Health Affairs which reported that 260,000 immigrant children had been dis-enrolled by their families from receiving Medicaid since 2018 and 70,000 children were no longer enrolled in SNAP. A paper published by the Journal of Pediatrics in December noted the severe impact of the public charge rule on children.

“By tying the use of vital public

health programs to immigration and residency status, the Administration is forcing a choice between seeking critical services or securing status in the United Status,” said the authors of the study: Nina Patel, Swapna Reddy and Natalia Wilson of Arizona State University.

The described the rule as impacting the most-vulnerable children in the nation.

“Current anti-immigrant sentiment, rhetoric, and policy changes, such as the public charge rule, have resulted in a culture of fear, misinformation, distrust, and isolation, all of which have health implications,” noted Patel, Reddy, and Wilson.

Despite the current uncertain future of the rule, Kulkarni encouraged immigrants to avail of federal benefits, especially during the pandemic.

“It is so important for all of us to stay as safe and as healthy as possible at this time, when we are living under the greatest public health crisis of our lifetime.”

“People should not go without meals, COVID-testing and care, and housing benefits,” she said, noting that the Biden Administration is likely to take a “180 degree turn” to remove the rule.

Sharp noted that immigrants in California also began dis-enrolling from Medical, a state-funded program, for fear of losing their immigration status.

“People were confused,” he said, adding also that students dropped their CONTNUED ON PAGE 5

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This year's ROSE PARADE was a special one, like no other - celebrated in a simple way amidst pandemic times

U

nlike last year's 2020 Rose Parade which we attended with numerous floats, this year was indeed a special one, celebrated in a simple way amidst these pandemic times, where approximately 81 million people have been infected and around 1.7 million people have died from the worldwide epidemic of COVID-19.

In celebrating this year's Rose Parade, the Tournament of Roses House, acknowledged that "we 're living during these challenging times," so they decided to put up a 40-foot canvas in front of the TofR House that said: "Getting Through The Unexpected, Together."

But, somehow, the Tournament of Roses (TofR) Association was determined to use the day, reminiscing the previous years' pomp and circumstance televised event, where people worldwide used to watch the colorful and creative floats go parading by, including spectacular equestrians, and revelling on the various marching bands in a 5-mile trek off Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, California.

However, in this year's 2021 TofR event, its President, Dr. Robert Miller explained that "the view of this year's parade might look very different, but our mission never changed." Further, he said: 'we produced this 2021 New Year's Rose Parade celebration, presented

by Honda, in partnership with Feeding America, the nation's largest organization, dedicated to fighting domestic hunger, through a nationwide network of food banks. Food insecurity has been a focus of our organization's efforts during the pandemic; so it was only fitting for us to extend that commitment to our re-imagined New Year celebration."

The two-hour televised special which we all watched, presented the TofR Royal Court along with their traditions, showcasing snippets of memorable moments and various stories of TofR members and their activities, as well as spectacular floats presented through its previous years' of celebration. On one of this year's floats were photos of previous bands, floats and equestrians, which were the Rose Parade's three major hallmarks, The special show also included a "behind the scenes" look into building parade floats and New Year's wishes from worldwide fans, plus snippets of the Rose Bowl Ball Game football highlights from Texas.

Also included in the two-hour special show was the virtual performance of "Everything's Coming Up Roses," by high school seniors from various bands across

“COMMUNITY OF LIFE” float for the 2021 Donate Life Tribute to the Rose Parade the country, who were invited to perform in this year's parade celebration, but instead of waiting for their opportunity to perform in next year's celebration, the seniors were highlighted to enable them not to miss their opportunity of being featured this year, One of the highlights on this year's televised show was the "Donate Life's" 2021 float as a TRIBUTE to the ROSE PAR ADE - entitled "Community of Life."

Since 2004, the "Donate Life Rose Parade float has inspired people across the country and around the world "to save and heal lives through the powerful message of organ, eye and tissue donation."

Dr. Robert B. Miller As a tribute to 17 years President of the Tournament of Roses Association of par ticipation in the Rose Parade, the "Donate Life" organization featured a beautiful and symbolic floral sculptured float, built by Fiesta Parade Floats (FPF) in their 30,000 square foot facility in Irwindale. The 2021 sculptured floral float, "Community of Life," featured vibrant floral honeycombs built by bees, sharing the important message that "we are stronger when we work together as a community." There were 21 hexagonal memorial portraits of various donors that were interwoven within the honeycomb, symbolizing the life donors give through organ, eye and tissue donation.

Much like the families and donors who have given the gift of life, bees represent a harmonious community that helps to benefit others.. And, just like busy bees, donation healthcare professionals devote every single day to make donation and transplantation possible, so the names of these donors were featured within the floral sculpture, memorializing the lives they have helped bequeath. Hundreds of individually dedicated roses were intertwined within the bushes,.

to honor the gift of life given by these donors, donor families, transplant recipients and healthcare heroes, carrying personal messages of love, remembrance, hope and gratitude.

In addition, according to Dr. Miller, the "names of six (6) professionals who have gone above and beyond their scope of duty to make donation and transplantation possible during the pandemic, their names were inscribed on the plaques." At the end of the two-hour televised show, Dr. Miller said: we basically "still celebrated it here in Pasadena, we didn't go anywhere; this pandemic hasn't beaten us, we're going to be back."

Although the College Football semi-finals was not played at the Rose Bowl due to the surge of Covid cases in Los Angeles, state health officials decided to move the playoff between Clemson and Ohio State to Texas instead, Overall, Dr. Miller concluded that "although the outcome was quite disappointing, he chose to take a philosophical view, by adding that when we look back at the financial pain and ruin, the illnesses and the deaths wrought by this pandemic in this country and around the world, our parade and our game became relatively insignificant. We have to put it all in perspective. And we, like everybody else, just have to adapt and manage the situation as best we can. We have to recognize that as big a deal as our parade and game were to ourselves and we'd like to think the same for our country and the whole world, it is as much a tiny piece of this horrible puzzle."

Nevertheless, on the morning of January 1, 2021, the people of Pasadena became proud that even if the Rose Bowl Game was not held in their backyard, they still had a Rose Parade TV special they were all able to wake up to, much like their New Year's Day of the past. and, as insignificant as the Rose Parade and the Rose Bowl Game were, in the face of this destruction caused by the pandemic, Dr. Milller's sentiments echoed that after the devastating year we've all been through, it was somehow reassuring that we all felt normal seeing something we're all familiar with, on this memorable New Year's Day in 2021. Wishing everyone abundant blessings for good health throughout the year!

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NEW WHITE HOUSE... FROM PAGE 3 applications for federal scholarship programs, which are not considered in public charge determinations.

Benefits were also dropped by U.S. citizen children living in mixed-status families with undocumented parents or siblings.

At the start of the pandemic, Sharp’s office began receiving a record number of calls from immigrants who were concerned about accessing benefits.

“The people most impacted by the pandemic were not applying for public benefits,” he said.

Sharp characterized it as a “double whammy.” Undocumented people, despite being gainfully employed with deductions taken out of their paychecks, did not qualify for unemployment insurance benefits, and they were not accessing benefits for which they were qualified to receive, he said.

The public charge rule is written so as not to be invoked during a national crisis, but immigrants have little understanding about the nuances of the rule, said Sharp.

National election results, which brought Biden to office, held out a glimmer of hope for immigrants “that better times are ahead in the near future,” he said, but added: “We have been down this road before. There have been so many moments of on again, off again in this tennis match of implementation.”

After the final rule was rolled out in August, 2019, it was immediately blocked by several lower courts.

On Jan. 27, the U.S. Supreme Court granted the administration's Public Charge: New Ethical Considerations for Adjustment Cases and allowed public charge to be implemented nationwide beginning Feb. 24, just as the COVID pandemic began to take force in the U.S. On Nov. 2, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals blocked public charge in the Cook County v. Wolf case. Amy Coney Barrett, now a Supreme Court Justice, wrote the dissenting opinion, siding with the Trump Administration’s theory that immigrants must be able to prove self-sufficiency. That case will now be heard by a full panel in the 7th Circuit.

Meanwhile, immigrants in Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin must continue to file the I-944 form, a declaration of self sufficiency, with their adjustment of status applications.

On Dec. 2, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, in the City and County of San Francisco v. USCIS case, blocked the rule from being implemented in 15 states, including California.

Kulkarni said it is highly unlikely that the incoming administration will appeal the Ninth Circuit ruling. Consulates abroad have been blocked from implementing the public charge rule since July.

$5 BILLION... FROM PAGE 1 They are tired of fighting long lines at the local food bank. A sense of urgency is required at the moment,” said Newsom at a press briefing. More than 4 million people who currently use the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit will receive $600 direct payments; the funds will be distributed through the EITC architecture.

Newsom said he is aiming to help both renters and small landlords with the stimulus proposal. The stimulus package will be tacked on to the state’s new budget, which is expected to be released on January 8.

Assembly member Eloise Reyes, a Democrat who represents portions of the Inland Empire, said at the press briefing that California’s EITC program has a “proven track record of lifting people out of poverty.”

“We are addressing the inequality in our state, and helping people pay past due rent,” she said.

Jacqueline Martinez Garcel, CEO of the Latino Community Foundation, said: “This money is essential to people on the front lines who are working to feed us.”

Sen. Mike McGuire, a Democrat representing Ukiah, noted that millions of California families are “on the ropes” amid the pandemic. “For some families, no matter how hard they work, it just isn’t enough.”

“But relief is on the way,” he said.

CALIFORNIA LEADERS... FROM PAGE 1 horrifying moment, and we will see the peaceful transition of government this month.”

“It cannot come too soon.”

“President Trump must condemn what has happened today, stop illegally contesting the will of the American public, and support the institutions and elected leaders who comprise our democracy.”

“In the meantime, I pray for the security of everyone on Capitol Hill, and I support Congressional leaders and Mayor Bowser’s efforts to restore order and protect our nation’s Capitol and our nation’s capital city.”

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Hilda L. Solis, for her part released the following statement: "As a former member of Congress, I am appalled and saddened at the violence in our nation’s capitol, incited by a disgraced President and inflamed by Republicans who can’t accept the reality that they lost."

"My thoughts are with the members and staff of the House and Senate, including our California delegation. I pray for their safety."

"Donald Trump, if he had any decency left, must admit that he lost and tell the

violent mob to go home," added Chair Solis.

"Our Congressional leaders shouldn’t have to be afraid for their lives. They must be able to resume the Electoral College certification and put an end to this dark chapter in American history.

A peaceful transfer of power must occur. It’s the only way to turn the page and pick up the shattered pieces of our democracy."

On Wednesday (January 6) in downtown Los Angeles, some 200 pro-Trump protesters gathered near Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) headquarters on First Street.

The protesters were waving American flags and were chanting: “Do your job!”

The demonstration was declared as an unlawful assembly at about 1 p.m.

Captain Stacy Spell, spokesperson of the LAPD spokesman, said there were no reports of anyone sustaining serious injuries after the pro-Trump protesters clashed with an anti-Trump group.

The LAPD has taken custody of some persons involved in the melee.

The violence prompted the policemen to move in and disperse the opposing groups.

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L.A. helps install 10,000 EV chargers

M

ayor Eric Garcetti has announced that there are now over 10,000 commercial electric vehicle (EV) charging stations throughout Los Angeles --- meeting the city’s goal two years ahead of schedule and giving L.A. the most charging stations of any city in the United States.

“The clean transportation revolution is not a distant vision for the future — it’s a reality happening on our streets right now,” said Mayor Garcetti.

“By meeting our most ambitious EV charging goals, we are making it clear: no pandemic can hit the brakes on our campaign to combat the climate crisis, and a healthier, stronger, more equitable and sustainable Los Angeles will be powered by clean energy.”

With 11,045 commercial charging stations on local streets today, the City has now surpassed its goal to help install 10,000 EV charging stations two years early.

L.A. is now ahead of schedule to meet future targets of 25,000 commercial charging stations by 2025 and 28,000 by 2028.

Installed with the support of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), 10,779 of the total EV charging stations are commercial Level-2 stations, while 266 are DC fast chargers (DCFC), which can provide 80% battery charge to light-duty vehicles in 30 minutes and can support medium and heavy-duty EV charging, such as electric buses.

L.A.’s extensive charging network provides expanded options for the city’s growing EV community, currently estimated at 62,851 EVs. The deployment of charging infrastructure is instrumental in meeting the L.A. Green New Deal goals of 80% electric and zero emission vehicles in the city by 2036 and 100% by 2045, with 100% of City and transit fleets electrified by 2028.

A large portion of charging stations were directly funded by the LADWP Commercial EV Charging Station Rebate Program.

The program currently offers rebates to help offset the cost of equipment installation: Up to $4,000 per Level-2 charging station (or up to $5,000 if located in a disadvantaged community).

Up to $75,000 per DCFC. Up to $125,000 per charging station for medium- and heavy-duty EVs.

As of January 1, LADWP has issued 8,157 rebates, with over 60% going toward multi-unit dwellings.

“LADWP is committed to supporting the largest EV community in the U.S. by rapidly increasing Los Angeles’ commercial charging infrastructure and creating a robust charging experience for residents and visitors alike,” said LADWP General Manager and Chief Engineer Martin L. Adams.

“We are proud to have completed our goal two years early and are looking for other innovative solutions to further expand EV charging so that every EV owner can have convenient, accessible fueling options anywhere in our city.”

Other City of Los Angeles agencies, such as the Bureau of Street Lighting, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of General Services, have installed a total of 1,344 charging stations funded through LADWP’s Commercial EV Charging Station Rebate Program, shared grant funding, or direct funding from LADWP. On top of those steps, LADWP has supported the Bureau of Street Lighting’s efforts to install 430 streetlight EV charging stations across the city.

To uphold his commitment to equity in every facet of the Green New Deal, the Mayor also instructed LADWP to work on increasing the rebate for income-qualified customers who purchase used EVs. LADWP’s current used EV rebate program provides up to $1,500 toward the purchase of a used battery electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle.

Under Mayor Garcetti’s leadership, Los Angeles has pursued one of the most aggressive clean transportation agendas in the world. As chair of the Metro Board, Mayor Garcetti directed the agency to adopt a comprehensive plan to transition its bus fleet to 100% zero emission by 2030 — making it the largest American transportation agency to embrace such a standard.

To meet that goal, Metro is set to finish electrifying the G line (formerly the Orange Line) in the first quarter of this year and plans to convert the J Line (formerly the Silver Line) to electric buses by early 2022.

Last spring, Mayor Garcetti celebrated LADOT’s purchase of 155 electric buses for the City’s bus fleet. The record-breaking order includes measures to make LADOT’s bus fleet entirely emissions-free in time for the opening ceremonies of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

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Year of the Ox 2021 should be good for Real Estate

THE Ox is second in the order of all the Chinese zodiac animals. According to one folktale, the Jade Emperor decided that the order of the animals would be determined according to the order by which they arrived at his party. The Ox had agreed to give the Rat a ride. Just as they both arrived at the door, the Rat jumped ahead of the Ox. Chinese New Year will teach you more about the predictions for the year of the Ox. Rat year tends to show major signs of a calamity of different varieties. The Ox is a highly esteemed animal in Chinese culture because of the important role it plays in agriculture. Positive traits like being hardworking and honest are also attributed to the Ox. That is also usually why beef is not a staple for many because they see the Ox as a working animal that helps put food on the table.

The Ox is associated with earth, but its years cycle through the five elements of nature. Recent years of the Ox include: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, and 2021. Oxen are known to be honest and sincere.

Although they are hardworking and skilled, they never seek to be the center of attention. Nevertheless, they get the recognition they deserve for their hard work.

Men born in the year of the Ox can be trusted and relied on. They give out their best in everything they do. They are also able to provide for their families.

However, their confidence can get in the way of others who try to go against the rules.

Women born in the Ox year are kind and capable of keeping their cool. They are fixated on their goals and would rarely think about choosing an alternative.

Thus, they encounter many difficulties but they will walk down the road they choose.

What will the year of 2021 bring us? After the outbreak of the pandemic and economic crisis in 2020, we all long for some normal schedules and activities. The year of the Ox can bring us some energy of calm and steady pace to help us recover from 2020, and adjust the new life forward.

The 2020 year of the Rat rewards people who can adapt to new challenges and act quickly.

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The 2021 year of the Ox favors people who can work hard, stay practical, patient, and focused to slowly build up your success.

The characters of the Ox will be highlighted in 2021, including strength and weakness. It will show in career, finance, health, and relationship. By understanding the trends of each area, we can be better prepared for the new year.

If you have worked hard, it’s time to reap the benefits and efforts you’ve made year in, year out. It will be a positive and productive year. It’s also an excellent year for having a child, starting a family, and marriage for the Ox. The Ox has paid its dues and is ready to enjoy the hard-won results.

Our California real estate market is still at a uneven plane, there are still more buyers than sellers. As I have said in the previous years, we should not complain that our RE Market is still a sellers market. This will keep

our home prices steady and if there would be a crash landing, I would assume it would be a very light one. Majority of homeowners have refinanced their homes to a record low level of rates in the 2’s, how can you go wrong with that. Equity build up is continuing due to a minimal price appreciation of between 5-8% depending on your location. Investment properties are still hot and sizzling. Commercial spaces due to Covid are hard hit and that will suffer in the years coming but hopefully it wont trickle down to residential or residential commercial. Banks are still pretty conservative and are trying to keep the loan to value low concerns to a correction that is due to come.

Thanks for your inquiries, please call Ken Go of 1st Innovative Finance Group 562-5087048 or write to kennethgo@verizon.net CABRE01021223 NMLs 238636

Pandemic Debt Relief:

Is Bankruptcy Right For You?

PEOPLE with overwhelming debt problems during this difficult time are asking a lot of questions. Are you scared of being sued and having creditors getting judgments against you and garnishing your wages and levying your bank account? What would happen to your home or business if you fall behind on your debt obligations and are unable to catch up? What is the worst that creditors can do to you?

Are you afraid of losing what little you have and wonder how you are going to survive if you can’t even pay for life’s basic necessities like rent, mortgage, food, transportation, etc., let alone pay your bills?

Making the right decisions is critical to your financial survival when facing debt problems. No one ever wants to be in this situation, and it could be one of the most challenging situations you’ll ever face in your life. But don’t despair.

At one time or another, everyone experiences financial challenges in their lives. At this time, there are milling of people who have lost their jobs or have had their hours cut due to the virus. Some people who thought they were just temporarily laid off during the lock down are finding out that they don’t even have a job to go back to.

It’s not your fault because it is not something that you have caused.

During times of financial crisis, millions of people have looked at bankruptcy as a way of getting debt relief. And in most cases, had they not filed for bankruptcy, there would have been no other way for them to start a new life free from the burden of debt.

You have rights under federal law to file bankruptcy and get immediate relief from debt. Although you may have heard bad things about bankruptcy, it is really is nothing more than a legal remedy that allows you to regain control of your finances so that you can get back on your feet as quickly as possible. Of course, it is not the answer to all financial problems but when appropriate for your situation, it may be the only way for you to get out of the mess you’re currently in.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

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Can I qualify for a green card despite the Petitioner's Death?

CONSIDER this common factual situation. You are over 21 years old and your US citizen parent petitions you while you are inside the United States. Since this is a preference category, you have to wait many years for your priority date to be current. As the years go by, your petitioning parent dies which in turn revokes the petition. Can you still apply for your green card when your priority date becomes current?

Under Section 204(l) of the immigration and nationality act, you may apply for a green card despite the death of the petitioner once your priority date becomes current as long as 1) you were in the United States at the time of the Petitioner's death, and 2) you continuously resided in the United States until the present time when you apply for adjustment of status. This provision does not apply to beneficiaries that are outside the United States.

This provision also applies to both approved and pending Petitions.

This avenue is available to all family based petitions as outlined in INA section 204(l)(2). This includes 1)immediate relative petitions and 2)preference family petitions such as unmarried sons and daughters of us citizens, spouses and unmarried sons and daughters of lpr, married sons and daughters of us citizens, and brothers and sisters of us citizens.

Derivative beneficiaries of pending or approved employmentbased immigrant visa petitions are also covered by this section.

This includes the spouse and unmarried children under age 21 of an individual who was sponsored under the employment-based category.

If you fail to meet the requirements of INA 204(l) because you did not continously reside in the US since the death of the Petition-

MINDING YOUR FINANCES … FROM PAGE 6

Briefly, Chapter 7 allows you to cancel or discharge your debts but in return, you must give up whatever non-exempt assets you may have. The good news is that most people don’t have much and whatever little they have; they are often protected by the exemption laws in bankruptcy. So, it is a misconception that “once you file bankruptcy, you will automatically lose everything.” The truth is that most people keep everything they have (homes, cars, bank accounts, retirement plans, etc.) and they lose nothing at all.

Chapter 13, on the other hand, is a debt reorganization or debt consolidation plan. The court requires you to submit all your income information as well as a monthly budget to assess your ability to pay. Your Chapter 13 plan payments will be based on the surplus income as determined by the Court. Chapter 13 allows you to keep valuable property such as your home or car (although you were behind on your mortgage and car payments at the time of filing) and will stop foreclosure and repossession immediately on the day your case is filed. Credit card debts are included in your monthly payment under Chapter 13 and, in most cases, they can be significantly reduced or even totally eliminated.

Being in debt is not the end of the world. There are options available and the sooner you act, the sooner you will be on your way to getting the relief that you need badly. If you have not read my book, “What You Need to Know Before Filing Bankruptcy”, you can download it free of charge at www.beforefilingbk.com.

For a free evaluation of your case, please call our office at Toll-Free 1-866-477-7772 to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you. ***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).

er, you may still try to reinstate the Petition under 8 CFR Sec. 205.1(a) (3) Humanitarian Reinstatement.

The DHS (Dept. of Homeland Security) may exercise discretion “for humanitarian reasons” to reinstate the petition and to allow the Affidavit of Support requirements to be satisfied by the qualifying I-864 of a spouse, parent, mother-in-law, father-inlaw, sister-in-law, brother-in-law, grandparent, or grandchild or legal guardian of the beneficiary, as long as the petition was “approved” prior to the Petitioner’s death.

DHS discretion does not mean “guaranteed” approval. The case will be evaluated on a case by case basis. Some of the factors that the DHS may consider are 1) disruption of an established family unit; 2) hardship to US citizens or lawful permanent residents; 3) beneficiary is elderly or in poor health; 4) beneficiary has had lengthy residence in the US; 4) beneficiary has no home to go to; 5)undue delay by USCIS or consular officer in processing petition and visa; 6) and Beneficiary has strong family ties in the United States.

The beneficiary must be prepared to show proof of the original I-130 that was filed, proof of I-130 approval if approved, a copy of the Petitioner’s death certificate, proof of substitute sponsor’s relation-

ship to the beneficiary, and meet all the I-864 requirements 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 was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of the Family law section, Estates and Trust, 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. Web: kenreyeslaw.com

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Over 27K cops to secure Black Nazarene feast — NCRPO MANILA (Mabuhay) — Over 27,000 police officers will be deployed to secure the annual feast of the Black Nazarene on Saturday, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said on Thursday.

In a statement, NCRPO chief, Brig.

Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. said this includes around 7,000 police officers from the Manila Police District (MPD) and some 20,000 police officers from the other districts of the NCRPO, its Regional Mobile Force Battalion as well as members of the PNP Special Action Force.

Danao said these police officers would be deployed on Friday (January 8), a day before the annual feast.

He also reminded of restrictions for this year's feast such as the ban on vendors within the vicinity of Quiapo Church and the prohibition on bringing backpacks and colored water containers by devotees.

Only transparent plastic bags and water containers would be allowed to prevent any untoward incident, Danao said.

He added that the police would also focus on the implementation of minimum health protocols.

“Isa sa mga challenge ngayon ay ang pag-implement ng minimum health standards. Unlike before, kahit magdikit-dikit ang mga tao, walang problema.

Ngayon, may problema tayo about sa Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019), lalo na ngayon we have the latest strain of the virus which is according to the World Health Organization (WHO) it is stronger than the original one so yun ang dapat nating bantayan (One of the challenges today is the implementation of the minimum health standards. Unlike before, it is fine even if people are close to each other.

Now, we have a problem with Covid-19,

Palace denies Duterte wants to stay in power beyond 2022, as allies push Cha-cha

Vicente Carlit, a 53-year-old Army reservist, uses paint to create a silkscreen print of the Black Nazarene on a t-shirt which he sells for P100 to P150 to customers in his makeshift shop along Quezon Boulevard in Manila. He shared that sales have been minimal due to the pandemic and the cancellation of the annual Feast of the Black Nazarene or Traslacion at Quiapo Church in Manila. (MNS photo) especially now we have the latest strain of the virus which is according to the World Health Organization (WHO). It is stronger than the original one that we must watch out for)," Danao said.

On Tuesday, Danao and MPD director, Brig. Gen. Leo Francisco inspected areas where Masses would be held for the feast, including Quiapo Church, Sta. Cruz Church, San Sebastian Church, and the Nazarene Catholic School.

This year, the traditional grand procession of the image of the black Jesus Christ

from the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta to the Quiapo Church is canceled as mass gatherings remain prohibited due to the pandemic.

Both church and police officials have also agreed to close the church and suspend Mass if the quarantine restrictions will not be followed during the annual religious feast.

A maximum of 400 devotees would be allowed inside the Quiapo Church in each of the 15 Masses to be held during the feast. (MNS)

DOJ to take leads from AMLC report on child porn money trail MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday said it would ask for a copy of the Anti-Money Laundering Council's (AMLC) report that remittances from online child pornography in the country reached PHP113 million to get new leads on its investigation on areas where these were purportedly sent.

In a message to reporters, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra noted that the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), co-chaired by the DOJ and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), has been continuously trailing perpetrators during the last few years.

Many cases have been filed in court and convictions secured.

"The IACAT is very much aware of the geographical areas usually poverty-stricken areas where victims abound and in what countries the predators are usually based. It just so happened that the numbers have gone up in recent months, clearly because of the economic hardship, as well as the dark opportunities, engendered by this pandemic. I will request the AMLC for a copy of the report and refer the matter to the IACAT for appropriate action," Guevarra said.

Mea nwhi le, Senator Chr istopher "Bong" Go has called on authorities to look into the reported online sale of lewd photos and videos of some Filipino students as he urged law enforcement agencies to strengthen the government's anti-cybercrime campaign.

"I am calling on concerned agencies to provide necessary interventions to put a stop to this. Alarming ito lalo na't ang kalaswaan na ito ay dulot rin ng kahirapan (This is alarming especially that these lewd acts are a result of poverty)," Go said, adding that "poverty is not a reason for one to sell one's soul."

His pronouncements came after reports indicating that some students have been resorting to selling their obscene photos and videos online to support their needs amid the ongoing pandemic.

"Pwedeng makasuhan kung sino 'yung kakuntsaba at pumapayag sa mga ganitong pagbebenta ng malalaswang mga larawan (Those who are in cahoots with the perpetrators and are allowing the sale of these lewd photos can be charged)," Go said during an ambush interview right after he personally led the distribution of assistance to market vendors in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on Tuesday.

Go also said President Rodrigo Duterte has been informed of this issue and is deeply concerned with the welfare of these children.

He added that the President plans to call on cybercrime units of various concerned agencies for a meeting to address this situation and strengthen safeguards to protect the youth.

Go also called on the Council for the Welfare of Children to lay down measures to prevent child exploitation and also support them in dealing with the adverse socio-economic impacts of the ongoing health crisis.

"Tinatawag ko ang pansin ng CWC para alagaan ang kapakanan ng mga bata. Gabayan natin sila dahil hindi nila kailangan magbenta ng kaluluwa para lang sa pera. Nandito po ang gobyerno para tumulong sa inyo (I am calling on the CWC to look after the welfare of children.

We should guide them so they won't have to sell their souls just for money," Go said.

CWC Executive Director Mary Mitzi Cajayon-Uy concurred with Go's statement but said it is difficult to police the Internet for such acts.

She, however, agreed that there is a need to encourage families to come forward and work with the government through CWC should they need assistance on such matters.

Cajayon-Uy said the CWC will validate first about those involved in the online selling of photos and videos. Once this is confirmed, the Inter-Agency Council Against Child Pornography may be tapped to intervene on the issue.

Go also told students in distress to seek his help if they need support for their education rather than resorting to selling lewd photos and videos online. He guaranteed that the government and his office are willing to extend assistance to students who are struggling to support their needs.

"Alam mo, hindi niyo po kailangan na pumasok sa ganun. Nandito po ang gobyerno, lapitan niyo lang po ang aming opisina dahil handa kaming tumulong sa inyong pag-aaral, hindi na tayo kailangan pang pumasok sa ganun (You don't have to engage in these acts. The government is here. Just approach our office and we would be ready to provide assistance to your studies. You don't have to do these things)," Go said.

Citing a recent study conducted by the Washington-based International Justice Mission which reported that the Phil-

ippines is the largest known source of Online Sexual Exploitation of Children cases, Go filed Senate Bill 1650 in July 2020 to amend Republic Act No. 7610 or the "Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act" which will enhance the country's protective measures against child sexual abuse.

The DOJ has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation, to investigate the reported selling of obscene photos and videos.

Guevarra gave NBI officer-in-charge Eric Distor 10 days to submit reports on the progress of the investigation.

In a statement, the Department of Education, meanwhile, expressed alarm over the rising incidents of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children during the Covid-19 pandemic.

MANILA (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte does not want to stay in power beyond the end of his term in 2022, Malacañang said on Thursday, as his allies pushed for charter change.

The charter change drive has ignited speculation on social media that lawmakers want to change the constitutional term limit of officials.

"Tsismis lang po 'yan," said Duter te's spokesma n Ha r r y Roque.

"The President has made it clear, wala po s'yang kahit anong kagustuhan na manatili ng isang minuto man lang beyond his term of office on June 30 of 2022," he told reporters in an online briefing.

Duterte's allies, Senators Francis Tolentino and Ronald Dela Rosa, filed in December a resolution for both houses of Congress to convene as a Constituent Assembly to discuss limited amendments to the Constitution, specifically on provisions on democratic representation and economy.

Charter change "is the sole constitutional prerogative of Congress and we respect that," said Roque.

"Hindi naman kinakailangan bigyan ng basbas ng Presidente iyan... Tanging Kongreso lang po ang puwedeng magsimula ng proseso para sa charter change, hindi po ang Presidente," he said.

"Sa ngayon po, ang number one priority natin ang COVID-19, lalong-lalo na ang usapin ng vaccine. Wala pong ibang top priority ang Pangulo kundi matapos ang pandemyang ito," added the President's spokesman. (MNS) It also gave its full cooperation to government agencies to put a stop to pornography among students. (MNS)

14 DPWH district engineers relieved from posts over alleged corruption — Villar MANILA (Mabuhay) — Fourteen district engineers of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) allegedly involved in corruption have been "relieved" from government service, Secretary Mark Villar said Thursday.

“Actually, ‘yung binanggit po ni Presidente na-relieve na,” Villar said during the Laging Handa briefing.

“Labing apat na ang na-relieve na sa trabaho,” he said.

Duterte last month ordered DPWH district engineers who are involved in the corrupt practices alleged before the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission to vacate their posts.

Duterte asked Villar to give him a list of all district engineers in the country after claiming that several of them worked in connivance with congressmen for corrupt activities.

The Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission earlier said “less than 12” congressmen were involved in corruption in the DPWH. Villar said that efforts to cleanse the DPWH’s ranks is not yet over despite the sacking of several district engineers as the agency is still investigating and open to receive complaints against its officials and employees.

“Tuloy-tuloy naman ang imbestigasyon namin sa lahat ng mga nagsa-submit ng reports,” he said.

“Humihingi kami ng tulong sa ibang ahensya para magkaroon ng case build up sa ibang mga complaints,” he added.

The Public Works chief also said that the DPWH will undergo a reorganization within the month.

“Magkakaroon rin kami ng rigodon sa loob ng department and marami ang magiging pagbabago. Tuloy tuloy naan ang laban sa corruption,” Villar said.

“Within the month definitely.

Wino-workout na namin and definitely maipatutupad na ‘yan as soon as possible,” Villar said.

(MNS)

DPWH SECRETARY MARK VILLAR

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Medical scholarship law to solve doctor shortage in rural areas

DEPUTY SPEAKER RUFUS RODRIGUEZ MANILA (Mabuhay) — A lawmaker said Wednesday the law mandating a medical scholarship and return service program would result in having doctors in remote towns in the country.

House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Rufus Rodriguez, one of the authors of the law, said the program is the answer to the problem of students from poor families who want to take a doctor of medicine course but cannot afford its high cost.

“We are hoping that Republic Act No. 11509, which President (Rodrigo) Duterte signed last December 23, will entice poor students in the provinces to pursue medical education through the program and eventually serve their community,” Rodriguez said. “It is also the answer to our lack of doctors in remote areas in the provinces, where many of the sick die without being attended to by a physician.”

Under the law, each town in the country should have at least one qualified applicant in the medical scholarship and return service program.

In case there is no qualified student from a particular town, its slot may be given to an applicant from a nearby municipality.

After completing his medical course and passing the licensure examination, the new doctor-program beneficiary is required to render service in his town for one year for every year of his doctor of medicine degree.

He said all towns, however remote, would have at least one doctor through the new law.

The doctors will serve in government hospitals or health facilities and hold positions and receive compensation commensurate to their education, Rodriguez said, adding that program beneficiaries who do not want to comply with the return service requirement would have to reimburse the government twice the amount that it spent for their medical education.

The program offers full financial assistance to qualified students.

Aside from tuition and other school fees, it covers expenses for allowance for prescribed books, supplies and equipment, clothing or uniform, dormitory or boarding house accommodation, transportation, internship fees, medical review fees, licensure fees, other related miscellaneous living or subsistence expenses, and annual medical insurance.

Qualified applicants are to take their course in a state university or college or an accredited private learning institution. (MNS)

Barbers wants authorities to focus on smuggling aspect of PSG vaccination MANILA (Mabuhay) — More than the supposed irregularity in the inoculation of members of the Presidential Security Group members, Surigao Del Norte Representative Robert Ace Barbers wants authorities to look into the smuggling angle of the unregistered COVID-19 vaccine that they received.

In a virtual interview on Wednesday, Barbers, who chairs the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs, said that he sees nothing wrong with the early vaccination of PSG members with an unregistered vaccine, as their duty is to ensure the safety of President Rodrigo Duterte.

What troubles him more, he said, is how the unregistered COVID-19 vaccine got past the Bureau of Customs and made its way into the country.

"I think the issue that we should really look at is not the issue on the inoculation of the PSG. More than that, tingnan natin paano nakapasok yung sinasabing smuggled vaccines dito?" he said.

"Dumaan yan sa Bureau of Customs, so dapat imbestigahan kung saan, papaano, dumaan yan dito sa atin at nakapasok dito sa atin. Kung yan ay pumasok sa legal na channel, definitely alam ng FDA yan, alam ng DOH yan," he added.

Barbers is convinced that since the unregistered COVID-19 vaccine was smuggled into the country, there is someone who is responsible for it.

"May nagpalusot. At kung mayroong nagpalusot dito, imposible namang 'Happy New Year, thank you' lang ang inabot nung nagpalusot niyan dito. So I’m sure mayroong monetary considerations yan," he said.

"So pinagkakitaan ito, at itong smuggling na ito pinagkakitaan ito nung nag-smuggle. At bilang kapalit siguro ay nag-donate ng ilang piraso para ma-inoculate yung PSG at lumabas na technically, lumabas na legal ito," he added.

PSG commander Brigadier General

REPRESENTATIVE ROBERT ACE BARBERS Jesus Durante III earlier admitted that his unit acquired the COVID-19 vaccine for free, and the President was only made aware that they have been inoculated after it was done.

He nevertheless took full responsibility on the matter, but refused to disclose the source of the vaccine.

Amid this controversy, the House Makabayan Bloc has filed a resolution calling for an investigation into the so-called "VIP" vaccination of PSG members.

But for Barbers, the investigation should not delve too much on the inoculation of PSG members, but more on the "smuggling aspect" of the issue.

"I laud the PSG head, si [Brigadier] General Durante, for taking the initiative na magpa-inoculate sila. Pero more than that, ang tingnan natin papaano nakapasok yan dito?" he said.

"Wala namang problema na i-vaccinate natin ang ating mga kababayan. It’s not even an issue because everybody in the world wants to get vaccinated. Ang problema lang ay dumaan tayo sa legal na proseso," he added.

The President earlier ordered the PSG to keep silent as regards their inoculation with an unregistered COVID-19 vaccine if ever their officials will be summoned in the Senate for an inquiry. (MNS)

House ready to review UHC law, PhilHealth contribution hike plan M A NIL A ( Mabu hay) — The House of Representatives is ready to rev iew the Universal Health Care Act and its implementing rules and regulations, particularly the scheduled increase in Philippine Hea lth Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) contribution rates this year.

S p e a k e r L or d A llan Velasco made the statement on Tuesday after President Rodrigo Duterte told PhilHealth C E O a nd P r e s ident Dante Gierran to suspend the contribution hike to lessen the burden of Filipinos affected by the prevailing coronavirus pandemic.

“We laud President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for suspending the increase in PhilHea lth premium contributions amid the Covid-19 crisis.

The President has once again proved his sincere and genuine regard for the welfare of the Filipino people, especially in this time of pandemic,” Velasco said.

Velasco urged PhilHealth and the Department of Health to work closely with the legislature to ensure that Filipinos would not fur-

ther be exposed to this “unnecessary burden” amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Duterte also vowed to “look for money” to fund Republic Act 11223 or the Universal Health Care (UHC) law and ensure that PhilHealth services remain unhampered.

“I w ill look for the money to f i l l it up.

Maghanap tayo ng pera (Let’s look for money).

Anyway, that is the job of the government to make it easy for everybody at this time, I said, of our lives,” he said in his Talk to the People Monday.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, meanwhile, appealed to the government finance managers and fellow legislators to highly consider the temporary deferment.

Go said one option is to propose an amendatory bill that will specifically address the specific provision in the UHC law mandating the said increase.

Another option is to include a provision in the proposed Bayanihan 3 bill that would allow moving statutory deadlines and timelines for payments required by law such as, but not lim-

ited to, the increase and payment of PhilHealth premiums.

“Whether we amend the law or augment the f unds of PhilHea lt h, let us work together to find a viable solution to achieve universal health care for all without imposing unnecessary burden to ordinary Filipinos during this challenging time,” he said.

Last week, PhilHealth announced its plan to push through with the scheduled contribution rate adjustment t his year to ensure sufficient funding for its healthcare beneficiaries.

The premium is supposed to increase 3.50 percent of monthly basic salary from the current 3 percent which means that those earning below PHP10,000 will have a fixed contribution of PHP350 a month starting January 2021 while those e a r n i n g PH P 70,0 0 0 and higher per month will pay a fixed rate of PHP2,450 monthly.

Under the UHC law, the premium rate shall increase to increments of 0.5 percent ever y year starting 2021 until it reaches 5 percent in 2025. (MNS)

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

O

ver the past few years, the attorneys at Chaleff Rehwald Peterson have had the honor of informing hundreds of caregivers about the specific overtime laws that protect caregivers from being overworked and underpaid. Many of these caregivers decided to call us after reading articles on Weekend Balita or finding us on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/ caregiverovertime/. These are some of our favorite calls to receive. And, as a result of these calls, we have been able to help hundreds of caregivers recover millions in unpaid overtime.

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

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

1. “I Feel Obligated To My Patient.”

By nature, caregivers are typically caring people.

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

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

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

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

The truth is that the family members are obligated to

obligation to properly classify the employee and withhold state and federal income taxes.

If this has not happened, the employer has also violated the law.

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

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

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

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

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

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

While we recommend that our clients pay all taxes owed for the wages received, if a caregiver has not paid taxes on wages, the caregiver still has the legal right to seek the overtime wages due. It is the employer’s

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

You do not need a social security number to recover overtime wages from your employer.

If you succeed in your unpaid overtime claim, Chaleff Rehwald Peterson can help you get an ITIN that can be used to pay the taxes owed.

6. “I Am Concerned About Immigration Status.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This article is an attorney advertisement written by Daniel Chaleff, employment law attorney at Chaleff Rehwald Peterson. Our office is located at 5855 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Suite 400, Woodland Hills, California. We accept cases throughout all of Northern and Southern California. Our examples are of a general nature and are not a guarantee regarding the outcome of your individual matter. The law firm focuses on caregiver rights. Please call us at (818) 807-4168 for a free and confidential consultation. Please visit us at www.caregiverovertime.com/ to learn more about caregiver overtime law. We offer a 24-hour chat line on our website.

P1M worth of liquor, not food bought by hacker who used Gatchalian's credit card

MANILA (Mabuhay) — The hacker who has accessed Senator Sherwin Gatchalian's credit card bought P1 million worth of liquor, not food.

After filing an incident report to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Thursday, Gatchalian said he already got initial information from Foodpanda, the online food delivery marketplace that was used by the hacker.

"Nakausap ko na ang coordinator nila at 'yung president mismo ng Foodpanda at sila po 'yung nagsabi sa akin na ang inorder pala ay alak," he said in a press conference.

"Street address lang ang ibinigay hindi bahay eh," he added.

The hacker was able to make four transactions with a liquor merchant and had the items delivered through the courier after changing the phone number linked to the senator's credit card.

It was delivered somewhere in Makati and in another area which is yet to be identified.

"Dahil nakuha nila ang one-time password, sa isipan ng Foodpanda legitimate ang transaction so dineliver nila ang items," he said.

T he i nc ident is still subject to further investigation, according to Gatchalian.

Further, the senator sa id he will not be

SENATOR SHERWIN GATCHALIAN

paying for the P1 million used in the unauthorized and fraudulent transactions.

Union Bank, meanwhile, said it is already inves-

tigating this "isolated incident."

The bank immediately cut Gatchalian's credit card after receiving a report from him. (MNS)

Duterte wanted party-list system 'removed,' Sotto says MANILA (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte does not want a term extension but rather an amendment to the party-list system under the 1987 Constitution, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said Thursday amid speculations on why charter change deliberation is being revived in the lower chamber.

"Ang sinabi niya, 'I want this problem w it h t he CPP-NPA solved... The best way is we remove the party-list system or change it in the Constitution. So we can call for a constituent assembly and amend that,'" Sotto told reporters in an online interview.

"Wala siyang sinasabing term limits, extension of terms, wala siyang sinasabing no election.

Mainit na mainit siya doon sa CPP-NPA issue. Ang dating sa kaniya, some members of the House of Representatives, particularly the Makabayan bloc, ay symphatizers or connected with the CPP-NPA," he added.

"Something to the effect na it's better if we remove it from the Constitution... 'yun ang dating sa akin."

This meeting with the President, attended by some congress-

men, senators, and high-level members of the Armed Forces, happened about two months ago, according to Sotto.

Sought for comment, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said he was not privy to the details of that meeting.

“I was not in that meeting,” he said.

Aside from the party-list provision, Duterte also proposed amendments to some economic provisions.

The Senate leader said he is disclosing what they have discussed in the meeting to dispel speculations that the administration wants to open the Constitution in order to defer the upcoming 2022 elections.

After that, Sotto said he called for a meeting with the majority of the senators to discuss the matter.

"Bottomline, I do not have yet a concensus of whether the majority of the members of the Senate will be able to do it or not," he said, noting that some senators have an apprehension that other agenda may be pushed once the books had been opened.

Only charter amendments Two administration senators—

Senator Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa and Francis Tolentino—filed a resolution in December asking both houses of Congress to convene as a constituent assembly for the purpose of amending the 1987 Constitution.

The amendments will be limited to the provisions on "democratic representation and the economic prov isions" of the Constitution, the resolution read.

Sotto clarified that charter change is not synonymous to charter amendments.

"I doubt if charter change is possible. Hindi pupuwede, less than two years to go, charter change ang pag-uusapan mo?" he said.

He also offered an alternative way to achieve the amendments proposed by Duterte without touching the Constitution.

"I know the President already said that he is not too keen about it, pero sa akin, Plan A [is] amend na lang the [party-list] law, and if they want to go on with the economic provisions, we can amend it na parang batas and need not open a constituent assembly," Sotto said.

Nonetheless, the Senate leader said he lives by consensus. (MNS)

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Comelec begins bidding for May 2022 polls software MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has allocated over PHP400 million for the procurement of software to be used for the automated elections in May 2022.

In an invitation to bid released on Tue s d ay, t he C omele c s et PHP452,522,321.43 as Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) for the purchase of Automated Elections System (AES) Software for the election management System (EMS), vote counting machines (VCMs) and consolidation and canvassing system (CCS).

It said a complete set of bidding documents may be acquired by interested bidders at the Special Bids and Awards Committee (SBAC) Secretariat Office for PHP50,000 or downloaded from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the Comelec website with the applicable fee to be paid later

on.

The pre-bid conference is set on Wednesday at 10 a.m., online via Microsoft Teams.

Sinovac, Gamaleya, Clover need to complete requirements in application for clinical trials — Vergeire MANILA (Mabuhay) — The applications of Sinovac, Gamaleya, and Clover to conduct clinical trials of their COVID-19 vaccines in the country are still being processed, Health Secretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said on Tuesday.

Vergeire said the manufacturers need to complete some documents.

“We have Sinovac, meron ho tayong Gamaleya, at meron pa ho tayong isa 'yung Clover na kailangan pa rin hong makakumpleto ng kanilang dokumento,” she said.

According to Vergeire, only Janssen received approval to conduct clinical trial for its COVID-19 vaccines in the country so far.

She added that the Vaccine Expert Panel (VEP) has assigned five sites in the country for the conduct of Janssen’s clinical trial.

Aside from these, other potential vaccine products under the World Health Organization (WHO) Solidarity Trial are also expected to undergo clinical trials in the Philippines.

In December, Department of Science and Technology’s VEP council chairperson and member of the WHO scientific steering committee Dr. Nina Gloriani said the solidarity trial is expected to start this month. (MNS)

Palace: Fresh push for ABS-CBN franchise is 'sole prerogative' of Congress MANILA (Mabuhay) — The fate of a fresh bill seeking to grant ABS-CBN Corp a broadcast franchise is "a sole constitutional prerogative of Congress," Malacañang said on Tuesday, nearly half a year after a House panel dominated by President Rodrigo Duterte's allies rejected the network's license application.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Monday filed the bill that sought a 25-year license for the country's erstwhile largest broadcaster, saying "TV stations have been replacing their news programs with animes."

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said his guess is that the bill "will pass only with Palace’s support."

"I beg to differ," Duterte's spokesman Harry Roque said of Recto's comment.

"That is a sole constitutional prerogative of Congress which must originate from the House of Representatives," he told reporters in an online briefing.

Sotto had said "ABS-CBN's wide reach to Filipinos, alongside with the undeniable advantages of broadcast media relative to

The deadline for the submission of bids is on Jan. 20, 2021, at 9 a.m. at the Bureau of the Treasury (BTR) Convention Hall of the Palacio del Goberna-

dor Building in Intramuros, Manila.

The opening of bids is set on the same day at 10 a.m. at the same venue.

It also reminded that only Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships, partnerships, or organizations with at least 60 percent interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines, are allowed to participate in the bidding.

The Comelec added that the bidding will be done through open competitive bidding procedures using a non-discretionary "pass/fail" criterion.

The EMS compiles the number and profile of registered voters, their geographic locations, polling precinct information, among others, all of which are necessary for designing the official ballots.

The CCS does the automated tallying and monitoring of data received from polling precincts and lower levels of the board of canvassers. (MNS)

Total crime volume drops 39.59% in 2020 — PNP MANIL A (Mabuhay) — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday reported a decrease of 39.59 percent in the total eight focus crimes for the year 2020 compared to 2019 mainly due to the implementation of the community quarantine across the country amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Maj. Gen. Marni Marcos, Director of the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM), said the national Total Crime Volume dropped by 39.51 percent -- from 68,214 cases in 2019 to 41,269 cases in 2020.

"The total crime volume for 2020 is significantly lower than that of the previous year," Marcos told reporters in a press briefing in Camp Crame on Monday.

The eight focus crimes include murder, homicide, physical injury, robbery, theft, vehicle theft, motorcycle theft, and rape.

The downtrend in the crime volume for the succeeding months can be attributed as people adapted to the new normal and observed quarantine-related protocols, Marcos said.

Meanwhile, on eight focus crimes, theft has the

largest decrease by almost 50 percent, he added.

Marcos said the number of index crimes decreased by 39.39 percent in 2020 compared to 2019 while there was a slight increase of non-index crimes by 1.43 percent due to the upsurge in the occurrence of quarantine v iolations from March to April.

Index crimes are serious crimes such as murder, homicide, physical injury, robbery, rape, theft, and carjacking, while the non-index crimes are violations of local ordinances and laws and vehicular accidents.

The increase was also attributed to the intensified campaign against illegal drugs.

"Monthly trend of the eight focused crimes in 2020 is significantly lower compared to that of 2019," he said.

Moreover, Marcos attributed the drop of crimes committed to the implementation of enhanced community quarantine, which limited the movement of the people.

“A ssessment on t he cr i me env i ron ment is the general decrease in all eight focused crimes caused by the limitation of the movement of public

mass communication, definitely call for the immediate renewal of the network's franchise."

Batangas 6th District Rep. Vilma Santos-Recto said she would file a counterpart bill to bring back ABS-CBN to free television.

"We need to start rebuilding our economy," Santos-Recto said in a statement. "Through this bill, we will be creating jobs (so many people do not have jobs today) and help promote healthy competition among the networks."

Duterte in December 2019 said he would see to it that ABS-CBN was "out" and from early in his term had accused it of failing to air his 2016 election ads. Despite this, his aides had sought to distance the President from the rejection of ABS-CBN's franchise application.

ABS-CBN, which is owned by the Lopez family, has broadcast continuously since 1953 except between 1972 and 1986 when it was seized by dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

In May last year, the network was forced to halt its TV and radio broadcast operations on orders of the National Telecommunications Commission following the expiration of its previous license.

during the enhanced quarantine,” he said.

Meanwhile, Marcos said the crime clearance efficiency for 2020 improved as compared to the previous year and it can be attributed to the improved templates in suspect identification and constant monitoring and follow up of cases by investigators despite t he cha llenges posed by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

“The continuous enhancement of the next generation of investigation systems or the NGIS has influenced the improvement of crime clearance and solution efficiencies for 2020,” he stressed.

Based on the DIDM data, the crime clearance efficiency for 2019 has 91.72 percent while it has 95.15 percent in 2020 with variance increase of 3.43 percent. The crime solution efficiency in 2019 is 76.37 percent compared 79.74 percent in 2020 with 3.37 variance increase.

“Under the guidance of the Chief PNP, the continuous monitoring and follow up of cases (and) strategies by the investigators contribute in improving crime clearance and solution efficiencies,” he noted. (MNS)

Two months later, the House panel voted to deny its new franchise application despite government regulators and other officials clearing ABS-CBN of alleged tax fraud and violations of foreign ownership restrictions in mass media, among other legal issues.

Duterte has a history of clashing with media outlets critical of his policies, including his controversial drug war that has killed thousands of people.

In the months since losing its free-to-air permit, ABS-CBN has kept showing many of its popular news and entertainment programs on cable TV and online.

But much of the advertising revenue it used to rake in has been wiped out, forcing the broadcaster to retrench thousands of its workers.

In October, ABS-CBN said some of its entertainment shows and movies would be seen on the A2Z channel 11, the newly rebranded Zoe TV 11, through a blocktime arrangement.

The shutdown of ABS-CBN is seen by various sectors as curtailment of the people's right to information, as well as of press freedom. (MNS)

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Duterte signs four new laws — Sotto NBI receives DOJ order to probe illegal COVID-19 vaccination incidents MANILA (Mabuhay) — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)’s Special Action Unit has received the Justice department’s order to probe the use of unregistered COVID-19 vaccines in the country. “...the NBI, through Officerin-Charge (OIC) Eric B. Distor, is hereby directed and granted authority to conduct an investigation on the reported importation, sale, offering for sale, distribution, administration and inoculation of COVID-19 vaccines that are not authorized by or registered with the FDA of the Philippines, and, if evidence warrants, to file the appropriate charges against all persons involved and found responsible for any unlawful actin connection therewith,” the order read.

It also directs Distor to submit reports on the progress of the subject investigation directly to the Office of the Secretary within 10 days and periodically thereafter.

The said department order, dated January 4, however, made no mention of Presidential Security Group (PSG) chief Brigadier General Jesus Durante III's admission that some of his men got inoculated with COVID-19 vaccines which have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Durante even said in a television interview that they inoculated themselves with the vaccine and only informed President Rodrigo Duterte after the fact.

But prior to Durante’s admission, no less than the President spilled the beans that members of the military received COVID-19 vaccine from Chinese firm Sinopharm.

Under the FDA law, it is illegal to import, distribute, manufacture, and use unregistered products, including vaccines.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra earlier said that the NBI probe on entry and administration of illegal COVID-19 vaccines was not in response to the PSG incident.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque has defended PSG’s actions, saying he supports PSG in doing everything and anything they can to protect the President.

Roque also said that such vaccines are of little value.

Prior to the President's statement that members of the military have received vaccine, the Duterte administration promised that health workers—who have the highest exposure to the virus—will be prioritized in the COVID-19 vaccination program of the government.

The FDA is yet to grant any emergency use authorization (EUA) to any COVID-19 vaccine, and only American firm Pfizer has applied for an EUA. (MNS)

MANILA (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte signed four new bills into law, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said Monday.

In a message to reporters, Sotto said the newly signed laws were: -Doktor Para sa Bayan Act (Republic Act 11509) -Alternative Learning System (ALS) Act (Republic Act 11510) -Amendments to Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 (Republic Act 11511) -An act authorizing the President to expedite the processing and issuance of national and local permits, licenses and certifications in times of national emergency (Republic Act 11517) The Doktor Para sa Bayan Act seeks to provide free medical education to “poor but deserving” Filipino students.

Republic Act 11510 institutionalizes the ALS in the country’s basic education program for out-of-school youth and adults.

Republic Act 11511, meanwhile, would strengthen organic agriculture in the Philippines.

The last newly signed law would allow the President to expedite the issuance of permits and licenses in times of national emergency.

(MNS)

SENATE PRESIDENT VICENTE SOTTO III

UK variant-positive traveler in Hong Kong came from Cagayan — DOH MANILA (Mabuhay) — The traveler from the Philippines who tested positive for the new coronavirus variant in Hong Kong was a 30-year-old woman from Cagayan Valley, the Department of Health (DOH) said Wednesday.

Citing a report from the

Hong Kong International Health Regulations National Focal Point and local Centers for Health Development, the DOH said the passenger left Cagayan Valley on December 17.

She arrived in Metro Manila on December 18 and underwent quarantine in

observance of workplace protocols.

On December 19, she took an RT-PCR test for COVID-19, which yielded a negative result.

The traveler departed for Hong Kong on December 22 and again underwent quarantine upon arrival.

She took another swab test on January 2, which tested positive for the coronavirus variant initially discovered in the United Kingdom.

The patient remains in isolation and is in stable condition.

The DOH also said contact tracing efforts were underway to identify other passengers who were aboard the same flight including those in Cagayan Valley and Metro Manila.

“They have been instructed to ensure strict quarantine of identified close contacts and for samples collected from said contacts to be sent for confirmatory testing and, if samples test positive, subsequent whole genome sequencing,” it added.

Health officials in Hong Kong first reported that a traveler from the Philippines tested positive for the new coronavirus variant on Tuesday.

Philippine Airlines later said the passenger presented a negative test result prior to departure.

Meanwhile, the DOH announced that a study of 305 samples did not detect the new variant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. (MNS)

Possible post-holiday surge of COVID-19 cases known by Jan. 15 — Duque MANILA (Mabuhay) — Department of surge of COVID-19 cases in the country amid the Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque celebration of Christmas and New Year’s Day. III on Monday said the expected holiThe DOH said the number of new COVID-19 day-related surge of COVID-19 cases cases in the National Capital Region could -- if ever it happens -- would be known reach 4,000 without aggressive interventions

by January 15. against the spread of the disease during the At the Laging Handa public briefing, holidays.

Duque said the number of new daiHealth Undersecretary Maria Rosario ly infections has been maintained, Vergeire has warned that the number of but noted that the public tends not new daily infections may overwhelm the to consult health professionals during health system capacity to 80% utilization the holiday season. by the end of January in 2021.

“Although napapanatili natin na maOCTA Research’s Guido David said the baba ang bilang ng mga confirmed new 4,000-daily new case projection is “actually cases on a daily basis, hindi pa po tayo on the higher end of the projection rather puwedeng magsalita ng tapos,” he said. than the lower end.”

“Sa January 15 pa lang natin ta“Four thousand is actually a laga malalaman kung ang very critical number because i naa sa ha ng su rge ay last time we went to modmangyayari o hindi,” ified enhanced commuhe added. nity quarantine, we In December, the were at 2,000 per day OCTA Resea rch in Metro Manila,” he DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (DOH) warned of a possible said. (MNS) SECRETARY FRANCISCO DUQUE III

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Duterte extends validity of 2020 budget, Bayanihan 2 MANILA (Mabuhay) — President Rodrigo Duterte has signed laws extending the validity of appropriations

under the 2020 national budget and the Bayanihan to Recover As One Act or Bayanihan 2 as the country contin-

ues to grapple with the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Duterte signed Republic Act 11519

PH logs fastest internet download speed under PRRD MANILA (Mabuhay) — By the end of December 2020, the Duterte administration recorded an all-time high average download speed improvement of 297.47 percent and 202.41 percent for fixed broadband and mobile broadband, respectively, according to the Ookla’s report.

When President Rodrigo R. Duterte took office in July 2016, the Philippine’s average download speeds for fixed and mobile broadband were only at 7.91Mbps (megabits

per second) and 7.44Mbps, and since then, he has been ordering telecommunications companies to keep improving their services.

In his fifth State-of-the-Nation Address last year, Duterte called on the telecommunication companies to improve their services before December.

Based on more than 10 million unique speed tests crowdsourced by Ookla in December 2020 alone, the country’s average download speed for fixed and mobile broadband jumped to 31.44Mbps and 22.50Mbps, respectively.

Prior to the release of Ookla’s year-end report, telcos reported a 500 percent increase in data usage at the start

of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Maintenance work and upgrade for cellular sites also proved to be difficult due to the various coronavirus-related restrictions imposed in the country in addition to the infrastructure devastation brought by recent typhoons.

After getting national government’s support in their call for local government units (LGUs) to expedite permits related to building cellular towers, Globe lauded the Duterte administration’s implementation of the Bayanihan To Recover as One Act. “Previously, we needed to wait and spend years to complete at least 29 permits. But with the help of the Bayanihan To Recover as One Act, LGUs are now enabled to become more open and supportive of our network roll-outs, especially in the past weeks,” said lawyer Froilan Castelo, Globe general counsel.

Smart Communications, Inc. also announced that it will be rolling out additional 2,000 cell sites in 2021 to further improve coverage and connectivity.

Through its Chief Administrative Officer Adel Tamano, Dito revealed it has built roughly 1,900 telecommunications towers as of December 2020, in preparation for its commercial launch target set in March 2021.

“President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive is very clear -- to improve internet connectivity in the Philippines to help the Filipino people better adapt to the new normal. That is why the DICT is doubling its efforts in accelerating the implementation of various digital connectivity initiatives, especially the National Broadband Program,” Department of Information and communication Technology Secretary Gregorio B. Honasan II said in a news release on Monday.

By 2021, Honasan said the Filipinos “can already feel the effects of said initiative.” (MNS)

which allows appropriations under Bayanihan 2 available for release, obligation, and disbursement until June 30, 2021.

The 2020 budget expired last Dec. 31, 2020.

He also signed RA 11520 which allows appropriations under Bayanihan 2, including budgetary support to government-owned and controlled corporations, available for release and disbursement until Dec. 31, 2021.

Bayanihan 2, which lapsed last Dec. 19, 2020, provides for a stimulus package of PHP140 billion in regular appropriation and PHP25 billion as standby fund to be utilized to cushion the effects of the pandemic and strengthen the efforts in gradually reopening the economy.

It is the second installment of the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act (Bayanihan 1), which gave Duterte emergency powers to address the Covid-19 crisis in the country.

The DBM is authorized to formulate rules and regulations for the implementation of RA 11519 and necessary guidelines for the implementation of RA 11520.

A total of PHP148 billion in the appropriation under the two laws are still unreleased, according to the DBM. Data from DBM showed that PHP110 billion from the 2020 national budget has yet to be released.

Around PHP38 billion of the PHP140 billion funding under the Bayanihan 2 has also yet to be released.

Last Dec. 14, Duterte certified both legislations as urgent to address the Covid-19 pandemic.

Both laws were signed by Duterte on Dec. 29 but only released to reporters on Wednesday. (MNS)

Senator Francis Pangilinan

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Bea Alonzo claims 2021 will be a 'spiritual year' for her

A

ctress Bea Alonzo took to social media to share her realizations on life as she welcomes the new year.

On Instagram, Alonzo said she hopes to emerge a better person in 2021.

"Let the sunshine in. Last year brought so many changes in my life, and changes can be terrifying when you think about it. But this year, I have decided to embrace all the transitions meant to make me grow. I have decided to embrace my reality. I am letting the waves take away all my worries, self-doubt, and fears.

I am releasing myself," Alonzo, who decided to leave ABS-CBN's talent arm Star Magic last November, said.

The actress also shared her hope for a spiritual growth this year.

BEA ALONZO "And though we live in a world am sure that I have a God whose where changes are meant to love for me will never change. happen, may it be the weather, So, I am claiming that this year trends, prices, or even people; I will be a more spiritual year for

me. I am taking a step towards knowing HIM and letting HIM take control of my destiny.

Ikaw? Anong realizations mo?" she added.

ABS-CBN stressed that it respects Alonzo's decision.

"After a series of consultations, Bea Alonzo has decided to pursue her professional goals under a new talent management.

Bea has subsequently advised ABS-CBN that she has appointed Ms. Shirley Kuan to represent her as manager. We respect her decision. ABS-CBN has full confidence that Ms. Kuan, an industry veteran, will manage Bea with the same attention and care that Star Magic has devoted to Bea’s professional career," ABS-CBN said in a statement released at the time.

"Even if Bea is no longer with Star Magic, she will always remain a Kapamilya."

Alonzo is set to star in the

In intimate vlog, Janella and Markus chronicle becoming parents, welcoming baby Jude

JANELLA SALVADOR

MAniLA (Mabuhay) — Janella Salvador and Markus Paterson finally revealed on Tuesday becoming first-time parents, confirming months-long speculation surrounding their abrupt exit from showbiz, as well as their relationship.

The celebrity couple, currently in the United Kingdom, shared the milestone in a vlog on their newly launched YouTube channel M & J. Jude was born in the afternoon of October 20, 2020, as seen in footage of Salvador cradling her baby for the first time in her hospital bed.

Salvador and Paterson narrated the vlog as a letter to Jude, with footage dating back to February 2020, when they first confirmed the pregnancy.

Salvador and Paterson, both 22, found out Jude’s sex in June May 2020. “I knew it! It’s a boy!” a screaming Salvador said.

In videos dated June and July, Salvador’s pregnancy tummy has noticeably grown, with the actress maintaining some level of fitness regimen.

In September, Salvador and Paterson f lew to the latter’s hometown in England, where the couple appeared to spend their bonding moments outdoors.

In perhaps the most intimate glimpse of their new life as parents, dated October 20, Salvador and Paterson showed footage of the moments before Jude’s birth, and the baby finally being brought to his mother.

The end of the vlog then showed many close friends and family members of Salvador and Paterson greeting the newborn, saying, “Hey, Jude,” after the iconic Beatles song, with their respective message expressing their excitement to personally meet him. (MNS)

Andrea Brillantes fulfills 'most difficult dream' that's been 10 years in the making MAniLA (Mabuhay) — Andrea Brillantes felt extremely proud after fulfilling one of her biggest dreams that was 10 years in the making.

On her Instagram page, Brillantes shared a photo of her new house which she built from her earnings as an actress and an endorser.

“You were my longest (10 years) and most difficult dream to come true,” she said.

“You have always been at the back of my mind since I was young pushing me to work harder. I’m so happy you made it this year with everything that happened, im soooo happy,” she added.

Brillantes thanked all her fans who supported her projects through the years, say-

ing she would not have come this far without all of them.

She also thanked her home network, ABS-CBN, and all the brands she endorses for “trusting and believing in me.”

To end her post, Brillantes wrote: “Happy New Year everyone!!!! May we all be blessed and have breakthroughs this 2021.”

This year, Brillantes’ fans should expect to see more of her through the upcoming inspirational series, in the vein of “May Bukas Pa.” Brillantes will also have fresh digital offerings with the other Gold Squad members Seth Fedelin, Kyle Echarri and Francine Diaz.

(MNS)

Philippine adaptation of the hit Korean film "A Moment to Remember" opposite Alden Richards.

The Korean film, which was was based in 2001 Japanese drama "Pure Soul" and released in November 2004, follows the love story of a woman who has early-onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

In her vlog posted on her YouTube channel last October, Alonzo said she wants to work with Richards in a movie because “he’s such a nice person.”

“I’ve worked with him, sobrang bait. Hindi lang siya, pati 'yung team niya. I had the best time with him,” she said.

Sharing what she thinks of him as an artist, Alonzo said: “I think he’s a very, very good actor. Napanood ko yung ‘Hello, Love, Goodbye.’ Sobrang galing nila ni Kathryn (Bernardo) doon.” (MNS)

On their 10th year, Marco Alcaraz hints at 1 more child with Lara Quigaman

LARA & MARCO MAniLA (Mabuhay) — Beauty queen-turnedactress Lara Quigaman marked her 10th wedding anniversary with her husband, actor Marco Alcaraz.

Alcaraz took to Instagram not just to mark their anniversary but also to greet his wife a happy birthday.

"Before the day ends, I want to greet my beautiful wife, our super mom a happy happy birthday. Thanks for taking care of me and our kids! Parang kayang kaya mo pa na 1 pa. You the best!! Blessed to call you my wife," Alcaraz told Quigaman, who celebrated her birthday on Sunday.

Posting sweet snaps from their dinner date, Quigaman had this to say to Alcaraz.

"10 years of marriage. 120 months, 521 weeks. 3,650 days as husband and wife. 87,600 hours. 5,256,000 minutes.

300,154,000 seconds of hugging, kissing, fighting, laughing, arguing, annoying each other only to kiss and laugh all over again. 1 decade already love and 3 kids in 10 years!

I want more... more years, not kids ha?"

Quigaman wrote in the caption.

"Love you, thank you for loving me and for putting up with me. Happy anniversary!

Flooding my stories with some of my fave photos of us throughout our 10 years as husband and wife," she added.

Quigaman and Alcaraz first married in civil wedding rites in Vancouver, Canada on January 1, 2011. Two years later, they tied the knot again in Cavite on July 8, 2012.

Quigaman and Alcaraz welcomed their third child, Moses, just last September.

Baby Moses shares his birthday with his two-year-old brother, Tobias Nolan.

The couple's eldest child Noah turned 8 years old last November. (MNS)

Entertainment

Saturday-Friday | January 9 - 15, 2021

Barbie Imperial found 'love and friendship' in Diego Loyzaga

B

arbie Imperial finally confirmed her relationship with Diego Loyzaga several days after the latter first made the revelation on social media.

In her own Instagram page, Imperial shared her “favorite photo” with Loyzaga while saying that she never thought they would be a couple.

“Totally unexpected to fall for someone I thought I’d be just friends with forever but I’m really happy to have found both love & friendship with this one,” she said.

Imperial went on to thank Loyzaga for making her “happy and feel loved.”

“Thank you for everything that you do to make me feel the love I deserve. So thankful for you, thank God for you,” she said.

While labeling herself as “cheesy” because of her post, Imperial pleaded for understanding saying “pagbigyan ngayon lang ulit naging ganito.”

The couple first sparked rumors of a romance in November, when Loyzaga left a comment on Imperial’s bikini photo on Instagram.

In an interview, Imperial said it was their circle of friends that nudged them to try dating each other since they have known each other for quite a while already.

"Actually po, magkaibigan talaga kami before pa. Super close talaga kami. Matagal po kaming hindi nagkita pero isa lang din po yung grupo namin. Tapos yung mga friends po namin, gusto nila ‘Try niyo kaya mag-date ni Diegs.’ Tapos parang kami, ‘Huwag na, huwag na,’" she said.

"Kasi parang nung 2018, parang ang dami ko nang pinagdaanan sa

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Sharon Cuneta takes much-needed break ahead of birthday M A NIL A (Mabuhay) — Sharon Cuneta is taking some time off the hustle and bustle of the city life as she marks her 55th birthday this week.

On Instagram, the screen veteran shared a photo of a pool from an undisclosed location saying she needed and deserves this break.

“Made it through all the trials of 2020. Helped happily as much as I could, got hurt, even by some I trusted and loved most; lost people I loved, lost friends but made new ones. Treasuring my most loyal friends more. Birthday’s coming up and I chose to leave the city,” she said.

Cuneta said she needed to “get away and let go of all things and people negative and toxic” as she embarks on another year in her life.

“Thank God for this opportunity and for huge lessons He woke me up to just before the end of the past year! Needed this.

The beach, a pool villa. Heck I deserve this! Nothing like fresh, clean air and a COVID-free environment! Before going back to reality and doing what I can for others,” she said.

For Cuneta, it is also important to put yourself first sometimes.

Without actually revealing where she is spending some quiet time, Cuneta shared: “Thank God for places like this - my happy place in the country for decades now.”

Divulging her birthday wish, Cuneta wrote: “Happy boitday to me in a few days! Love you all! May God shower us with blessings and give us strength and faith.” (MNS)

Miriam Quiambao ends 2020 with pregnancy announcement

DIEGO & BARBIE love life and si Diegs din. So parang ako, hindi. Hindi kami perfect for each other nung time na yun. Recently na pumunta sila sa house, parang ako, hindi pa rin eh," she added.

At that time, Imperial explained that her reluctance to be with Loyzaga was because she never wants to break his heart.

"Kaibigan ko siya eh. And alam ko po yung pinagdaanan niya.

Ayaw ko maging babae na ibebreak yung heart ni Diegs. So parang tinuloy namin na maging friends na lang muna tayo.

Kapag alam mo po kasi yung pinagdaanan ng isang tao, ayaw mo siyang ibalik sa situation na yun ulit," she said.

After that interview, Loyzaga and Imperial were then spotted on a date at a museum in Antipolo in December. (MNS)

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Former beauty queen Miriam Quiambao and her husband, fellow inspirational speaker Ardy Roberto, have ended the year on a high note by announcing that they are expecting another child.

The Miss Universe 1999 first runner-up said they found out about the "surprise" before Christmas as they showed a sonogram of their baby.

"Today, as of this recording (December 26), I am eight weeks and six days pregnant," she said, adding that she will find out about if their baby is a girl or boy "by next week," during her prenatal testing.

Quiambao considers her second baby a "miracle" just like her firstborn Elijah, cit-

ing her spontaneous pregnancy at the age of 45.

"Another miracle ito. Imagine, 45 years old na ako, 1 to 2% chance again of getting pregnant.

Tapos ito wala pang mga workups, spontaneous pregnancy siya," she said.

Roberto, for his part, said: "We just want to encourage everybody who's down and out or just low on hope this 2020 not to give up hope. And whatever your dreams, whatever you're praying for, there's nothing really impossible with God." Quiambao first got pregnant in 2018 at the age of 43, after four years of trying to conceive.

She tied the knot with Roberto in March 2014. (MNS)

‘Quezon’s Game’ wins big at 7th Urduja Heritage Film Awards MANILA (Mabuhay) — “Quezon’s Game,” the Star Cinema film about President Manuel L. Quezon’s legacy of welcoming Jewish refugees to the Philippines during the Holocaust, won nine trophies at the recent 7th Urduja Heritage Film Awards.

The 2019 biopic by Matthew Rosen was awarded best heritage film, alongside Brillante Mendoza’s “Mindanao,” Eduardo Roy Jr.’s “Lola Igna,” and Alvin Yapan’s “Culion.”

“Quezon’s Game” also clinched the trophies for best actor (Raymond Bagatsing), best supporting actor (Billy Ray Gallion), and best supporting actress (Rachel Alejandro).

Aside from being named best director, Rosen was also recognized with awards for cinematography and production design. His son, Dean Rosen, fetched the best screenplay award, also for “Quezon’s Game.”

Similarly fetching multiple awards are “Culion” amd “Lola Igna” with five each, and “Mindanao” and Cathy Garcia-Molina’s “Hello, Love, Goodbye” with four each.

The trophies will be handed out to winners at a forthcoming ceremony coinciding with Urduja Film Festival School and Open Film Competition, organizers said.

Below is the full list of winners: Best Heritage Film: QUEZON’S GAME

MINDANAO LOLA IGNA CULION Jury Prize: ISKA (Drama) METAMORPHOSIS, MGA BATANG POS (Advocacy) HELLO LOVE GOODBYE (Romance) BABAE AT BARIL, WATCH ME KILL, DEAD KIDS (Suspense/Thriller) Best Actor: R AYMOND BAGATSING, Quezon’s Game ALLEN DIZON, Mindanao ALDEN RICHARDS, Hello Love Goodbye Best Actress: JUDY ANN SANTOS, Mindanao IZA CALZADO, Culion JANINE GUTIERREZ, Babae at Baril Best Supporting Actor: YVES FLORES, Lola Igna BILLY RAY GALLION, Quezon’s Game MIKE LIWAG, Culion Best Supporting Actress: RACHEL ALEJANDRO, Quezon’s Game JACLYN JOSE, Khalel 15 SUZETTE RANILLO, Culion Best Actor in Comedy or Musical: CARLO AQUINO, Isa Pa With Feelings ENCHONG DEE, Elise NAR CABICO, Akin Ang Korona Best Actress in Comedy or Musical: ANGIE FERRO, Lola Igna

SUE RAMIREZ, Cuddle Weather GABBI GARCIA, Last Song Syndrome Best Director: MATTHEW ROSEN, Quezon’s Game BRILLANTE MENDOZA, Mindanao EDUARDO ROY, Lola Igna ALVIN YAPAN, Culion Best New Lead Actor: GOLD AZERON, Metamorphosis ROYCE CABRERA, Fuccbois JEROME PONCE, Finding You Best New Lead Actress: RUBY RUIZ, Iska SUE PRADO, Alma Ata LOUISE DE LOS REYES, Hanggang Kailan Best Young Actor: ELIJAH CANLAS, Khalel 15 LOUISE ABUEL, Edward JANSEN MAGPUSAO, John Denver Trending KELVIN MIRANDA, Dead Kids Best Young Actress: THERESE MALVAR, Distance BARBARA MIGUEL, Gasping for Air GABBY PADILLA, Khalel 15 ANDREA BRILLANTES, Banal Best Actor in a Cameo Role: WILLIAM LORENZO, Hello Love Goodbye JC SANTOS, Babae At Baril AUDIE GEMORA, Quezon’s Game Best Actress in a Cameo Role: MERRYL SORIANO, Lola Igna SUZETTE RANILLO, Jowable

MARICEL LAXA PANGILINAN, Hello Love Goodbye Best New Performer: FINO HERRERA, Mga Batang Pos CARLOS DALA, Gasping for Air RAVEN MOLINA, Mga Batang Pos IVAN PADILLA, 12 Best Cinematography: MATTHEW ROSEN, Quezon’s Game Best Production Design: MATTHEW ROSEN, Quezon’s Game Best Screenplay: DEAN ROSEN, Quezon’s Game. (MNS)

16

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Saturday-Friday | January 9 - 15, 2021

Boracay, Palawan included in Condé Nast beach list

MA NIL A – White Beach, Boracay and El Nido, Palawan have placed second and ninth, respectively, in the Condé Nast’s Traveler's 25 Best Island Beaches in the World: 2020 Readers' Choice Awards list.

In a new release on Wednesday, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said the inclusion of the two destinations in the prestigious travel publication’s annual Readers’ Choice Awa rd s i s "sheer recognition of their unparalleled beauty and uniquely diverse resources."

“We would like to thank the travelers who voted for our destinations. We draw inspiration from this warm reception and solid vote of confidence from our satisfied patrons. As our destinations gradually reopen with health and safety measures in place, we will continue our conservation and protection efforts of these areas,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.

“Boracay is a screensaver brought to life, with dazzling white sand, so-clearyou-can-see-yourtoes water, and a lush jungle backdrop, available to anyone willing to make the

journey. The island used to fly under the radar with one of the most beautiful beaches in the world – but the secret's out. Now the three-mile White Beach, with its grottos and beachside dining (and nightlife), is its busiest swath of sand,” wrote Conde Nast’s Caitlin Morton.

On El Nido, Morton gushed, “Shockingly, Pa law a n rema i n s steadily under the radar, even though it continues to rank highly in our Readers' Choice Awards. El Nido alone is home to around 50 white sand beaches – it’s impossible to choose just one – all of which are set around dramatic limestone formations and have the finest and whitest sand you’ll ever see. The water is so blindingly blue it makes the Caribbean Sea look murky in comparison. And the sunsets?

Well, they’ll ruin you for life. Consider yourself warned.”

Both Boracay and El Nido are open to domest ic tour ists coming from general community quarantine (GCQ) and modified GCQ areas with health and safety protocols, which you can find at www.philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at

Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan app.philippines.travel.

As a means to make domestic travel more affordable, the DOT, through the Tourism Promotions Board, encourages domestic tourists to avail of the 50-percent subsidized reverse transcription - polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests.

The program, in collaboration with the University of the Philippines - Philippines General Hospital and the Philippine Children's Medical Center, brings down the test cost to PHP900 and PHP750, respectively.

To apply, visit https:// www.tpb.gov.ph/rtpcrphtravel/. (PNA)

El Nido, Palawan

Hotels not listed staycation AEs can’t accept leisure guests MANILA – The Department of Tourism (DOT) reminded all hotels in areas under general community quarantine to secure a certificate to operate as staycation hotels first before accepting guests checking in for leisure.

This came after City Garden Grand Hotel in Makati City was flagged on Tuesday for accepting overnight guests when it is being used as a quarantine facility.

"The Department of Tourism reiterates that there are only fifteen accredited accommodation establishments (AEs) in Metro Manila that operate as staycation hotels as of 05 January 2021," it said Tuesday.

These staycation hotels are the following: --Grand Hyatt Hotel Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat --Makati Shangri-La Hotel --Okada Manila Hotel --Aruga by Rockwell guests for leisure or may not --Shangri-La at the Fort --Sheraton Manila Hotel be in operation at this time.

--Nobu Hotel --Hilton Manila, and; “We would like to cor--Joy Nostalg Hotel and Suites Manila --Hotel Okura Manila. rect the misperception that --EDSA Shangri-La Manila all four- or five-star rated --Solaire Resort, Hyatt Regency City Other AEs not on the accommodation establishof Dreams list are either operating as ments (AEs) can operate as --Nuwa Hotel City of Dreams quarantine hotels, which staycation hotels. For such --The Peninsula Manila are banned from accepting hotel to accept guests for lei-

sure purposes, it has to apply for a Certificate of Authority to Operate as Staycation (CAOS) hotel," Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.

"With the authority is the responsibility to strictly adhere to the minimum health and safety guidelines. One has to pass the rigid inspection to ascertain that measures and systems are put in place and diligently practiced on a daily basis.”

She added that concerned AEs cannot concurrently operate as a quarantine facility.

Meanwhile, she also assured that the DOT is on "heightened alert" and will have zero tolerance for even the slightest violation of health protocols as new Covid variant spread outside the region.

“Lives are on the line and our economic recovery depends on everybody being responsible. Let us all perform our duties well. Each has an important role to play in man-

aging this crisis," she said.

It did not drop any names, but the DOT warned hotels and tour operators that continue to post invitations or make false, deceptive, and misleading claims or statements to solicit business from clients.

It said these non-staycation enterprises have been using social media to carry their ads.

For AEs and new enterprises that are interested to apply for accreditation, the DOT’s online accreditation system can be accessed through Accreditation Portal (https://accreditation.tourism.gov.ph/).

Meanwhile, the public is advised to check the status of the establishment before booking.

The AEs for quarantine purposes are found in this link: FACILITIES INSPECTED AS OF December 21, 2020 | Bureau of Quarantine (http:// quarantine.doh.gov.ph/facilities-inspected-as-of-december-21-2020/). (PNA)

Balita Weekend Balita, Sat.-Fri., August 18 - 24, Saturday-Friday | January 9 - 15, 2021

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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 fail from Heaven a Shower of Roses.

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beseech you to answer my petition (mention here) and to carry out your promises of spending Heaven doing good on earth...of letting fall from Heaven a Shower of Roses. Little Flower, give me your childlike faith, to see the Face of God in the people and experiences of my life, and to love God with full confidence. St. Therese, my Carmelite Sister, I will fulfill your plea ‘to be made known everywhere’ and I will continue to lead others to Jesus through you. Amen THANK YOU - SHAHELA

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Most Holy Apostle St. Jude Thaddeus, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the name of the traitor who delivered your beloved Master Call Bruno 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 Mae Morgan Agency is hiring a with Staffing mention your petition) and that I may bless God you and all Coordinator To join our Staffing Team for Jude our to be PRAYERS the elect throughout eternity. I promise you, O blessed South Bay office. areand a home carecease agency ever mindful of this greatWe favor, I will never to and honor you PRAYER TO BLESSED VIRGIN as my special and powerful patron to do allour in clients my power to a Staffing Coordinator’s job isand to match (Never known to fail). O Most Beautiful Flower of Mt. Carmel, Fruitful encourage devotion to you.

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You are so powerful in obtaining every need of body and spirit from this cause in your hands (3 times). 3 Our Father, 3 Hail Mary, 3 Glory the Heart of God. Holy Mother Church proclaims you ‘Prodigy of BeSay this prayer for 3 consecutive days. You must publish it, and it Miracles... the Greatest of Modern Now I fervently *Some basicSaint computer skillsTimes.’ needed will be granted to you.- KORY

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Miracles... the Greatest Saint of Modern Times.’ Now I fervently Janice beseech you to answer my petition (mention here) and to carry or out your promises of spending Heaven doing good on earth...of letting fall from Heaven a Shower of Roses. Little Flower, give Brenda 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 PRAYER will continue to lead others to Jesus through you. Amen THANK YOU - SHAHELA

PRAYER TO SAINT JUDE O most holy apostle, Saint Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honoureth and invoke thee universally, as the patron of hopeless cases, and of things almost despaired of.

Pray for me, who am so miserable. Make use, I implore thee, of that particular privilege accorded to thee, to bring visible and speedy help where help was almost despaired of. Come to mine assistance in this great need, that I may receive the consolation and succor of Heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly (here make your request) and that I may praise God with thee and all the elect throughout eternity.

I promise thee, O blessed Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favour, to always honour thee as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to thee. Amen. —ADA

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Saturday-Friday || January January 99 -- 15, 15, 2021 2021 Saturday-Friday

Expert doesn't rule out presence of new COVID-19 variant in PH MANILA (Mabuhay) — A health expert is not ruling out the possibility of the presence of a new, more transmissible COVID-19 variant in the Philippines, calling on the public to remain vigilant.

"At this point, we haven't detected it but we shouldn't assume that it's not here," said Dr. Edsel Salvaña, a member of the government's Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) technical working group on new coronavirus variants.

"We should still take care and do prerequisite

vigilance because even the original virus, even if it's not the variant, can still cause spikes."

This, despite the Department of Health (DOH) statement Wednesday that it has not detected the new coronavirus variant in the country.

This is based on results of gene sequencing from over 300 samples of COVID-19-positive travelers from the United Kingdom and other countries where the new variant had already spread.

"I don't think you can say that it is cleared. All you can say is it's not detected because you're not

IATF creates technical working group on Covid-19 variants MANILA (Mabuhay) — In compliance with President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) established a Technical Working Group (TWG) on Covid-19 Variants.

The TWG, formed through IATF Resolution No. 92, is part of efforts to prevent the entry of a new coronavirus variant that emerged in the United Kingdom and is believed to be more infectious than the original variant.

“This Technical Working Group will monitor and identify the occurrence of new variants of Covid-19 in the country and will provide policy recommendations to the IATF on the appropriate response regarding these variants,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.

According to the resolution, the TWG will be chaired

by Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire while Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) Executive Director Jaime Montoya will serve as co-chair.

Other members include Dr. Anna Ong-Lim of the DOH Technical Advisor y Group (TAG); Dr. Marissa Alejandria of the DOH TAG; Dr. Edsel Maurice Salvana of the DOH TAG; Dr. Celia Carlos of the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine; Dr. Eva Maria Cutiongco-dela Paz of the University of the

Philippines National Institutes of Health; Dr. Cynthia Saloma of the University of the Philippines–Philippine Genome Center; and Dr. John Wong of health research institution Epimetrics Inc. The DOH, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Tourism, the Department of the Interior and Local Government particularly for local government units, Department of Information and Communications Technology, the Office of the Presidential Spokesperson and the Presidential Communications Operations Office are directed to further strengthen their enforcement, monitoring, and communication efforts or impose such other additional specific measures to mitigate the possible holiday surge of Covid-19 cases.

The resolution stated that all foreign travelers coming from countries/jurisdictions covered by travel restrictions for the new variant of Covid-19, or with a travel history in those areas within the last 14 days before arrival in the Philippines will not be permitted entry to the Philippines.

However, local/accredited foreign diplomats and international organizations such as the World Health Organization and the United Nations will be exempted from quarantine protocols as long as they will undergo reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test

upon arrival at the airport, execute an undertaking, and observe strict 14-day quarantine.

Also exempted are foreign dignitaries who will observe existing testing and quarantine protocols upon arrival and those for medical and emergency cases, including their medical escorts.

Filipino citizens coming from countries/jurisdictions where travel restrictions are in place, or who have been to the said areas within14 days immediately preceding arrival in the Philippines must strictly observe an absolute 14-day facility-based quarantine period, except for highly exceptional and/or medical reasons, which the Department of Health would determine.

Any individual arriving in the Philippines who may have received vaccination for Covid-19 in other countries/jurisdictions will still be required to observe the mandatory testing and quarantine protocols.

IATF Resolution No. 92 was approved last Jan. 5 via videoconference.

On Tuesday, Hong Kong bared that it has detected the new UK Covid-19 variant from a passenger who arrived from Manila last month.

Hong Kong health authorities found the new variant from a 30-year old female resident who arrived from Manila on Dec. 22, 2020 via a Philippine Airlines flight.

(MNS)

going to process every single person who is positive. Again, we do purposive sampling in terms of likelihood," said Salvaña, also the director of the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology at the University of the Philippines - National Institutes of Health.

He added, "As far as we're concerned, the samples that we tested, we're not able to detect the new variant. It's also less likely that there's community transmission of this variant but it doesn't mean it's not here." (MNS)

Gordon: PRC can roll out saliva test in 1-2 weeks once gov’t gives go signal

SENATOR RICHARD GORDON MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Philippine Red Cross can launch the saliva test for COVID-19 detection in the country in about two weeks once the government allows it to do so, Senator Richard Gordon said Wednesday.

"Hinahanda na namin ang gagamitin para the moment na ma-swak 'yan eh tuloy-tuloy na tayo. Mamili na lang sila kung ano ang gusto nilang test," Gordon, chairman of the PRC, said.

"Kung mabigyan kaming formal agreement siguro in about one week or two weeks tapos 'yan, gawa na kaagad 'yan, aandar na 'yan. Uunahin natin ang Metro Manila," he added.

The saliva test would be cheaper compared to the RT-PCR test as it will likely be priced at P2,000 or less, according to Gordon.

Its results can be generated in just three hours, he added.

President Rodrigo Duterte said the country should use it, citing information from the senator that its results are 99% accurate.

The Department of Health, meanwhile, said it needs further study.

"Kahit na sinabi ng Pangulo, hintayin natin sila kasi baka bawiin na naman eh," Gordon said.

Refuting the DOH claim that it sent its recommendations to the PRC last November, he said the letter was only received on Tuesday.

"Natanggap namin ang sulat January 5, dated January 5 sa kanila. Akala siguro ni Dr. [Maria Rosario] Vergeire naipadala niya, eh siguro nabinbin," he said. "Sa isip niya, 'Nagawa ko na ang sulat' pero hindi dumating sa amin. Kaya kami nagpa-follow up eh." (MNS)

Nearly half of Pinoys opt to skip COVID-19 vaccine: Pulse Asia

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Nearly half or 47 percent of Filipinos said they would not get themselves vaccinated against COVID-19, a Pulse Asia survey revealed Thursday.

Of 2,400 adults surveyed, 47 percent said they would skip the inoculation, while 32 percent said they would get vaccinated and 21 percent were undecided.

The prevailing opinion was most popular in Visayas (55 percent), followed by Mindanao (48 percent), Balance Luzon (46 percent), and Metro

Manila (41 percent).

Concern about the safety of the vaccines, at 84 percent, is primarily the reason of those who said they would not get vaccinated, according to the survey.

The sentiment was highest in Metro Manila at 89 percent, followed by Visayas at 88 percent, Balance Luzon at 84 percent, and Mindanao at 79 percent.

Meantime, some 5 percent said a vaccination was not required to combat COVID-19, while 7 percent

were concerned that it might not be free, and 4 percent said it might be expensive.

The government must exert more effort in its vaccination campaigns after a decline in confidence following the Dengvaxia controversy, health reform advocate Tony Leachon earlier said.

In late 2017, t he government stopped its nationwide dengue vaccination program and pulled Dengvaxia off the market after drugmaker Sanofi warned that the vaccine might cause severe symptoms if given to those who did not have prior exposure to the mosquito-borne disease.

“Nanggaling ang takot na 'yan sa sad story natin sa Dengvaxia fiasco. 'Yun minadali, safety issue 'yun.

Hindi dumaan sa medical community, diretso sa DepEd (Department of Education),” said Dr. Tony Leachon, referring to the anti-dengue vaccine that was reported to cause severe symptoms when administered on those who have never had the mosquito-borne disease.

An OCTA Research Group study earlier found that only 25 percent of

Metro Manila residents are willing to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The capital region is home to roughly a tenth of the Philippines' 100 million population.

Only 1 in 4 Metro Manila residents willing to take COVID-19 vaccine — OCTA survey The 75 percent vaccine hesitancy is "very dangerous," former Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral earlier said.

"We need to make them understand that vaccines are effective and safe. And that if they take it, the chances of developing this dreaded coronavirus illness are going to be reduced by very significant number," she said.

"We need to make sure that we reach everybody with the correct information so that they can choose for themselves whether they will accept the vaccine or not."

The Philippines is expected to begin its COVID-19 vaccination program in the second quarter as the first batch of its order from AstraZeneca is scheduled to arrive in May. (MNS)

Saturday-Friday | January 9 - 15, 2021

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Philippine vaccine deals with Moderna, Pfizer likely in two weeks' time, says envoy MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Philippines will know in two weeks' time how many vaccines against COVID-19 it could get from Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez said Thursday.

Romualdez said Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the country's vaccine czar, is set to sign contracts with the two pharmaceutical companies regarding vaccine supply soon.

"We've been meeting with Moderna and Pfizer and mukang si Secretary Galvez ay malapit nang mapirmahan yung kontrata na we're trying to get vaccines from these two pharmaceutical companies," Romualdez said.

"Meron na siyang kausap sa Moderna at Pfizer, malalaman natin within the next couple of weeks, I think within the next two weeks, kung how many of their vaccines we'll be able to get."

Period of delivery, however, is yet to be determined, according to Romualdez, but Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Council for Health Research Development executive director Jaime Montoya earlier said COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna could be the first ones to be made available in the country.

Galvez has earlier said they are expecting to "strike a deal"

with vaccine-makers in January 2021.

Pfizer, an American firm, in December 2020 submitted to the Food and Drug Administration an application for emergency use authorization. The FDA said decision will be out by January 14.

Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine has been proven at least 95% effective after human trials. Since then, it has secured EUA from the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Singapore, among others.

Around 50 million to 70 million Filipinos are expected to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in 2021, according to the government. (MNS)

AMBASSADOR JOSE MANUEL ROMUALDEZ

Philippines requires travelers who received COVID-19 vaccine abroad to undergo testing, quarantine MANIL A (Mabuhay) — Persons who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 abroad must still undergo screening for the virus and quarantine upon arrival in the Philippines, the government’s pandemic task force said.

In a resolution approved on Tuesday, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) said it made the decision given the “current limited knowledge as to the effect of available vaccines on the transmissibility of COVID-19.”

Several countries such as the Unit-

ed States, United Kingdom, and China already have started vaccinations in a bid to reduce the spread of the virus that has so far killed 1.86 million people worldwide.

The Philippines is expected to begin its immunization program within the first half of the year.

The IATF, meanwhile, exempted foreign diplomats and members of international organizations from the travel restrictions due to the new coronavirus variant that was first detected in the United Kingdom.

Still, these individuals must undergo RT-PCR test upon arrival and

14-day quarantine. Also exempted from the entry ban are those for medical and emergency cases, including their medical escorts, if any.

Filipinos coming from countries/ jurisdictions where travel restrictions are in place, or who have been to the said areas in the last 14 days must strictly observe the 14-day facility-based quarantine period save for highly exceptional and/or medical reasons upon the determination of the Department of Health.

Covering 21 countries, the travel restrictions will last until January 15. (MNS)

9 out of 10 NCR residents wear face masks - OCTA survey

MANILA (Mabuhay) — A large majority or 93% of Metro Manila residents wear face masks to protect themselves from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the results of an OCTA Research poll showed on Wednesday.

In a non-commissioned survey conducted from December 9 to 13 last year, the independent group of experts spoke to 600 respondents aged 18 and above to learn about their observance of health protocols against COVID-19.

The survey found that most Metro Manila residents follow health protocols, with 83% saying they use face shields, 89% regularly wash their hands, and 73% practice social distancing.

Frequency of use Among those who said they use face masks, 83% said they always wear masks when outside their homes, while 16% said they wear masks most of the time.

The poll also found that 61% of respondents always use a face shield, 31% wear one most of the time, 7% only use face shields sometimes, while 1% rarely wear face shields when outside their homes.

As for social distancing, only 67% of respondents said they

always keep a safe distance from others, 29% said they do most of the time, and 3% said they only practice physical distancing sometimes.

Among those who said they wash their hands several times daily, 77% said they do it always, 19% most of the time, and 4% only sometimes.

Other measures taken vs COVID-19 The survey also found that 73% of respondents always cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

Other measures taken by the respondents to protect themselves from COVID-19 are staying home unless they need to go out for essential reasons, praying, taking vitamins, avoiding crowded areas, avoiding people who are sick, avoiding travel, and seeking medical attention when they’re unwell.

Observance of protocols rises with education level The OCTA Research team said the proportion of respondents who said they observe health protocols against COVID-19 was slightly higher among those more educated.

Ninety-three percent of college, high school, and vocational course graduates said they use face masks, compared to 90% of elementary graduates.

The proportion of respondents who said they use face shields was highest among high school graduates at 84%, followed by college graduates with 81%, elementary graduates with 80%, and vocational course graduates with 79%.

Ninety-two percent of high school graduates also said they regularly wash their hands, followed by vocational course graduates with 89%, college graduates with 87%, and elementary graduates with 85%.

Meanwhile, the proportion of respondents who said they practice social distancing was highest among elementary graduates at 80%, followed by college graduates at 74%, high school graduates at 73%, and vocational course graduates at 58%.

An earlier study by the OCTA Research group found that only 25% of Metro Manila residents are willing to get a COVID-19 vaccine. (MNS)

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Gatchalian seeks healt-h interventions amid looming ‘baby boom’ MANILA (Mabuhay) — While the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) expects the uptick of lockdown babies to peak in the first half of 2021, Senator Win Gatchalian reiterated the urgency of providing health and nutrition interventions for vulnerable infants and mothers, especially those in far-flung and poverty-stricken areas.

Gatchalian said these interventions and programs are provided for under the "Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act" (Republic Act 11148) or the "First 1,000 Days Law," which aims to scale up nutrition intervention programs in the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, from conception up to the second birthday with priority to be given to those living in unserved and underserved communities.

Under the 2021 General Appropriations Act, the Department of Health (DOH) has allotted PHP100 million for the complementary feeding program of pregnant women and children aged zero to 24 months. This allocation covers dietary supplementation, the purchase of therapeutic milk and other protein-enriched foods to improve the nutritional status of mothers and infants.

Local government units with the highest prevalence of undernutrition and nutrition deficiency among pregnant and lactating mothers and children aged zero to two years old will be among those to be prioritized for this program.

“Ngayong inaasahan natin ang pagdami ng mga ipapanganak na sanggol sa kalagitnaan ng pandemya ng Covid-19, mahalagang bigyan natin ng prayoridad ang kalusugan ng parehong ina at mga anak mula sa pagbubuntis hanggang sa edad na dalawang taon (Now that we expect more babies to be born amid the Covid-19 pandemic, it is important to prioritize the health of both mother and her child from the time of pregnancy up to two years of age of the child),” Gatchalian said in a news release on Wednesday.

The World Health Organization (WHO) explained that poor nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life could lead to stunting or impaired growth and development, which is linked to poor educational performance and poor productivity. It is also linked to nutrition-related chronic diseases in adult life when accompanied by excessive weight gain.

The Global Nutrition Report 2020 shows that 30.3 percent of Filipino children under five are still affected by stunting.

According to the University of the Philippines Population Institute and the United Nations Population Fund, 2.5 million unplanned pregnancies are expected to be recorded by the end of 2020.

Gatchalian emphasized the importance of appropriate reproductive health education to adolescents in the formal and non-formal systems of education, which is mandated by the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 (Republic Act 10354), saying it will help curb teenage pregnancies nationwide. (MNS)

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