Weekend Balita (Los Angeles edition) March 13, 2021

LOS ANGELES / ORANGE COUNTY

‘Telemedicine here to stay’ a year after COVID-19 prompts PH lockdown PAGE 18

VOL. XXX NO. 11

Saturday-Friday | March 13 - 19, 2021

TOP STORIES

Global News Women comprise 26% of PH firefighters — BFP 8  Gordon pushes for creation of police courts 8  PH ready for planned shift to ‘cashless’ society — Palace 9  PH Mission to UN defends Calabarzon ops 9  Recto balks at PNP ban on PDA: Don’t declare ‘war on love’ 10  Incentives eyed for firms helping end online sexual abuse on children 10  PNP gets Ford truck from US Embassy 12  Biazon calls on House panel to convene, discuss possible option for Philippines regarding VFA 12  House bill seeks 7-day emergency leave for calamity-hit workers 12  Go-Duterte tandem dominates Pulse Asia poll 12 

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

LA COUNTY IS ABOUT TO CLImB reOPeNINg LADDer

By ABNER GALINO

POSITIVE developments has put Los Angeles County in a position that may allow it to lift some economic restrictions this weekend.

In a regular press briefing, L.A. County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said they were “working on the guidance for restaurants, for movie theaters, for personal care sites,” adding that each of the enterprises are going to be presented with different opportunities while the county enters the socalled “red tier.”

But Ferrer said people should not stop from implementing the health

Sections BUSINESS. Foreign direct investments yield net inflow of $6.5B in 2020, but down 24.6% 13  ENTERTAINMENT. Julia Barretto speaks up on facing judgment 14  HEALTH & FAMILY. More vax choices boost inoculations among health workers 19  FEATURE. Tourism corridor eyed to link Calabarzon destinations 16 

Bong Go wants to be president — PRRD

Senator Bong Go

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go is eyeing the presidential seat next year, President Rodrigo Duterte said on Thursday.

Duterte made the announcement when he introduced Go during the inauguration of the newly-constructed Port Operations Building at the Port of Dumaguete in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental.

In his speech, he said Go had asked him a favor to tell the public about the lawmaker’s supposed plan to join the 2022 presidential race.

“Itong si Senator Bong Go, pababa kami sa eroplano, sabi niya na ‘Sir, may hingin sana ako saýo ng pabor.’ Sabi ko, ‘Ano?’ Sabi niya, ‘Medyo, it leaves a bad taste in the mouth, malayo pa pero ikaw na lang ang mag-sabi sa kanila.’ Sabihin ko, ang totoo talaga, isang bagay lang. Sabihin daw sa inyo, gusto niya maging president,” Duterte said, drawing cheers from the crowd.

BONG GO

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L.A. County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer

Pinay appointed to Rowland Unified School District Board

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recent retiree, Agnes Gonzalez, has become the first Filipino American ever appointed to the Rowland Unified School District Board.

Gonzalez recently retired from the Rowland Unified School District where she worked for 31 years as a senior account clerk at Nogales High School.

“I am humbled and honored to serve the Rowland Unified School District as the provisional Board Member of Trustee area 1. It is my pleasure to serve the community I have lived in since 1985 and would like to continue to work together as a team player to all stakeholders of the community,” said Gonzalez.

“Together we can support one another to achieve our goal for student success in RUSD. Education is the greatest investment that anyone can achieve.”

PINAY

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practices that led to the reopening.

“We need everyone to be 100% compliant with them so that we can really stay on this recovery journey.”

The red tier can allow indoor restaurant dining and movie theaters to reopen at 25% capacity or up to 100 people. Indoor gyms and dance and yoga studios can open at 10% capacity. Museums, zoos and aquariums can open indoor activities at LA COUNTY

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J&J vaccine would greatly help get everyone vaccinated by summer’s end

By SUNITA SOHRABJI | EMS Contributing Editor

NEWLY appointed school board member Agnes Gonzalez with husband Joaquin (Jack) Gonzalez during a Filipino American community affair in Los Angeles before the start of the pandemic some months back.

AS the U.S. struggles with the slow pace of COVID-19 vaccine administration, experts predict the new Johnson and Johnson immunization authorized for emergency distribution Feb. 27 and delivered in a single shot, could be a game changer, potentially allowing all who want the preventive measure to be vaccinated by the end of this summer.

President Joe Biden announced March 2 that there will be enough COVID-19 vaccine available in May for every adult in the U.S., in large part because of a deal reached by Johnson and Johnson and Merck, which will help with manufacturing.

The bottleneck, however, lies in administering the doses and vaccine hesitancy.

Nonetheless, the U.S. is getting the vaccine into people’s arms at a rate of two million doses per day, surpassing Biden’s expectations. In California, the Department of Public Health announced March 6 that its providers have administered more than 10.2 million doses.

“It is great news that we have a third vaccine on the scene approved by the FDA: the Johnson and Johnson adenovirus DNA vaccine, said UC Davis J&J

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PH condemns 'inhumane' missile attacks in Saudi MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Philippine government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) condemned as "unjustified" and "inhumane" the recent missile attacks directed at Saudi Arabia.

"The repeated attacks targeting civilian facilities and installations are unjustified and inhumane. The Philippine government calls on all parties to exercise restraint and settle their differences amicably in order to avoid further loss of

lives and property," the DFA said in a statement dated March 10 and released Thursday.

On March 7, Saudi Arabia intercepted a missile and drone attack launched by Houthi rebels that targeted its oil installations in Ras Tanura and Dhahran.

The state-run Saudi Press Agency said shrapnel from the ballistic missile fell near Saudi Aramco's residential area in Dhahran, where thousands of the company's em-

ployees reside, but no casualties or loss of property were recorded.

In a separate statement, the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh advised all Filipinos in the Kingdom to "remain observant of their surroundings, immediately seek cover upon hearing explosions or extremely loud noises, and stay away from any debris or damaged structures caused by missile/drone attacks."

"The Embassy shall continue to provide the Filipino community

significant updates on this matter," it said.

The conflict in Yemen escalated in 2015 when an international coalition led by Saudi Arabia intervened at the request of Yemeni President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi against opposition forces.

Saudi Arabia, which hosts almost a million Filipino workers, has repeatedly been targeted by Houthi rebels fighting the coalition supporting Hadi. (MNS)

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ABNER GALINO, Fil-Am News Editor

Statement from AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins Condemning Surge in Pandemic-Related Hate Crimes Targeting Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

WASHINGTON, March 4, 2021 — AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins released the following statement in response to newly compiled data showing a spike last year—in some cases by triple digits—in anti-Asian hate crimes in 16 of the nation's largest cities. The March 2 analysis comes from the Center for the Study of Hate & Extremism at California State University, San Bernardino, based on preliminary police data. The first spikes occurred in March and April 2020, according to the center's report, coinciding with the rise in COVID-19 cases and negative stereotyping of Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) community members generally, and Chinese Americans in particular. In addition, the report states that overall hate crimes fell last year, while hate crimes targeting AAPI community members dramatically increased.

Another group, Stop AAPI Hate, reported in February that it had collected 126 firsthand accounts of hate directed at older Asian Americans (age 60+) be-

tween March 19, 2020 and the end of the year. These cases accounted for 7.3% of the 2,808 self-reports the group has received in total.

Said Jenkins: "Our nation must stand united against coronavirus, which has disproportionately sickened and killed older Americans. These troubling new hate crimes data mean that older Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders not only are concerned about coronavirus, they now also face increased violence and harassment fueled by prejudice, hatred and xenophobia. This is a combination that could create barriers to seeking testing, treatment, information or vaccination, at a moment when we as a country must come together and do everything in our power to help contain COVID's spread.

Former CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield has said 'stigma is the enemy of public health,' and we agree. AARP strongly condemns all racially motivated violence and harassment."

A Message from Nancy McPherson, AARP California State Director on Asian American and Pacific Islander Hate Crimes: In recent days, California has seen an unnerving wave of racially motivated violence and harassment directed at Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Even more disturbing is the fact that elders have been targeted in these racist attacks. AARP strongly condemns all racially motivated violence and harassment.

Racism is a poison that infects our society with destructive, divisive rhetoric and violent actions. We MUST make a commitment to stop racism in all its forms – and this requires a commitment from all members of our communities.

AARP strongly believes that we must stand together to stop racism and work towards dismantling racist narratives. In the words of our founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, “If we are not content with things as they are, we must concern ourselves with things as they might become.” We can and must stand together to stop racism and hatred in our communities.

We must all work towards making our communities places of peace and harmony, and we must reject the demeaning stereotypes and violent rhetoric that threaten the sense of safety and security that our communities need to thrive.

AARP urges everyone to learn more about how to fight racism and how to report racist violence and harassment by visiting the California Attorney General’s website, www.oag.ca.gov/hatecrimes. To learn how you can stay safe if you are the victim and how to help if you are a bystander visit stopaapihate.org/together.

Sincerely,

Nancy McPherson AARP California, State Director

Saturday-Friday | March 13 - 19, 2021

Asian American victims of hate crimes say police has been unresponsive

By SUNITA SOHRABJI EMS Contributing Editor On Feb. 25 evening, a man scaled the wall of the 117-year-old Higashi Honganji Buddist Temple temple in Los Angeles County’s ‘Little Tokyo’ neighborhood and set fire to two wooden lanterns at the entrance to the temple, then knocked two metal lanterns off their stands, and finally threw a rock that shattered a plate glass window, as documented in surveillance camera footage.

No one was hurt, said Bishop Noriaki Ito, who serves as the temple’s head priest. Speaking at the "LA vs. Hate Stop AAPI Hate Press Conference" press briefing March 8 morning, Ito said he does not yet know whether the incident will be investigated as a hate crime.

“Our immediate response was anger and hurt. But then we leaned on our Buddhist teachings to find compassion,” said the bishop, adding: “We are working to create a community of friends.”

The vandalism at the temple is the most recent of a string of anti Asian American incidents which have been sweeping the country over the past year. The web portal Stop AAPI Hate, an initiative of the Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council, has logged 250 incidents in Los Angeles County over the past 12 months.

Nationwide, over 2,800 hate incidents — including violent attacks against elderly Asian Americans — have been reported on the Stop AAPI Hate portal.

Advocates at the briefing said that number represented an under-count: most anti-Asian hate incidents go unreported.

On March 9, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted on a motion to expand the LA vs Hate initiative and the Rapid Response Network, both of which support victims of hate crimes and incidents with support and resources, including mental health counseling.

The County has established the 211 hotline, which allows victims to immediately call for help. The motion is sponsored

by LA County Supervisor Hilda Solis.

“The situation has got worse over the past year. The person with the loudest bullhorn has mocked our community,” said Solis at the March 8 press conference, adding that the 211 hotline has reported more than 800 hate incidents in LA County. “The vast majority of hate crimes go unreported,” she said.

LA County Supervisor Holly Mitchell,

who also attended the press conference, said: “Just like COVID, hate has spread rapidly. It’s disheartening to see women, children, the elderly, and even health care workers who have put themselves on the front lines for us, are being targeted.”

Shelly Shen, a long-time resident of West Covina, California — the bucolic burb which served as the backdrop for Rachel Bloom’s comedy series “Crazy Ex Girlfriend” — said she lived in a “wonderful community” that had nonetheless experienced hate. Over the past year, one nearby family has kept up a persistent attack on her family and her neighbors.

Shen was bitten by the family’s dog, when out on a walk with her dog; the racist family set up a fight between the two dogs, she said. “They told me they were going to eat my dog,” said Shen, who still suffers scars from the dog bites.

Law enforcement were not supportive, until Shen got LA vs. Hate involved.

“They brought us law enforcement help and emotional support,” said Shen. “We no longer felt like we were alone.”

“Don’t think this problem will go away if we ignore it: it won’t. Only together will we come out of this dark time,” said Shen.

Law enforcement was also unresponsive for Hong Lee, a young resident of Los Angeles. Lee had gone into a restaurant to pick up food. A man approached her, handed her a card, and invited her to lunch. When she declined, noting that she was married, the man started up a seemingly unending volley of verbal, racist abuse.

The staff at the restaurant would not help. Lee phoned 911. Police officers arriving at the scene cited the lack of a crime and did not take a police report.

“There was a lack of empathy and compassion,” said Lee, adding later that she continues to suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and was afraid to leave her house for several months.

Lee shared a video of the incident on her social media pages: five other women, who had faced the same abuse by the same man, came forward. The LAPD subsequently apologized to Lee and took her report.

Lee advised people to take a video, if possible, and to attempt to de-escalate the situation. She asked people who witness a hate crime to speak to the offender, and also to provide emotional support.

CONTNUED ON PAGE 16

AF3IRM sets forum on murdered and missing women

AF3irm Los Angeles, a transnational feminist organization dedicated to the struggle of women, is set to hold a virtual forum titled: “Our Bodies, Our Homelands.”

The 2021 International Women’s Day event is a digital conversation on murdered and missing indigenous women and girls believed to be victims of the sex trade.

It will be held on March 25 at 6 pm, pacific standard time.

Also to be hosted by Af3irm Twin Cities, the webinar will have speakers like Christine Stark, a prominent writer and artist; Elder Gloria Arrellanes, an influential leader in the development of Chicana feminism; and Indigenous runner Jordan Marie Daniel.

For more information, register at http://bit.ly/AF3IRMIWD2021.

Saturday-Friday | March 13 - 19, 2021

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Fil-Am artist bags La Habra police memorial design contest

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att Relox, a FilThe foundation ipino Mangyan wanted the La Habra artist, recently community to be inwon the memorial design volved in the project concept competition sponso they opened the consored by the La Habra Potest to the students in lice Memorial Foundation, La Habra high schools Inc. and as well as for the Another artist, Mary artists of the La Habra Schultz, a lifetime memArt Association. ber and past president of Relox, who has been La Habra Art Association involved with LHAA (LHAA) was the runner since 2014 and have Filipino American artist up. had a successful oneMatt Relox The announcement was man exhibit in 2016, made by Craig Hentcy, President of the was encouraged to send in an entry by La Habra Police Memorial Foundation, Luz Spanks, president of the LHAA. Inc. (“The Foundation”) during the orRelox’s design will be used in the ganization’s monthly board meeting construction of the memorial tableau through Zoom on March 6. at the grounds of the La Habra Police The foundation launched the memo- Headquarters. rial design contest to honor La Habra A website - https://www.lhpmfinc.

Police Officer Michael A. Osornio – who org/memorial-project was set up to was killed in the line of duty on Octo- raise funds for the construction phase ber 31, 1994. The policeman died due to of the memorial project. an accident caused by a drunk driver.

Offline donations via check can be (https://www.odmp.org/officer/728-of- made payable to LHPMF, Inc and sent ficer-michael-a-osornio) to P.O. Box 206, La Habra, CA. 90633.

The memorial will serve as a tribute An event will be held to unveiling the to honor Officer Osornio and all first memorial. responders.

When Matt Relox, set foot for the first time at the La Habra Art A ssociation Gallery in November 2014, he t houg ht to himself :“I have found my home, this is my home.”

He is delighted that seven years l ater, he would find his name written in his “home,” the City of La Habra.

Matt Relox’s winning entry in recently concluded search for best design for La Habra police’s memorial statue.

Viewing for Euler Navarro Zaide

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he family of Euler Navarro Zaide (January 7, 1957 – March 5, 2021), who recently joined our Creator, wishes to inform everyone that viewing will be held at the Groman Mortuary at 830 W. Washington Boulevard, Los Angeles (CA 90015) on Wednesday, March 17th from 12:00 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Those who are coming are advised to practice all health guidelines with regards to mitigating the spread of the coronavirus such as wearing masks and social distancing.

LA COUNTY... from Page 1 25% capacity, and nonessential stores and libraries can open at 50% capacity, previously at 25%.

However, convention centers, bars, breweries and distilleries where no meals are provided will remain closed.

Indoor swimming pools and indoor entertainment areas such as bowling alleys, escape rooms and laser tag facilities and indoor card rooms will remain closed.

L.A. County schools will be able to open on-site learning for grades 7 through 12 once the County moves into the red tier.

The health department said to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 is for schools to create stable learning groups or a fixed group of students and staff that stays together minimizing any mixing with any other groups for any activities.

“Creating and maintaining stable groups is required for students attending in person instruction in grades TK through 6 and strongly recommended for in-person learning for students in grades 7 through 12.”

"Variants remain a concern, even as

more and more people are vaccinated. As we plan for additional re-openings, we know that if there is more transmission of the COVID-19, there is more risk of variants dominating and more risk of suffering. That is why it is so important for all of us to continue to do everything we can to reduce transmission, including masking and maintaining physical distance whenever we are outside of our homes and around others,” Ferrer warned.

The health officer said custodians and janitors, public transit workers, and airport ground crew workers are all now eligible to be vaccinated.

“Emergency responders like social workers who handle cases of violence, abuse or neglect and foster parents providing emergency housing for young people, are also eligible to be vaccinated. We are currently coordinating with unions and employers to set up vaccination sites and make appointments at our large county sites available for these groups.”

The health department is the process of signing up janitorial and custodial

workers for this weekend on both Saturday and Sunday at the Forum and on Saturday at the LACOE/Downey vaccination site.

On Monday (March 15) vaccine eligibility will open up to people ages 16 through 64 who have underlying health conditions or disabilities that put them at the highest risk of becoming very sick from COVID-19. These conditions include: l Cancer, with a current weakened immune system l Chronic kidney disease, stage 4 or above l Chronic pulmonary disease, oxygen dependent l Down syndrome l Solid organ transplant, leading to a weakened immune system l Pregnancy l Sickle cell disease l Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies (but not hypertension) l Severe obesity with a BMI of more than 40 l Type 2 diabetes with A1c level great-

er than 7.5% l Or Having a disability that: makes serious illness from COVID-19 likely; would, if positive for COVID-19, limit the person’s ability to received care vital to their well-being and survival; or would make the treatment for COVID-19 particularly challenging.

“For information about vaccine appointments in L.A. County and when your turn is coming up, to sign up for a vaccination newsletter, and much more, visit: www.VaccinateLACounty.com (English) and www.VacunateLosAngeles.com (Spanish).

Vaccinations are always free and open to eligible residents and workers regardless of immigration status. L.A. County sites are only vaccinating people who either live or work in L.A. County.

If you do not live or work in L.A. County, please do not make a vaccination appointment at an L.A. County site, and if you have an appointment at an L.A. County site, please cancel it, you will be turned away if you come to the appointment.”

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Saturday-Friday | March 13 - 19, 2021

An explosive glimpse of Britain's royal family revealed

by Meghan Markle & Prince Harry at Oprah Winfrey's interview

per taining to Tuesday, 9th March, 2021 which read: the issue about THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT IS the f lower girl ISSUED BY BUCKINGHAM PALACE dresses, which ON BEHALF OF HER MAJESTY THE was correct, but QUEEN: I was the one "The issues raised, particularly that who cried as it of race, are concerning. While some truly hurt my recollections may vary, they are taken feelings." very seriously and will be taken by the Tow a rd t he family privately.

Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, with Oprah Winfrey. Joe Pugliese / Harpo Productions end of the interHarry, Meghan and Archie will alview, Harry said ways be much loved family members." n Sunday, March 7, 2021, around 49 million people worldwide that it was actually Meghan who "saved Though the above statement by the were glued to the televised interview of Meghan Markle and him from his 'trapped' royal life where he reiterated that he didn't want, history Queen didn't really address nor negate Prince Harry by media mogul Oprah Winfrey. repeating itself when his mother, the late racism as an issue, I think the world is The two-hour interview, which Win- remember how he (Harry) just cradled Princess Diana had spoken and warned now watching if the British monarchy, about being unprotected by herself, but which is considered one of the world's frey stressed was not paid, portrayed a me." wiping her tears away. shocking glimpse of Britain's royal family As we all have witnessed on televised that now he's not alone experiencing the most enduring monarchy, will hopefully and its "inner workings." This interview news, on January, 2020 both Meghan same thing, because they now have each address this topic at all in the future. was highly anticipated since the famous and Harry announced that they intended other and that eventually, there will be Currently, as we all know, Great Britain interview of then Princess Diana (Prince to step back from their royal roles. But four of them including the girl they're is a multicultural country. Now, various people of color have climbed up to posiHarry's mother, where she shared in- last month, their roles were confirmed expecting soon."

Finally, they both said, "THIS IS JUST tions of power, even including positions timate details of her life with Prince by Buckingham Palace that their split in the British Parliament, so Oprah's Charles in 1995, which likewise gave us from their royal roles would become per- THE BEGINNING FOR ALL OF US." As of this writing, it took two days for interview with Meghan and Harry has (the public) a little glimpse of the royal manent, as they move to an independfamily's standing in the "public eye." ent life in the United States. Harry also Queen Elizabeth to respond in a pub- actually "shined a light on racism" that Meghan Markle revealed that early on said that his family "had cut them off lished ROYAL COMMUNICATUINS on still exists in their country as well. her marriage to Prince Harry in 2018, financially and that his father, Prince she was naive as to the "inner workings" Charles, heir to the British throne, had A Message From the Edison International Managing Committee of the royalty and no one was there to let him down and refused to take his calls We stand with our Asian Pacific Islander colleagues. guide her through, and that during her at some point." pregnancy with Archie, as relayed by When Oprah asked Harry if they blindThe Edison International Managing Committee sent this note to our teams across Prince Harry, that some of the senior sided the Queen as reported by the BritEdison International, Southern California Edison and Edison Energy today. We members of the royal family (not the ish tabloids, Harry denied it and said that stand with the Asian Pacific Islander community and will not waver in living our values now and always.

Queen nor Prince Philip), had conver- he spoke with his grandmother three sations with him regarding denying times, whom he has too much respect Edison Team, the title of prince to Archie, therefore for, regarding their decision to have a free he will have no security, because they life from the monarchy and that he spoke We cannot reach our full potential as a society without respecting and understanding the have concerns about "how dark his skin with his father twice who requested that diversity in our communities. Our company values provide a foundation to honor diversity, might be when he is born." The 39-year Harry put everything in writing. equity and inclusion. old Meghan, whose mother is black and Meghan also told Winfrey that soon Sadly, we are not seeing those values demonstrated in parts of our communities and her father is white was so shocked of after they were married, she came to across the nation. Tragic events that affected Black colleagues and community members last the racist remark, that she began to feel understand that "not only was she not year reminded the nation that racial injustice continues and prompted a national discussion suicidal tendencies and that there was being protected against malicious tabloid on how we must do better. Since then, there has been a disturbing increase in anti-Asian no one available for her to go to and seek claims, but that some of the people withviolence following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we should be no less concerned help. Though neither Meghan nor Har- in the royal institution were willing to lie about it as a society. ry said anything negative about Harry's to protect other members of the family," We stand together with our Asian Pacific Islander colleagues as a company and as indigrandmother, Queen Elizabeth, she was Further, Meghan even denied the viduals against all forms of hate, intolerance and discrimination. "silenced" by "the Firm" (which actually, newspaper story that she had made Kate, A report by Stop AAPI Hate, a national initiative that has tracked anti-Asian hate and Queen Elizabeth heads) inspite of her the Duchess of Cambridge cry before the discrimination in the U.S. during the pandemic, documented 2,808 firsthand accounts of pleas for help regarding her mental and wedding and said that "the reverse hapanti-Asian hate from March through December 2020. Although California accounts for only emotional distress. She was quoted as pened and that it was a turning point of one-third of the country’s total Asian Pacific Islander population, 44% of the documented saying, "I just didn't want to be alive her relations with the media, As I reincidents (1,226) occurred in our state. Alarmingly, 126 accounts involved Asian Americans anymore, and that was a very clear and called, it was a few days before the wedover 60 years old. real frightening constant thought, but I ding and Kate was upset about something Awareness must be backed by action. While we recognize that money itself doesn’t solve problems, it does help fund organizations that are tracking and addressing the crisis.

Edison International is providing more than $100,000 this year to nonprofit organizations with a specific focus on anti-Asian racism and discrimination. In addition, we proudly support SCE’s Asian Pacific Islander Business Resource Group, ASCEND, which provided some suggested resources and a link to report an incident outside of work or to act against anti-Asian racism or hate crimes: stopaapihate.org. Here are some outside resources ASCEND suggested: l The University of Illinois has strategies and tips for coping with racism-related stress. l Medium.com published an article entitled Surviving Racism Amidst Covid-19. l Racial Equity Tools created a page with racial equity and social justice resources. l The Huffington Post published Self-Care Tips for Asian Americans Dealing with Racism amid Coronavirus.

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Finally, our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) helpline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can find information about it on Portal.

You have our commitment to stand with you against those who would try to hurt and divide us. Let’s continue to look out for one another and please be safe.

Pedro J. Pizarro, Edison International President and CEO Kevin M. Payne, SCE President and CEO Adam S. Umanoff, Edison International Executive Vice President and General Counsel Caroline Choi, Edison International and SCE Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs Drew Murphy, Edison International Senior Vice President, Strategy and Corporate Development Jacqueline Trapp, Edison International and SCE Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Maria Rigatti, Edison International Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Steven D. Powell, SCE Executive Vice President, Operations

5 BALITA Community Six FilAm Non-Profits Benefit from the PHII Largess

Saturday-Friday | March 13 - 19, 2021

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By LYDIA V. SOLIS

“I

t is with deep sadness,” said Philippine Heritage Institute International executive director Anna Lourdes Armada Chickey, M.D., “that PHII is bidding adieu to the community that we have cherished in the last several decades. Due to this horrendous pandemic,” she continued, “which is still ravaging the US and the world, we have been unable to continue with our activities. With no end in sight, it is a reality we have to face.”

PHII filed for dissolution on December 31, 2020.

In light of this, Dr. Chickey, daughter of Naomi Palma-Armada, who established the private foundation 30 years ago, decided to donate whatever funds PHII has in its coffers to six Filipino American 501c(3) organizations.

“The chosen organizations, Dr. Chickey added, “have collaborated with PHII through the years, and it is our hope that you can perpetuate PHII’s mission and objectives by incorporating them into your activities.

I am sure my late mother will be very happy about this.”

On behalf of the Armada family, she thanked the PHII Board and wished the non-profit organizations more power.

Naomi was born on June 29, 1929, in Iloilo City, and passed away on June 10, 2015. She was 85. A former resident of Walnut, she was a faculty member, with specialty in Child Development, of the PWU Jose Abad Santos Memorial School.

Josie Estaris De Jesus, PHII president, recalled what Naomi wrote in 2014, during PHII’s silver anniversary: “To all community colleagues and lead-

ers of organizations, who profess the same mantra as ours: Service to God, country and fellowmen. Service to our people is the only way our community can thrive, so we must serve with selflessness so that we may inspire.”

PHII’s mission: We stand for Health and Education as key factors for advancement. It is only when communities are healthy and knowledgeable can they fully achieve their goals. One of the objectives of PHII was to improve the quality of life affecting Filipino American communities through research, education, and recognition with the youth as its main focus.

For 21 years, from 1999 to 2019, there were 271 ‘Outstanding Filipino American Nurse’ awardees as a result of the White House Millennium Council Initiative.

Note: Pres. Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Clinton came to Los

Angeles in 1998, met with community leaders and discussed their agenda: ‘21 Ways to Commemorate the Millennium,’ with

Naomi Palma-Armada

More than 30 ‘Zoomers’ attend a virtual celebration of non-profit PHII partners

the theme ‘Honor the Past, Imagine the Future.’ Naomi was among a few Filipinos invited. She selected the ‘Millennium Recognition Awards’ to pay tribute to outstanding individuals whose contributions have enhanced the quality of life in the community. She chose the nurses for their “hands-on above and beyond compassionate service, volunteerism, and their sheer numbers in the Healthcare workplace.” Josie De Jesus was one of the first nurse awardees in 1999.

A partnership between PHII and the Philippine Nurses Association of Southern California started. (Naomi was the first and only non-nurse who became an honorary member of PNASC, approved by the Executive Board in 2003, during the presidency of Connie Oliveros with Josie as president-elect.)

Naomi sent the first letter to PNASC president Linda Ascio about the ‘White House Millennium Initiative: Tribute to Outstanding Filipino American Nurses.’

PHII and PNASC jointly started the Youth Enrichment Program in 2003, for five years until it became the PHII Youth Congress. According to Josie, “Mrs. Naomi Armada used to say that the Youth Enrichment Program was the brainchild of Bal Villanueva, first chairman of this project.” He was the president of the PNASC Auxiliary in 2003 and 2004.

For 13 years, from 1907 to 2019, there were 114 recipients of the President’s Award to Outstanding Community Leaders: ‘Profiles in Service, Pillars of Community.’

Later on, the Founder’s Award recognized organizations for their outstanding service to the community: Philippine News in 2012; Dr. Jose P. Rizal Monument Movement in 2014; and the City of San Fernando, La Union Association, USA, Inc. in 2019.

The following were recognized as PHII’s non-profit partners: Camalaniugan Circle USA, Inc.; Camalaniugan National High School Alumni Association International, Inc.; Dr. Jose P. Rizal Monument Movement, Inc; Philippine Nurses Association of Southern California and PNASC West LA Sub Chapter, Inc.; Philippine Women’s University Alumni Association of Southern California; and the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Center Nursing Alumni Association USA. To be continued...

Pilipino po tayo!

Rotarians hail success of annual golf tournament

R

otary Club of Historic Filipinotown won the team’s trophy while Julius Buenaventura took the individual title in the Rotary Club Historic Filipinotown annual golf tournament held at the Brookside Golf Club in Pasadena.

Runner up in the team category was the Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association while the individual runner up went to Jake Rosen.

Other winners were Fermin Pascua (closest to the pin), Bruce Rymparsurat of Thaitown Rotary (also closest to the pin), Jeff Waters (longest drive straight), former district governor Joe Vasquez, Rotarian Gerardo Jaramillo, and Lion

District Governor Lili Harris, medal recipients.

More than 80 players participated in the tournament, according to Fernandico Gonong, president of the Rotary Club of Historic Filipinotown.

Proceeds of the tournament will go poor families in the Philippines.

The tournament also raised awareness about the projects of the Rotary International District 5280, among them: Angel City Christmas Giveaway, End Polio Drive, Vision to Learn, Letter to My Parents Contest, Rotary Youth Leadership Assembly, International Humanitarian district projects and Disaster Relief Program.

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

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

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

kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com

FAMILY LAW - Divorce - Community Property Division - Child Custody and Spousal Support - Domestic Violence Restraining Order - Legal Separation and Nullity - Parentage - Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements Members of the Rotary Club of Historic Filipinotown led by its president Fernandico Gonong pose with some of the golf tournament participants that include Philippine Military Academy (PMA) alumni and members of the Lions Club International.

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

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

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Why is it so hard to buy a house in California?

BUYING a house is like playing a complicated sport. You need to know the rules and get in shape before hitting the field, and then nimbly maneuver through challenges to win the game. But buying a house in California is totally different, you have to know the right agent and lots of money to show the ability to buy and get a loan or pay cash.

More buyers than homes for sale If you find a reasonably priced house in good condition, chances are you won't be the only one making an offer — even if it just hit the market. Agents tend to purposely market the house slightly lower in price to encourage over bidding by multiple buyers.

For buyers, this means flexibility is important, and you may have to make some concessions. For example, it's tough to win over a seller in a hot market if you make the purchase offer contingent on the sale of your current home. On the other hand, understand the risks of any concessions you offer, and don't make any that you can't afford.

Home prices expected to increase Real estate experts expect home

prices to go up in 2021, but not as fast as they did in 2020.

Prices of existing homes are projected to increase 3.1% in 2021, compared with a 6.7% jump in 2020, according to an average of forecasts from Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, the National Association of Realtors and the Mortgage Bankers Association. Mortgage rates going up recently will have a slight effect on the purchase market.

Due to Covid and school students staying home for online classes.

The usually trend of seasonal market demand might be out the window, therefore buyers and sellers don’t need to wait for the summer season to market their homes or make offers.

What hasn' t chang ed, g et Pre-Qualified by your Mortgage lender Shopping for a home before shopping for a lender is a common home buyer mistake. Get your finances in order and shop for a lender before looking at homes. Before you apply, check your credit reports and dispute any mistakes you see, and find out your credit score.

Get your paperwork organized.

Be prepared to provide details

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about your income, debt, employment and financial accounts to get preapproved. A mortgage preapproval is an offer by a lender to loan you a certain amount under specific terms. It's not a guarantee for a final loan approval, but it will show real estate agents and sellers that you're a serious buyer.

Combined with your household budget, knowing the amount you're qualified to borrow is essential for knowing how much house you can afford.

Down payment requirements also vary by the type of mortgage and the lender, but could be as low as 3 3% for some conventional loans.

Putting more money dow n will help you qualify for a lower mortgage rate and will decrease your monthly payment. A higher down payment may also give sellers more confidence that your loan will close, which may increase your chances of getting an offer accepted.

What credit score and down payment do I need?

The credit score needed to buy a house depends on the type of mortgage and the lender. Some lenders raised their credit score requirements amid the economic fallout from the pandemic. Near the end of 2020, credit availability was 30% under pre-pandemic levels, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. Credit availability decreases when lenders tighten their standards.

Some lenders may loosen credit requirements if the economy improves in 2021, but it may still be hard to find a lender if you have a lower credit score.

Mortgage rates expected to start going higher Economists expect mortgage rates to be around 3.5 – 4% in 2021 after falling to historic lows in 2020. This will have a heavy impact on first time buyers trying to buy a home, due to rates going up significantly, it will lower their buying power. Will this hurt the real estate market? I really don’t think so because I believe there are more repeat buyers or investors in this market than first time buyers.

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

WHY USING YOUR MARRIED CHILD AS A CO-BORROWER TO REFINANCE YOUR HOUSE IS A BAD IDEA

MANY parents who may have problems refinancing their house due to low income in retirement or due to low credit score sometimes resort to the idea of having their married child serve as a co-borrower to refinance their house As part of the refinancing process, the parents usually adds their adult children to the deed of the house then have them apply as a co-borrower in a mortgage. This is a really bad idea especially if there your child’s marriage is in trouble.

This becomes a big problem if your married child ever gets divorced from his or her spouse. Your child’s spouse will have a claim for half the community interest in your house even if your intent was only to use your child’s credit to help you qualify for the refinance.

Although you can argue that adding your married child’s name to the deed of your house was only a gift which should be characterized as your child’s separate property, the fact that your married child’s credit was used to obtain the refinance mortgage loan during the marriage which was then used to pay off your prior mortgage creates a community interest on his 50% share of your house. According to In re Marriage of Branco, a community property loan used to pay off a preexisting separate loan gives the community an interest in the amount of that loan. In re Marriage of Branco, (1996) 47 Cal.App.4th 1621. Thus, the refinance described above allowed for the new loan to pay off the old separate property loan, and for a community interest to arise.

Your married child’s spouse can claim that adding your child’s name to the deed was not a gift but instead property your child acquired during marriage as community property because your child paid for that interest by getting a mortgage as a co-borrower during their marriage. Family Code Section 760 provides that all property, real or personal, wherever situated, acquired by a married person during the marriage while domiciled in this state is community property.

Procedurally, your married child’s spouse will join you as an indispensable party in the divorce case. Once you are joined as a party, you will be served with a summons and complaint for joinder into the action. You then would have to retain your own lawyer to defend you in your married child’s divorce case.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

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Stuck in Debt During The Pandemic?

Here’s How Bankruptcy Can Help MOST debt problems don’t go away and solve themselves. They are there when you go to bed at night, and they’re still there when you get up in the morning.

They can cause a lot of ulcers, sleepless nights, stress and even physical sickness.

As a bankruptcy attorney for the last 22 years, I have seen the devastating effects of serious debt problems on people’s personal lives, their businesses, their families and their marriages. What I have also seen is that a lot of these effects could have been avoided with proper planning.

Facing serious debt problems often causes severe anxiety and fear about the future. What will happen to me and my family if I get sued by creditors? Can they garnish my wages or freeze my bank accounts? Will I have enough to buy food, pay my rent or mortgage, and keep my head above water?

The worst thing that you can do when you are in this situation is to pretend that everything is OK until one day your situation becomes a financial emergency.

You have probably heard a lot of negative things about bankruptcy. Maybe you have heard from others that you will never be able to buy anything on credit again.

But what if I told you that on average, people who file bankruptcy can rebuild their credit in as little as 3-4 years? That’s right.

Although it can be reported on your credit for 7-10 years, the

effects of bankruptcy rarely last that long unless you allow it to happen. Bankruptcy is a beginning, it’s not the end of the world.

After bankruptcy, there are positive steps you can take to rebuild your credit. Most people who file bankruptcy have a tarnished credit rating anyway due to late payments, collection accounts, lawsuits, etc. on their credit report and as long as they remain delinquent, creditors continue to report them to the credit bureaus month after month. Filing bankruptcy stops the reporting of negative information. While payment history accounts for 35% of your credit score, 30% accounts for how much total debt you owe.

If bankruptcy wipes out most, if not all your debts, your debt to income ratio improves over time.

Filing for bankruptcy protection automatically stops all creditor actions such as harassing phone calls, collection letters, lawsuits, wage garnishments, foreclosure and repossession.

Generally, there are 2 types of

BARRISTER’S CORNER… FROM PAGE 6 If you can avoid this situation and refrain from adding your married child to the deed and serving as a co-borrower in your refinance. However if refinancing would really make a big difference in your mortgage interest and you are willing to give one half ownership interest in your house to your married child, then you may be able to plan around this situation by having your married child execute a post nuptial agreement with his spouse before you enter into the refinance transaction. Although not bullet proof, it should offer you some protection in case your child gets divorced.

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

Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association.

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

bankruptcy for individuals. You can either wipe out debts you can no longer pay (Chapter 7) or you may consolidate all your debts into one low monthly payment and pay your creditors based only based what you can afford (Chapter 13). Which chapter is right for you will depend on your income, expenses, assets, and your objectives in filing, among other things.

If the COVID pandemic has resulted in loss of income which has made it difficult for you to keep up with all your bills, you’re not alone. The first thing that you need to do is to protect yourself and your family before anything else. If bankruptcy has become necessary for you to survive financially during this difficult time, there is no shame in doing what you need to do to

ensure your family’s financial safety.

Bankruptcy relief can be your first step in rebuilding your finances, your credit and your life. Remember that your past doesn’t equal your future. You have the power to change your life by taking action now. If you have not read my book, “What You Need to Know Before Filing Bankruptcy”, you can download it free of charge at www.beforefilingbk.com.

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

(None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation.

Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped over 5,000 clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call RJB Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1-866-477-7772).

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CAREGIVER LAW OVERVIEW FOR 2021 Working as a caregiver in a private home, an assisted living facility or nursing home is hard work. If this is your job, you probably work long hours and return home physically and emotionally drained. You may provide 24-hour, live-in help to the elderly or incapacitated.

Many residential private households, residential care facilities and nursing homes ignore overtime laws. These violations can deprive caregivers of significant wages totaling thousands and even hundreds of thousands of dollars. If you are a caregiver employed by someone who refuses to follow wage and hour laws, you may be entitled to significant compensation.

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

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

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

Wage theft takes many forms and may include failing to pay for sleep or “on call” time, paying a weekly or daily salary that is too low or classifying an in-home caregiver as an “independent contractor” to circumvent California’s wage and hour laws.

California provides greater protection to caregivers than exists in most other states. For instance, on

January 1, 2021 the minimum wage in California increases to $13.00/hour for employers with 25 employees or less and will incrementally increase to $15 by January 1, 2022. Cities can enact higher minimum wages. Caregivers who are victims of wage theft can claim the compensation that is legally due.

Until 2013, most caregivers working in private households were exempt from overtime payments under the so-called “personal attendant” overtime exemption of Wage Order 15. What this means is that prior to 2014, private households could force a caregiver to work 24 hours per day and only pay that caregiver the minimum wage for every hour worked.

In reality, very few private households paid even this modest sum.

On January 1, 2014, California enacted the Domestic Worker Bill of Rights (DWBR). The DWBR mandates overtime payments for personal attendants. This law provides that an employer cannot hire personal attendants to work more than nine hours in a day or 45 hours in a workweek without paying overtime.

Overtime under the DWBR is set at one and onehalf times the employee’s regular rate of pay. That means that if you are an in-home caregiver, you are

entitled to 150% of your hourly wage for every hour you work over nine hours in any given day, and all hours you work beyond 45 hours in a week.

Now that the California legislature has created the right to overtime for personal attendants, an in-home caregiver who is not paid the required overtime wages can claim their unpaid wages. You can recover not just the overtime you are due, but also attorney’s fees and costs incurred in the lawsuit. It is also possible to recover interest and penalties if you are not properly paid overtime compensation.

Caregiver overtime law is highly complex. In fact, an entirely different set of laws apply to a caregivers who work in residential care facilities and nursing homes for the elderly. These caregivers have always been entitled to overtime under California law. These caregivers must be paid overtime for all hours they work in excess of 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week. In addition, they are generally entitled to double time payments for all hours worked in excess of 12 in any single day and may be entitled to meal and rest breaks. The rules for sleep time, oncall time and live-ins are also different.

Many care facilities fail to pay overtime to caregivers and engage in other forms of wage theft. If you think that you have been the victim of wage theft, it is very important to contact the attorneys at Chaleff Rehwald Peterson who are familiar the laws in this area.

If you are a caregiver and you believe that your employer has not paid you fairly under the law, you may have a strong case for compensation. Since the laws in this area are complex, you should contact an experienced attorney who has a documented and demonstrated expertise in representing caregivers.

The attorneys at Chaleff Rehwald Peterson have the experience you need. We are here to help!

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.

Women comprise 26% of PH firefighters — BFP M ANIL A (Mabuhay) — Women comprise at least 26 percent of the country's firefighters, an official of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said on Thursday.

In a phone interview, BFP spokesperson, Supt. A n na lee Ca rbajal-Atienza said that as of last year, around 8,000 out of the BFP's roster of 30,290 firefighters are women.

"Well, firefighting is no longer a gender issue. Since its inception, the BFP has been receptive to the presence of women in its force. And if there are interested lady aspirants to the BFP, please join now," Carbajal-Atienza said in a mixture of English and Filipino.

She also added the BFP needs more women personnel as they are now orienting more on immersion and

community relations regarding fire safety.

Carbajal-Atienza also noted that BFP women are generally more capable of performing various tasks.

Also, she added the BFP emphasizes the role of women in its ranks by acknowledging their efforts.

"Now as to the training, there is no difference at all. What is being done by our male counterparts in the field is also being done by our female firefighters," Carbajal-Atienza said.

She also pointed out that a fire truck in Caraga is crewed exclusively by lady firefighters.

"Everyone from the driver, to the nozzle-operator, is a woman," she said, adding that a fire truck is normally operated by seven firefighters.

(MNS)

Gordon pushes for creation of police courts MANILA (Mabuhay) — Senator Richard Gordon on Thursday pushed for the creation of a special court where cases of abuse of authority involving police personnel can be tried.

Gordon has f iled Senate Bill 1828, or the proposed "Police Courts Act of 2020," which mandates the Supreme Cou r t to create a special court designated as the Police Law Enforcement Court within Regional Trial Courts.

The said courts will handle all civil and cr imina l cases involving allegations of abuse of authority of the police whether on or off duty.

According to Gordon, the creation of police courts will allow for the speedy disposition of justice.

"The objective of this bill is to really make sure that we do away with many of bureaucracies," he said during the hearing of the Senate justice panel, which he chairs.

"Ito ay garantiya ng gobyerno na magkakaroon ng efficiency and high-quality deci-

sions and resolution of cases. Ito ay makakahinga nang maluwag ang mga tao na kapag ang pulis ang kalaban, may laban na sila," he added.

The creation of police courts will allow the public, including the victims of police abuse, to easily identify the court where their cases are being tried.

"Lahat ng kaso ng pulis ay mapupunta sa isang husgado sa probinsya na doon madaling hanapin at doon madaling mabilang," he said.

"Sa lahat ng oras magkakaroon ng transparency at upang sa ganun ay malalaman natin kung napaparusahan talaga ang pulis o dine-dribble-dribble lang," he added.

Gordon said Cong r e s s should take action into the nume rou s u n-

solved cases in the country and ensure that justice is brought in these incidents.

"We will not take it any longer and the Congress of this country, while we cooperate with the executive, we will not cooperate w it h injustice," he said.

"You are not exempt from the long arm of the law, you are not exempt from facing charges just because you are wearing a uniform and a badge," he added.

(MNS)

SENATOR RICHARD GORDON

Saturday-Friday | March 13 - 19, 2021

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PH ready for planned shift to ‘cashless’ society — Palace M A NIL A (Mabu hay) — Ma laca ña ng ex pressed confidence on Tuesday that the government is ready to transform the Philippines into a “cashless” society, given that the country is still grappling with the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque issued the statement in reaction to a survey, which showed that the Philippines ranked sixth on the list of nations that will support a completely cashless society.

“So pang-anim nga po tayo sa digital ranking at iyan naman po’y patunay na we can readily make the shift to a cashless society dahil alam naman natin na ‘yung physical pera ang isa sa pinakamalakas na magkalat ng Covid virus (We ranked sixth in the digital ranking and that’s proof that we can readily make the shift to a cashless society because we are aware that handling banknotes is one of the reasons why Covid virus spread easily),” Roque said.

A survey conducted by MoneyTransfers.com, an international money transfer firm, found that India topped the list of 21 countries that favor a cashless society.

Following India (79 percent) were Malaysia (65 per-

cent), United Arab Emirates (63 percent), Indonesia (63 percent), Vietnam (60 percent), Singapore (56 percent), Italy (52 percent), the Philippines (52 percent), Thailand (51 percent), and Taiwan (48 percent).

Roque said he could not tell as to when the Philippines could turn into a cashless society.

He, nevertheless, guaranteed that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is taking measures to pursue cashless transactions in the country.

“May mga hakbang na po na ginawa ang Bangko Sentral ‘no, unang-una, para huwag nang gumamit noong mga barya (Steps have been taken by the Bangko Sentral (so people) avoid using coins),” Roque said.

Some ex per t s have warned that Covid-19 may remain infectious for weeks on banknotes.

BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno earlier said the Philippines is expected to be a “coinless society” by 2025, as the National Quick Response (QR) Code Standard, or QR PH, is seen to scale up contactless payments.

The BSP November 2019 adopted QR PH which seeks to push for a QR code standard for all digital transactions nationwide that will be adopted by all financial technology firms and banks.

The use of QR technology, according to a statement earlier issued by the BSP, has emerged as the “most expedient” means of payment since it entails code scanning that is faster and easier to do than bringing out a card, tapping and swiping it, and signing a charge slip in most cases.

The BSP’s goal is to do at least 50 percent of all financial transactions digitally by 2023.

(MNS)

25% of Pinoys cite violence vs women as top concern amid pandemic MANILA (Mabuhay) — As the world celebrates Women’s Month this March, the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) renewed its call for special protection of Filipino women, especially during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

This, as the POPCOM on Tuesday shared its commissioned survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) which showed that one of four adult Filipinos have said harmful acts in various forms are among the most pressing problems of women during the present health crisis.

Eleven percent mentioned physical violence as top-of-mind concern while 14 percent cited sexual violence and emotional violence (7 percent each), the survey said.

In Mindanao, 24 percent of adults shared the same sentiments (11 percent for physical violence, 5 percent for sexual, and 8 percent for emotional), while it was slightly lower in the Visayas at 22 percent (6 percent physical violence, 11 percent sexual, 5 percent emotional).

SWS said it was higher in Manila at 29 percent (13 percent for physical violence, 7 percent sexual, 9 percent emotional) and the rest of Luzon at 28 percent (13 percent for physical violence, 7 percent sexual, 8 percent emotional).

Per accounts of the Philippine National Police in the yearly Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health

report, there were 19,743 recorded cases of Violence Against Women in 2019, or before the pandemic.

Of the total, 77 percent, or 15,160 cases, were violations under the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children law, or the intimate partner-relationship category.

The rest fell under other forms of Gender-Based Violence, such as rape (2,341 cases), acts of lasciviousness (1,953), concubinage (204), and sexual harassment (85).

Popcom Undersecretary Juan Antonio Perez III said on Tuesday the Philippines leads the global community in championing the causes of women, evidenced by its high worldwide ranking in women empowerment and gender equality.

The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index places the Philippines at 16th — the only one in Asia in the top 20 — as the country is performing excellently in closing the gender gap when it comes to economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, health and survival, and political empowerment.

He also revealed that half of his colleagues in the agency’s executive roster are women.

“As an agency being looked upon by the national government in promoting women’s rights, Popcom will do its best to guarantee their protection, empowerment, and provision of opportunities needed to achieve their utmost in life,” he said. (MNS)

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PH Mission to UN defends Calabarzon ops MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Philippine Mission to the United Nations in Geneva defended as "legitimate" the law enforcement operations in Calabarzon that resulted in the deaths of nine activists and arrest of six others last Sunday.

This comes in the wake of a statement from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) that denounces what it describes as "arbitrary killing". " We a r e a pp a l le d a t OHCHR prejudging legitimate police operations on Sunday in the Philippines vs persons possessing dangerous firearms and explosive devices. We regret this overreach of OHCHR’s mandate -- clearly uninformed of facts on the ground," the Philippine Mission said over Twitter on Tuesday night.

It said there is "no basis for calling deaths resulting from these operations as arbitrary killing," adding that these were carried out "strictly within the bounds of law, on 40 search warrants secured by the police after a rigorous legal process."

When deaths occur during operations conducted by security forces, investigations are "automatically" launched in the Philippines, it added.

"And this will be true for the search ops in Luzon last Sunday," it said. "We ask OHCHR to correct hasty opinions favoring violators of the law & instead support efforts to uphold law & order."

At least six died in Rizal province, two in Batangas, and one in Cavite following simultaneous police operations on Sunday.

Initia l reports showed that policemen conducted the raids by the virtue of search warrants for illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

Col. Chit Gaoiran, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office-4A (Calabarzon), earlier said the raiding team was engaged in a gunfight, resulting in the deaths of the nine individuals.

A Depa r t ment of Justice-led panel on extrajudicial killings is currently investigating the death of the nine activists. The Commission on Human Rights will also launch an independent probe. (MNS)

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Raya and the Last Dragon

Emphasizes Trust and Community Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Raya and the Last Dragon” is an epic journey to the fantasy world of Kumandra. Raya embarks alone on her quest to find the last dragon to restore the fractured lands and its divided people. In her pursuit, she learns that it takes more than a dragon to save the world— it takes trust, teamwork, friendship, and the wisdom of her community as well.

“Raya doesn't have friends,” says actress Kelly Marie Tran who voices the warrior princess. “She sees people she doesn't know as dangerous.” Along with her trusty steed Tuk Tuk, Raya meets and joins forces with formidable giant Tong (Benedict Wong), 10-year-old entrepreneur Boun (Izaac Wang), mischievous toddler Noi (Thalia Tran), and legendary dragon Sisu (Awkwafina).

Together, they form a chosen family that works to unify Kumandra. “During the course of the movie, she learns how to trust people again,” says Tran.

The theme of teamwork on screen mirrored Walt Disney Animation Studios’ real-life challenges. Due to the COVID crisis, the film’s more than 450 artists and technologists worked from home. Thanks to the advancement of technology, they completed the film physically apart, but virtually together.

Disney’s diverse workforce brought the rich lands of Kumandra to life. ● Writers Adele Lim who was raised in Malaysia and Qui Nguyen whose family is from Vietnam co-wrote the screenplay. ● As Head of Story, Fawn Veerasunthorn of Thailand turned the screenwriters' words and the directors’ vision into a visual representation of the narrative. ● Crowds Artist D’Lun Wong of Malaysia designed the crowds in scenes to accurately reflect the peoples of Southeast Asia who inspired the film. ● Lighting Artist Roger Lee from Singapore used software to enhance the atmosphere, tone, depth, and mood of the scenes. ● Modeling Environment Lead John Aquino of the Philippines and Modeler Punn Wiantrakoon of Thailand, who moved to California and Virginia respectively as teenagers, built digital versions of everything that is seen on screen into models in order to be animated. ● Senior Software Engineer Far Jangtrakool of Thailand provided technical tools that animators and layout artists utilized to create the film.

The film’s themes of trusting one another and working together are relatable to all audiences. “Right now, the world is very broken,” said Co-screenwriter Qui Nguyen. “This movie has a lot of magic in it, but I think the biggest piece of magic is trust. It is the real secret ingredient that will save our fictional world of Kumandra. And it’s a message that I think is really important for the world to have and see.”

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Raya and the Last Dragon" is available on Disney+ with Premier Access and in theaters.

Recto balks at PNP ban on PDA: Don't MANILA (Mabuhay) — Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto on Wednesday rejected the Philippine National Police's (PNP) appeal against displaying "physical, social and romantic relationships" in public, citing health protocols amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement, Recto said that it seems the PNP declared a "war on love," and not on COVID-19.

"If all acts of public display of affection are prohibited—harmless kisses, holding hands, hugs—then the rules border on the absurd," he said.

"Will the ban include the 'Mano po!' of kids to their grandparents, as it falls under the standard definition of affectionate acts? Or how about the wife at the back of a bike holding her husband tight for dear life, will her hug be prohibited, too?" he added.

PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Ildebrandi Usana said that amid the rising cases of COVID-19, the public "should maintain being cautious from the spread of the virus."

"The virus may be right before them. Infection happens to families, it can happen to anyone, anywhere," he said.

"And if you love your spouse, your children, you have to be conscious of the minimum health and safety protocols," he added.

Still, Recto questioned the PNP's reasoning of "for health reasons" in issuing its appeal.

"So a couple who shares a bed at night cannot kiss each other goodbye on the street when they go their separate ways to work and

should just text each other kiss emojis?" he asked.

"Ang bait naman ni COVID that it doesn’t harm couples making out in private.

This is a scientific eureka moment worthy of a Nobel Prize," he added.

Recto urged the police to be more

declare ‘war on love’

mindful in the way they communicate policies in addressing the pandemic.

"Words ca n move—and frighten—a nation. When you w ield a loud microphone, don’t treat it like a police whistle you can blow anytime," he said.

(MNS)

Incentives eyed for firms helping end online sexual abuse on children MANILA (Mabuhay) — Senator Risa Hontiveros is considering providing incentives to private companies assisting law enforcers in putting an end to online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC).

In a statement on Tuesday, Hontiveros said there is a need for companies "to be proactive in the fight against OSAEC. "Providing incentives may be the most effective way to ensure this," she said. "May karampatang parusa pa rin kung hindi sila su- sunod sa batas.”

Hontiveros issued the statement a s t he Senate women committee resu med its he a r i ng o n bi l ls

SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS

against online sexual abuse of children.

Hontiveros earlier filed Senate Bill 2068, or the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Law, which seeks to impose penalties on private companies that do not comply with their obligations under the measure.

“Both incentives and penalties can encourage more synergy between private companies and government agencies. Pwedeng mapaigting ang partisipasyon ng mga pribadong kumpanya kung hindi lang parusa ang prinepresenta sa kanila,” Hontiveros said.

The bill seeks to penalize, among others: those who willfully subscribe to, join or support an Internet address that hosts OSAEC content; those who hire, employ, or pay a facilitator to stream sexual abuse of children; and those who knowingly benefit from the commission of OSAEC The measure likewise outlines the duties and

obligations of Internet service providers, social media networks, financial institutions and intermediaries, and establishments or facilities to prevent incidents of OSAEC. Internet service providers that do not give notice of exploitation on their services will be slapped a penalty of P2 million but not more than P5 million.

Meanwhile, social media networks that do not comply with their requirements will be penalized with a fine of P10 million, so will banks, money services, and other financial intermediaries not fulfilling their reportorial obligation as provided under the law.

“The private sectors’ products are the main channels through which exploitation occurs. Kung magkakaroon ng mas take-charge attitude ang mga kumpanya dahil sa incentives, then we should study this possibility. Laking tulong ito sa mga opisyal natin," Hontiveros said.

"W hen it comes to a crime as stealthy and as technical as OSAEC, our law enforcement agencies need all the help they can get,” she added.

(MNS)

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PNP gets Ford truck from US Embassy

NEW MOBILE ASSET. The new Ford F-550 truck of the Philippine National Police (PNP) is parked at the PNP Transformation Oval in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Wednesday (March 10, 2021). The truck donated by the US Embassy in Manila will boost the PNP-Highway Patrol Group's (HPG) capability to respond to emergencies. (Photo courtesy of PNP)

MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group's (PNP-HPG) capability to respond to emergencies got a boost with the US Embassy donation of one Ford F-550 truck on Wednesday.

“The PNP extends its heartfelt appreciation to the US Embassy for the donation of a Ford truck that will help our HPG augment their police visibility in public roads and highways especially in this time of the Covid-19 pandemic,” said PNP chief Gen. Debold Sina, in a statement Thursday.

Sinas and US Embassy Attach Jason B. Hap-

kins signed the deed of donation in a ceremony which was followed by the blessing of the donated vehicle at the PNP Transformation Oval in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Also present in the ceremony, as witnesses, were Ermilio R. Samson, Jr., Motorpool Supervisor of the US Embassy, the PNP Command Group, and Directors of PNP Logistics and Highway Patrol Group.

The donated truck has been officially recorded in the PNP Property Book as a PNP-owned mobile asset. (MNS)

Biazon calls on House panel to convene, discuss possible option for Philippines regarding VFA MANILA (Mabuhay) — Muntinlupa City Representative Ruffy Biazon has called on House members in the congressional committee on the Philippines-United States Visiting Forces Agreement to thoroughly discuss the possible option for the country regarding the pact.

Through House Resolution 1606, Biazon said in light of the renewed vigor in relations between the Philippines and the US governments, "now may be the opportune time for policymakers to discuss possible options for the country regarding VFA." Biazon said the volatile situation in the West Philippine Sea — as well as the need for the Philippine military to modernize and improve its systems to conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations — "compel [the Philippines] to seek and maintain alliances with other countries."

President Rodrigo Duterte has said he wants to listen first to public opinion before deciding if he will abrogate or renew the VFA, which all o w s American troops to hold military exercises with their Filipino counterparts in the country.

Duterte had ordered the abrogation of the VFA after the US government revoked the visa of his close ally, Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa.

According to Biazon, lawmakers, being representatives of Filipino cit i zens, are in position to help Duterte about the matter.

(MNS) REP. RUFFY BIAZON

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House bill seeks 7-day emergency leave for calamity-hit workers MANILA (Mabuhay) — A House measure seeking to grant seven-day special emergency leave for workers in private and public sectors who were directly affected by natural calamities has been filed.

In filing House Bill 8847 or the "Lingkod Calamity Leave Act," Bulacan Representative Jose Antonio Sy-Alvarado said the proposed measure is an effort to provide assistance to workers, especially considering the distress calamities might bring to victims.

Sy-Alvarado said under the bill, qualified employees shall be entitled to a seven-day special emergency leave each year.

"Every employee who has rendered at least six months of services shall be entitled to seven-day special emergency leave each year, with pay, in times of natural calamities or disasters, based on any of the grounds specified in Section 6 of this Act," the bill read.

Under the measure, any qualified could avail of the special emergency leave on any of the following grounds: Being stranded in affected areas where there are no means of transportation that can ensure a safe travel to and from work; Disease or illness of employee incurred by reason of the natural calamity or disaster; Caring of immediate family member affected by natural calamity disaster; and Urgent repair and clean-up of damaged houses.

The seven-day leave with pay shall be made available upon declaration of a state of calamity.

If a state of calamity was not declared but the area was severely affected by natural calamities, the head of the employees may grant the special emergency leave to affected employees based on proof or evidence presented or news account.

"The special emergency leave can be applied for five straight working days or on staggered basis and will not be deducted from employee's leave credits," the measure stated.

This leave may be availed of by employees within ten days from the date when the natural disaster occurred, the bill added.

Further, the benefits under the proposed measure shall not in any way mean any reduction, diminution, discontinuation, or elimination of other existing benefits. (MNS)

Go-Duterte tandem dominates Pulse Asia poll M A N IL A ( Mabu hay) — Filipino voters prefer Senator Christopher Law rence “Bong” Go and President Rodrigo Duterte to be the respective president and vice president of the country in 2022, according to the pre-election survey conducted by private polling firm Pulse Asia.

Pulse Asia, in its February 10 to 19 poll, disclosed that the possible Go-Duterte tandem is the team to beat in the 2022 national and local elections.

The Go-Duter te ta ndem earned the highest voter preference, getting the nod of 32 percent of the respondents nationwide.

The pair received the highest score in Mindanao (62 percent), followed by the Visayas (39 percent), Metro Manila (21 percent), and Balance Luzon (18 percent).

The possible pairing of Senator Grace Poe and Senate President Vicente Sotto III is second on the list of voters’ preferred presidential and vice presidential candidates, obtaining 32 percent.

Next to the Poe-Sotto pair are the possible tandems of former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Senator Emmanuel Pacquiao (17 percent), as well as of Senator Panfilo Lacson and Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso (11 percent).

SENATOR CHRISTOPHER LAWRENCE “BONG” GO AND PRESIDENT RODRIGO DUTERTE The possible tandem of Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo and Senator Francis Pangilinan got the lowest voter preference at 8 percent.

‘Ripe’ for prexy race In his commentar y show “Counterpoint” aired Wednesday, Presidential Chief Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said he believed that Go is already “ripe” for the 2022 presidential derby.

P a ne lo s a id G o, b e i n g Duterte’s long-time aide before getting elected as a senator, has been able to acquire all the qualities needed to be the country’s leader.

“Hinog na rin si Senator Christopher Bong Go na maging presidente sapagkat yung mga kakayahan at qualities ni Presidente ay nailipat na sa kaniya (He is already ripe to become president because the President has been able to pass on to Go all the qualities

he has),” he said.

On February 26, Panelo first floated the possible Go-Duterte tandem, saying Go is also qualified to be Duterte’s successor in 2022 and can continue the President’s legacy.

He said Go’s competence should not be underestimated, noting that the senator has had an “on-the-spot” training with Duterte.

“Huwag ninyong mamaniin ang pagtakbo ni Senator Christopher ‘Bong’ Go bilang presidente. Baka kayo ay magkamali diyan (Do not belittle Senator Christopher ‘Bong’ Go when he runs for president. It would be a mistake do that),” he said.

Duterte, in a speech delivered in Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental on March 5, praised Go and even called the senator “president.”

In a March 5 statement issued in response to Duterte’s statement, Go said he has no plan to run for president in 2022. (MNS)

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Foreigndirect directinvestments investmentsyield yieldnet netinflow inflowof of$6.5B $6.5Binin2020, 2020,but butdown down24.6% 24.6% Foreign MANILA (Mabuhay) — Foreign direct investments (FDI) in the Philippines yielded a net inflow in 2020, but posted a double-digit decline from a year earlier due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Wednesday showed.

BSP bank data showed that FDI —investments by foreign firms and individuals in the Philippines— stood at a net inflow of $6.542 billion, down 24.6% from $8.671-billion net inflow in 2019.

An FDI net inflow indicates that non-residents’ investments that entered (inflow) the country exceeded those that exited (outflow) or were withdrawn.

“The disruptive impact of the pandemic on global supply chains and the weak business outlook adversely affected investor decisions in 2020,” the central bank said.

Sought for comment, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said that the lower FDI net inflow is “in response to lower demand conditions due to COVID-19, amid cost-cutting/attrition measures by global companies/foreign investors to remain competitive.”

“Some foreign investors remained tentative/on a wait-and-see attitude before the possible signing of the CREATE Bill into law by President [Rodrigo] Duterte any time soon,” Ricafort added.

The Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act, which was recently ratified by Congress, is awaiting Duterte’s signature.

The measure seeks to lower the Philippines’ corporate income tax (CIT) rate from 30% to 25% and rationalize the country’s investment incentives, making them more competitive and transparent, time-bound, targeted, and performance-based.

The law also provides businesses with economic stimulus measures that will help them recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

In particular, the BSP said foreigners’ net investments in debt instruments contracted by 22% to $4.1 billion in 2020 from $5.2 billion in 2019.

Likewise, non-residents’ net equity capital investments dropped by 35.7% to $1.5 billion last year from $2.3 billion year-on-year.

The BSP said bulk of the equity capital placements during the period came from Japan, the Netherlands, the United States, and Singapore.

Foreigner’s capital infusions were directed mainly to manufacturing, real estate, and financial and insurance industries.

Reinvestment of earnings, meanwhile, declined by 13.6% to $978 million in 2020 from $1.1 billion a year earlier.

“For the coming months, FDIs could pick up, alongside with the expected further re-opening of the economy, as well as the possible signing into law of the CREATE that

will outrightly reduce corporate income tax rate to 25% (from 30%) and provide greater certainty on investment incentives, thereby would make some foreign investors on the sidelines to become more decisive and bring in more FDIs into the country,” Ricafort said.

In December alone, FDI registered

a $509-million net inflow, 62.6% lower than the $1.4-billion net inflow recorded in December 2019.

“The year-on-year decline in FDI in December 2020 was due mainly to base effects given significantly large inflows from net investments in equity capital and debt instruments in December 2019,” the BSP said. (MNS)

NEDA seeks passage of GUIDE bill before June MANILA (Mabuhay) — The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) on Thursday called for the passage of the measure seeking to provide financial aid to distressed enterprises affected by the COVID-19 pandemic before June this year.

NEDA Assistant Secretary Carlo Abad Santos made the appeal as the Senate banks committee tackled the proposed Government Financial Institutions Unified Initiatives to Distressed Enterprises for Economic Recovery (GUIDE) bill.

According to Abad Santos, the GUIDE bill is among the 12 priority measures of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council for approval by the end of this year.

"We hope for its swift passage before June this year.

Along with other members of the economic team, we are here to express our full support for GUIDE and to request the Senate to facilitate its speedy approval," he added.

Under the proposed measure, the financial assistance will be given through programs and initiatives that will be enforced by the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) to address liquidity or solvency problems of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and strategically important industries, encourage their continued operations, and maintain employment levels.

One key provision of the measure is the expansion of loan assistance programs, rediscounting and other credit accommodation facilities of LBP, DBP, small business corporation and Agriculture Credit Policy Council.

The targeted sectors of LBP include players engaged in activities in the agribusiness value chain and for

DBP, it will give assistance to eligible MSMEs engaged in infrastructure, services, service industry, and/or manufacturing business.

BSP support Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno likewise expressed full support to the passage of the GUIDE bill.

"When enacted, the GUIDE bill will boost the capacity of LBP and DBP to support our MSMEs through expanded lending activities, thereby ensuring the availability of credit to this sector," he said.

"This bill will supplement the financial assistance to MSMEs that this Congress provided through the Bayanihan laws," he added.

National Treasurer Rosalia de Leon likewise backed the approval of the measure, noting the importance of MSMEs and strategically important companies in the country's economy.

"We think that GUIDE is an efficient and effective method to support the economic recovery. The initial funding required will go a long way in helping people tide this pandemic," she said.

The House of Representatives has a lready NEDA ASSISTANT approved its version of the SECRETARY CARLO measure last month. (MNS)

ABAD SANTOS

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Barbie Forteza considers boyfriend Jak Roberto her 'lucky charm'

BarBie anD JaK MANIL A (Mabuhay) — Barbie Forteza has revealed that she considered boyfriend Jak Roberto her “lucky charm.”

The actress said she noticed how her career grew since they became official.

“Feeling ko siya yung lucky charm ko kasi parang ever since naging kami, parang nagtuloy-tuloy din talaga ’yung magagandang opportunities ko. Parang medyo dumami yung inquiries, dumami ’yung work, kaya talagang nakakatuwa,” she said.

“Hindi lang sa akin. Kahit sa kanya. Busy na rin siya ngayon,” she added.

Barbie is currently in the drama “Anak ni Waray vs. Anak ni Biday,” which is set to air its last episodes starting Monday.

“Nakakalungkot na matatapos na siya kasi gano’n na kalaki at karami yung pinagsamahan namin sa show. Not just the cast pero pati yung mga staff, talagang parang naging pamilya,” she said.

Aside from “All Out Sundays,” she is also set to star in the new season of “I Can See You” with Paul Salas.

“Reunion namin bilang nagkasama na kami sa ‘Kara Mia’ before,” she said.

In November 2020, Barbie and Jak were named the new faces of a skincare and cosmetics brand.

They confirmed their relationship to the public in 2017 and marked their fourth Christmas together in 2020. (MNS)

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Julia Barretto speaks up on facing judgment

“C

rucified” by critics for her personal life, Julia Barretto has learned how to deal with judgment, or more accurately, assess whether it matters or not.

The actress opened up about being the target of “bashers” in the March 10 episode of “Musings” with photographer BJ Pascual, released in the latter’s YouTube channel.

The episode, which marked Barretto’s 24th bir thday, showed glimpses of her pictorial with Pascual, as well as their exchange of views on a range of topics, including facing critics on social media.

“The older I’m getting, I’m slowly starting to realize how important it is to compartmentalize: what matters and what doesn’t matter,” Barretto said.

“Sometimes, when it’s the opinion of people who don’t have a significant role in your life, who really don’t matter to you, who you don’t even know, I’m never going to be affected by it. You don’t know me, I don’t know you, we can’t judge each

other. It’s just not possible,” she explained.

The opinions that do matter for Barretto, she said, are those of “my family, my friends, people who are close to me, the ones who really know me.”

Barretto, who started acting at 6 years old and who comes from a clan of celebrities, said she has come to accept that “whether you do something good or bad, people will always have something to say.”

“So keep going, keep doing you. Wala, may masasabi, e.

Kahit ang ganda na ng nagawa mo, meron pa rin silang masasabi. May taong ganoon, e,” she said.

Barretto, who in the past week has made headlines for her newly confirmed relationship with actor Gerald Anderson, rarely answers “bashers.”

She does make an exception,

JuLia BarrettO however, when they “cross the line.”

She clarified, however, that she would always opt to respond with kindness. “I won’t pay back bad for bad,” she said.

“I believe in paying back good sa bad. Fight a good fight of faith, ‘diba, sabi sa Bible.”

“I’m always hoping for the best for them everytime I reply.

For you to be talking to me this

way, you must be going through something. Kung at peace ka, masaya ka, you’ll not talk to anybody that way. I look at it na, maybe they’re not okay, maybe there’s something they want to improve or change in their life na hindi pa nababago,” she explained.

“I just don’t want to judge also, because I know what it’s like to be judged.” (MNS)

Phoemela Baranda gives birth to second daughter MANILA (Mabuhay) — Host and TV personality Phoemela Baranda is now a proud mother of two after giving birth to her second daughter.

In her Instagram account, Baranda confirmed her delivery via a photo of her partner Jason Choachuy kissing her on the forehead after giving birth.

“Thank you for all the prayers & well wishers. Delivery went very smoothly, we’re safe & healthy,” she said in the caption.

PHOeMeLa BaranDa

Jaya is going back to US MANILA (Mabuhay) — Veteran soul singer Jaya is moving back to United States after the COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on their family.

Jaya shared her plans of leaving the Philippines with her family during the virtual press conference for the online show “Grateful Tuesdays.”

“Sa ngayon po gusto ko po sana kahit papaano magpahinga. Hindi ko alam 'yung feeling ng pahinga. But still with some type of work. Ito nga, sabi ko, ang saya. Natiyempo ‘yung online. Pwedeng gawin 'yan. Maraming pwedeng gawin sa online source,” the singer explained.

The “Queen of Soul” also said she will not be leaving immediately although her husband Gary Gotidoc has already left the country.

“Sa akin po 'yung pag-alis, hindi po ito agad-agad. Pero plano po 'yun talaga kasi nauna na po 'yung asawa ko,” Jaya quipped.

Saturday-Friday March 13 - 19, 2021

She went on to say that now is the right time to start for a new beginning.

“A lot of people would understand [that] I'm 51 in a few weeks and napakarami ko pa ding gustong gawin na ibang bagay, not just singing. And right now, everything is kind of slow and down. So good opportunity

JaYa to start something fresh,” she said.

Jaya faced a challenge during the lockdown when her husband was rushed to the hospital due to a stroke.

After all the challenges, Jaya said she left everything in God's hands. And that's when she and her husband decided to return to the US. Last January, after selling some of their properties in Tarlac, Jaya's husband and her stepson left for the US, where they already found a house for them.

“You know, God had better plans. He made us sell the property, nagbayad the same day…

That was January 5… January 7, they departed. They were able to find a job 22 hours later and they were able to find a home to rent na ang laki-laki, ang ganda-ganda na parang pwede ba nating bilhin 'yun someday? Hindi naman binebenta… but you know, He provides. Things happened and things start to arise when your faith rises. That’s the reason why I’m going to the States because I think He’s telling me talaga to go there, don’t worry about it,” Jaya said. (MNS)

Baranda also thanked her partner, businessman and professional race car driver Choachuy, for staying beside her.

“Beyond happy with you by my side @jason_choa Most of all thank you Lord for a beautiful, healthy baby. I am forever grateful,” she added.

The 40-year-old model surprised her fans and followers last year when she revealed that she is expecting her second child.

Baranda then showed off her growing baby bump as she posted a photo from her shoot with the local fashion magazine Preview on her Instagram page.

She gave birth to her fi rstborn, Kim Nichole, when she was 19 years old. In an interview, she said she is now "more mentally prepared" as she welcomes her second child, but was quick to add that she feels "the same amount of excitement and love." (MNS)

'First Yaya' stars Sanya Lopez, Gabby Concepcion reveal qualities they like about each other

MANILA (Mabuhay) — Sanya Lopez and Gabby Concepcion revealed some of the qualities they learned and liked about each other after working together as a love team for "First Yaya."

In a press conference for "First Yaya," Sanya who plays the titular character, Yaya Melody, said it was easy to connect with the veteran actor. "'Hindi rin siya mahirap maka-connect agad sa kanya. Actually nung una medyo kinakabahan pa ako, nahihiya pa ako pero siya 'yung nag-approach agad sa 'yo and then iba kung paano siya kasi sobrang malambing, gentleman," Sanya said.

Sanya also revealed that Gabby cooks for the whole cast during the lock-in taping, saying, "sino ba naman ang hindi mahuhulog kapag ganon ang kasama mo? Si Kuya Gabby, tatayo pa lang yan very presidentiable na, tapos ang gwapo. So 'yon lang ang isa sa mga characteristics na mga nakikita ko," she added.

Meanwhile, Gabby said Sanya is someone anyone can easily fall in love with.

"Well si Sanya kasing madali ang ma-in love ang kahit na sino dito.

Napaka-simple niya kaya siguro siya pinili ng management. Ang bait niya, kalog siya, health conscious," Gabby said.

"Conscious siya sa mga tao na nasa paligid niya ateriCH 'yungGOnzaLeS character

SanYa LOPez na ginagawa niya parang siya 'yun eh.

Sabi nga ni Direk 'wag ka na umarte.

Ganito gawin mo. 'Yan 'yan. 'Yan 'yun, ikaw 'yun," he added.

Sanya also expressed how excited she is for fi nally being able to portray a lead role in a romantic comedy series.

"Bago itong 'First Yaya' sa kin. Ang pagpasok sa romcom feeling ko ito talaga 'yung nakaka-excite i-share sa kanila, na 'guys marunong na ako mag-comedy' dahil sa mga kasama ko at lalong lalo na kay Direk LA siyempre sobrang galing," she said.

"Gusto ko kung paano hinihimay 'yung character ko dito ni Direk LA para lang mai-pasok sa kin si First Yaya si Yaya Melody," she added.

"First Yaya" will premiere on March 15, 2021 on GMA Network's Telebabad lineup replacing Anak ni Waray vs. Anak ni Biday. (MNS)

Entertainment

Saturday-Friday | March 13 - 19, 2021

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Make friends with people with different opinions? Janine Gutierrez weighs in

K

nown for expressing her personal views, actress Janine Gutierrez said she is lucky to have friends who share the same opinions as hers.

In a media conference for her upcoming movie “Dito at Doon” with JC Santos, the 31-year-old Kapamilya actress explained that she has known most of her friends since grade school, maybe the reason why they almost have the same views on certain issues.

“Karamihan ng mga kaibigan ko pareho kami ng opinyon. Pero I guess mostly kasi wala akong masyado, yung mga barkada ko outside showbiz as in barkada ko since Grade 2 or since college. I guess sabay-sabay kaming nagporma ng opinyon that now we do think the same,” Gutierrez said.

She, however, acknowledged that some of her family members have different opinions on certain things.

According to Gutierrez, who will be paired with Santos for the first time on the big screen, mutual respect is needed when dealing with people who have contrasting views.

“I guess mag-a-apply ’to sa’kin sa mga kamag-anak na medyo meron kayong kaibahan ng opinyon. So mahalaga rin talaga na marunong ka makinig sa ibang tao at rumespeto sa opinyon nila,” she added.

Gutierrez was also asked if she will continue voicing out her opinion on

Janine Gutierrez certain issues, which she answered affirmatively.

She bared that she was once warned by her mother, veteran actress Lotlot de Leon, to minimize sharing her personal stand on issues.

“Actually nakakatawa nga kasi dati, maybe like last year, my mom would tell me na, ’Anak huwag ka nang masyadong magsasasalita, magsabi ng kung ano-ano.’ E kami ng mga kapatid ko very vocal sa ganyan,” Gutierrez shared.

The Gawad Urian Best Actress added she and her siblings were inspired by other showbiz personalities who have used their platforms to speak out.

“Na-inspire din kami ng mga artista na ganon din. So, recently naman ’yung mommy ko very vocal na rin. It’s really possible to inspire other people kahit pa na nanay mo ’yan,” she said.

Gutierrez also thanked her fans and friends for supporting her on social media, especially those who appreciate her actions.

“Malaking bagay ’yung mga sumusuporta. I get a lot of tweets and comment on Instagram and sobrang nagpapasalamat ako sa lahat ng fans, lahat ng mga kaibigan, lahat ng mga tao sa social media na nagbibigay ng suporta and who feel the same way and appreciate people who speak about things kahit merong mga ibang hindi sang-ayon doon,” the star of award-winning film “Babae at Baril” said.

True to her campaign, Gutierrez also used the opportunity during the virtual conference to invite viewers who are not yet registered to vote.

“I’m really trying to be vocal about voter registration. ’Yung impormasyon kung kelan ba bukas ang Comelec para magparehistro.

Saan ba pwede? As much as possible, I try to share on my stories kung anuman ang pwedeng mashare tungkol du’n,” she explained.

Directed by JP Habac, “Dito at Doon” will premiere on March 17 in theaters and on KTX.PH. (MNS)

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Dawn Zulueta shares realizations she turns 52

DAWN ZULUETA MANILA (Mabuhay) — Dawn Zulueta took to Instagram to share photos of herself looking ageless after she turned 52 years old.

On Instagram, Dawn posted beautiful snapshots of herself donning what seemed to be a Princess Diana-inspired hair.

Dawn looked back to her last birthday, saying she "had no idea that in just a matter of days the world would turn itself inside out due to the #covid_19 pandemic."

For Dawn, it was a chance to "reflect deeper about how precious life is as we wept with those who lost their battles and stood strong with those who still fight."

Additionally, Dawn said "in one year, I got to re-evaluate myself and my priorities."

"A full year of sifting and shaking so that I am only left with what matters most," she added.

Dawn ended her note thanking her followers, friends, and supporters.

"I thank every one of you, who even through SocMed, gave a kind word of support, encouragement, a word of peace and love. Thank You for helping me get through the year that was #birthday #4March #quarantinelife," she wrote.

Last September, the Filipino actress proudly posted selfies showing off her grown-out natural hair — gray strands and all. (MNS)

Xian Lim on relationship with Kim Chiu: 'Bawal makampante' MANILA (Mabuhay) — Having been in show business for several years already, Xian Lim admitted that he’s at a point where he’s no longer afraid to face whatever may come his way.

“At this point, parang natanggap ko na sa bawat kilos ng isang aktor o ng isang artista ay meron at merong masasabi ang ibang tao. Maganda man o masama, you just have to not pay attention to those things para sa akin,” he said

in a virtual conference for an upcoming game show he will be hosting.

“Kasi nung una talaga, naalala ko, nung nagsisimula pa lang ako, lahat kinukwestyon ko. ‘Bakit ganito, bakit ganito?' Nasa sarili mo na lang eh,” he added.

Lim said he also learned how to remain unbothered despite all those who were doubting his relationship with Kim Chiu back when they were still a new couple.

XIAN AND KIM “Ngayon, parang we’re just doing our thing. Parang ito kami, ito 'yung mga ginagawa namin, ito 'yung sini-share namin na tipong ganun. Tumahimik na lang and eventually it died down,” he said.

While they are most certainly happy with what they have, Lim said he’s not the type who gets complacent in a relationship.

15

“Siyempre, lagi ko ngang sinasabi sa isang relationship, dapat every single day, you work on it. Bawal makampante sa isang relationship,” he said.

Lim and Chiu have been dating since 2012 although it was only in 2018 when the actress first confirmed their relationship.

Last month, Lim reacted to rumors that

he already proposed to Chiu.

“Actually maraming nagtatanong sa akin regarding that. Pero matagal pa ako, matagal pa kami," Lim said.

Lim explained that he and Chiu still have a lot of things to accomplish as individuals. “ T h e r e ’s s o many things that we want to be able to accomplish and marami pa kaming gustong gawin.

And I think wala pa sa time na ganoon.

Hindi pa namin or even talking about it, hindi namin napag-uusapan. So ‘yon, matagal pa po,” Lim said.

(MNS)

Heart Evangelista reveals she is a ‘super fan’ of Blackpink’s Jennie M A NIL A (Mabuhay) — Looks like Heart Evangelista is a certified BLINK and fashionista in one as she revealed that she sees Blackpink’s Jennie as one of her inspirations.

In a Facebook Live, Heart revealed that she is a passionate “super fan” of Jennie and her fashion.

“Kunwari nakita ko suot ni Jennie yung Chanel na

ganon, bibilhin ko ‘yon.

Basta anything Chanel ni Jennie, bibilhin ko,” she said.

In August 2019, the Kapuso actress did a dance cover of the singer’s hit “Solo” which, according to her, she really enjoyed despite the bashing she received.

“Okay lang kahit nabash ako kasi na-enjoy ko

HEART EVANGELISTA

talaga siya,” she said.

Heart also shared that she is willing to camp outside Blackpink’s studio just to see the group up close and personal.

She also hates that she wasn’t able to go to one of their concerts then because she had to work so now, she expects them in fashion shows.

BLACKPINK ‘S JENNIE “So ‘pag Fa shion

Week, minsan inaalam ko kung si Lisa or si Jennie nasa Celine or Chanel.

Kaya lang nagkakataon ‘pag nandon ako, wala sila, kaya inis na inis ako,” she said.

Heart recreated some of Jennie's looks in a vlog in December 2020, wherein she also said that she is “obsessed” with the performer. (MNS)

16

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Saturday-Friday | March 13 - 19, 2021

Tourism corridor eyed to link Calabarzon destinations

BONG GO... from Page 1 It was, however, unclear whether he was serious when he made the remarks.

Go, who joined the event, was seen shaking his head in disapproval.

Duterte’s latest statement came despite Go’s insistence that he is not gunning for the presidency in 2022.

It also came amid calls for Go and Duterte to run for president and vice president, respectively.

Earlier Thursday, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque recalled Duterte’s previous statement that the Chief Executive has no plan to become the country’s next vice president next year.

A camping destination in Tanay, Rizal (Contributed photo) MANILA – A tourism initiative called the Green Corridor will soon link several destinations in Region-4A (Calabarzon) under the new normal, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said Wednesday.

In a press conference from Rizal province, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said the department fully supports the initiative and vowed to extend support through online marketing campaigns as well as providing capacity-building training for tourism stakeholders.

Starting with Rizal,

Romulo-Puyat said the Green Corridor Initiative could interlink several towns in the safety of a travel bubble.

"Rizal is blessed to have many open air, nature, culture-based tourism products and it has been proven that as long as open air and protocols are in place, we can restart tourism," she told reporters.

Romu lo -P uyat sa id destinations in Rizal correspond with the travel preferences of tourists amid the pandemic, which include places that are near the metro and with

more open spaces.

“Through the Green Corridor Initiative, the City of Antipolo and the Municipalities of Angono, Taytay, and Cainta are interlinked in the safety of a travel bubble, furthering the DOT’s commitment to promote the province as a fun, sustainable and safe destination,” she said.

At the same time, she said the DOT will strictly monitor the compliance of all accredited tourism establishments with the Department of Health public health standards as well as the DOT health and safety

guidelines.

“With several ongoing initiatives to spur tourism, we have to ensure that there are adequate accredited establishments to serve and accommodate visitors," she said.

As of Feb. 28, there are about 95 accredited accommodation establishments in Region-4A, nine of which are from Rizal.

Tourism infrastructure projects have also been in the pipeline to provide better access roads to sites such as the Bunsuran Falls and Mystical Cave, both in Antipolo. (PNA)

Sal Panelo as ‘good senator someday’ Meanwhile, Duterte also hinted at the possibility that his top lawyer, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel, might seek a seat at the Senate in the 2022 national and local elections.

This was after Duterte alluded that Panelo could be a “good senator” in the future.

He also praised Panelo’s credentials, noting that the Palace official’s former clients include celebrities.

“Sal Panelo is the lawyer. Ito ‘yung abugado ng mga artista. Totoo, ‘yung mga iskandalo, nag-aaway. Kaniya iyang lahat. High profile itong si Sal (He is the lawyer of the stars. That’s true, he defended those involved in scandals. That’s him. Sal is high-profile). And maybe, he would make a good senator someday,” Duterte said.

Apart from Panelo, the President also lauded some of his Cabinet officials, including Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade and Public Works Secretary Mark Villar.

A February 4 article published by the local news site firm Politiko said Duterte named nine of his Cabinet secretaries as the administration’s potential senatorial bets next year.

Duterte, Politiko reported, named Roque, Panelo, Tugade, Villar, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, and vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. as his senatorial candidates. (MNS)

J&J... from Page 1 Health Science Clinical Professor Dr. Dali Fan, who serves as a volunteer vaccinator at California Northstate University in Elk Grove, California. He noted that the J&J vaccine is a single dose regimen that is much easier to store.

“So with three players coming to the battlefield, the tide has turned in our favor. We can greatly elevate the speed at which the American population gets vaccinated.”

California vaccination sites already have the capacity to inoculate more people on a daily basis, said Fan. “So with the addition of the third vaccine we're confident that we can get all Americans and all Californians vaccinated by the end of the summer.”

Simply administering the shot is a cakewalk, said the physician. The challenges lie in registration, recruiting sufficient vaccinators, finding people to vaccinate if a person does not show up for an appointment — so as not to waste a dose — and monitoring a vaccinated person for 15 minutes after they have received the shot.

Speaking to Ethnic Media Services late evening March 4, after administering more than two dozen doses at the CNU clinic, Fan joked: “It is always the rule that, when you're in a rush, it’s the last patient that creates trouble. It's never the first patient.”

The CNU clinic has placed a priority on vaccinating educators who will return to schools later this month, under Gover-

nor Gavin Newsom’s plan for re-opening schools, announced March 1.

All three vaccines currently available — the Johnson and Johnson, the Pfizer, and the Moderna — are equally efficacious, said Fan, addressing the rumors that the J&J vaccine was less effective at preventing a COVID illness. “You shouldn’t worry about which vaccine you’re getting: just get vaccinated,” he said.

The single shot regimen might prove to be more effective, he said, as people often do not return for their second doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine.

Moreover, the J&J vaccine can be stored in a refrigerator, overcoming the challenges of the Pfizer and Moderna vac-

ASIAN AMERICAN... from Page 2

PINAY... from Page 1

“People have had acid thrown at them; faces have been slashed,” she stated emotionally.

Other speakers at the press conference were: Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón; Robin S. Toma, Executive Director of the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations, and Assistant Director of the Los Angeles County department of Workforce Development, Aging and Community Services; Manjusha Kulkarni, Executive Director, Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council, and representative of StopAAPIHate; and Fredrick Sykes, former Sheriff’s deputy, Mayor and City Councilmember of West Covina and currently a commissioner of the LACCHR.

Gonzalez is an exemplary member of the Filipino American community.

Among the distinction that she has recently earned were: 2017 One Hundred Outstanding Filipino Americans in USA; 2018 Ambassador for Philippine Children's Charities; 2019 Executive Officer of the Philippine Senate President Vicente Sotto III. The newly appointed board member said she believes that students must receive quality education; must be given opportunities to shine and become the best they can be.

Gonzalez said she is an advocate for reshaping school priorities to keep the schools at pace with ongoing societal changes.

Gonzalez is an active member of the St. Lorenzo Ruiz Parish where she sings with its choir and serves as member of the Hospitality/Welcoming Committee.

cines, which must be stored at minus 80 degrees Celsius and minus 20 degrees Celsius, respectively. The lag time to see full efficacy is shorter with a single dose regimen: 14 days with the J&J vaccine, versus 42 to 49 days with the two-dose Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, explained Fan. During that lag time, people can still transmit the virus to a non-vaccinated person, said Fan, advising, like other experts, that vaccinated people should still continue to wear masks. “Even when you are fully vaccinated, the chance of you getting the disease is five percent to 15 percent,” he said.

Data has not yet been released as to how long the vaccines will last. Fan said that information

The Filipina American shared the local limelight with Donna Freedman who was also appointed to the Board of Education for Trustee Area 5.

Rowland Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Julie Mitchell officially presented the Oath of Office to Gonzales and Freedman on Monday (March 1, 2021).

Gonzales and Freedman Both will serve as provisional board members through December 2022.

For her part, Freedman said: “I am so thrilled and very excited to be back as a RUSD Board Member and I want to say thank you to our community, CSEA and ARE for their support. I’m ready for the challenges, hard work and difficult decisions to be made.”

Freedman and Gonzalez will take on their new roles as Board Members at the March 11 Board of Education meeting --- where the entire Board will restruc-

was not yet available.

“We know that it is safe to say that the immunization should last for more than six months and after that you may need supplemental injection next year.”

“Hopefully if there are enough people getting vaccinated, the virus the pandemic will die down and die off entirely.”

Johnson and Johnson is currently studying for a second shot and Moderna and Pfizer are studying for a third shot which would be engineered towards the new, more contagious and more virulent mutant variants, including the Brazilian variant, the U.K. variant, the South African variant, and a variant that has sprung up in the Bakersfield region of California.

ture and assume new board member positions.

For inquiries, community members are encouraged to visit rowlandschools. org or call the Superintendent’s Office at (626) 854-8304.

The Rowland Unified School District has garnered numerous state and national awards and is proud of its 19 schools that serve the communities of Rowland Heights, Walnut, La Puente, City of Industry, a​ nd ​West Covina.

More than 5,000 adults (18+) are also served by the Rowland Adult and Community Education School.

For more information about Rowland Unified, the community can call (626) 965-2541 or download the free Rowland USD Mobile App, follow Rowland schools on Twitter @RowlandSchools #WeAreRUSD, Facebook.com/RowlandUSD Twitter, or visit ​w ww.RowlandSchools.org​.

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PRAYERS

PRAYER TO THE HOLY SPIRIT

Holy Spirit Thou who make me see everything and show me the way to reach my ideal, You who give me the divine gift to forgive RN CAREGIVER CAREGIVERS CAREGIVER and forget the wrong that is done to me and who are in all instances Female RN edu live-in w/ meals. I m m e d i a t e o p e n i n g f o r Female or couple caregiver. Liveof my life with me. I, in this short dialogue, want to thank You for Care for wife, $265/day xtra caregivers, part time/full-time, for in/experienced, can cook. Nice HYHU\WKLQJ DQG FRQ¿UP RQFH PRUH WKDW , QHYHU ZDQW WR EH VHSDUDWHG sleep, res time & holiday pays. developmentally disabled adults area in Chino and Realto. Call from You no matter how great the material desires may be. I want Located in the Anaheim CA area. (ARF) in a home in Downey. Call Nona (213) 448-0931.

PRAYER TO BLESSED VIRGIN to be with You and my loved ones in Your perpetual glory. Amen.

(714) 351-4101.

310-480-9716 Paul.

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O Star of the Sea, help been granted.

Grateful Thanks) Mother - God bless - ATE VIV Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed of the Son of God, WANTED - IMMEDIATELY HIRING PRAYER TO SAINT THERESE and show meme herein younecessity. are my Mother.

O Holy Mary,Sea, Mother of Immaculate me Virgin, assist in my O Star of the help Ome Glorious St. Therese, Almighty God has Mother raised up me and show herein you are mywhom Mother.

O Holy Mary, of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the to of aidHeaven and inspire human family, I beseech implore your Miraculous God, Queen andthe Earth, I humbly you from the Intercession.

You are so innecessity obtaining every need ofThere body bottom of my heartof tomy succor inpowerful my necessity (make request). bottom heart tome succor me in my (make request).

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3 Our 3 Hail Mary,(mention 3Master Glory Jesus, the name of the traitor who delivered your beloved FOUR OR THREE WORK DAYS Now I fervently you to Father, answer my petition *Full-time or Part-time shifts available. pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times).

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PRAYER TO SAINT THERESE confi dence.

St.toTherese, mybring Carmelite Sister.

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Amen.

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Little Flower, give PRAYER TO SAINT JUDE PRAYER TOAmen.

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I promise O blessed Jude, to of beneed everofmindful of this letting from Heaven a Shower Roses.

Littleand Flower, give You arefall so thee, powerful in obtaining every body spiritgreat from Charmiley to be with You and my loved ones in Your perpetual glory. Amen. necessities, tribulations,or and sufferings particularly (here mention favour, to always thee asChurch my special and powerful patron, the Heart of God.honour Holy to Mother proclaims you ‘Prodigy of me your childlike faith, see the Face of God in the people and to gratefully encourage devotion to thee. Amen. —MAINE (A person must pray this for three consecutive days without stating your petition) and that I may bless God with you and all the elect and Miracles... the Greatest Saintto of Modern Times.’

Now I fervently experiences of my life, and love God with full confidence.

St. throughout eternity. I promise you, O blessed Jude to be ever beseech you to answer my petition (mention here) and to carry his wish. After the 3rd day the wish will be granted, no matter how Therese, my Carmelite Sister, I will fulfill your plea ‘to be made mindful of this great favor, and I will never cease to honor you as my out your promises of spending Heaven doing good on earth...of difficult it may be. Promise to publish this as soon as your favor has special and powerful patron and to do all in my power to encourage known everywhere’ and I will continue to lead others to Jesus letting fall from Heaven a Shower of Roses. Little Flower, give devotion to you. Amen. THANK YOU - ARDY through Amenfaith, THANK - SHAHELA been granted. Grateful Thanks) - God bless - OMEL me your you. childlike to seeYOU the Face of God in the people and H[SHULHQFHV RI P\ OLIH DQG WR ORYH *RG ZLWK IXOO FRQ¿GHQFH 6W 7KHUHVH P\ &DUPHOLWH 6LVWHU , ZLOO IXO¿OO \RXU SOHD µWR EH PDGH known everywhere’ and I will continue to lead others to Jesus through you. Amen THANK YOU - ABA

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'Telemedicine here to stay' a year after COVID-19 prompts PH lockdown Public becoming ‘lax’ in complying with health protocol vs COVID-19, says DILG exec

M A NIL A (Mabu hay) — After a few taps and calls on her smartphone, recovering tuberculosis patient Rie Domingo had prescribed medicine for her sore throat without her venturing outside.

A yea r a f ter President Rodrigo Duterte restricted travel in and out of Metro Manila due to COVID-19, telemedicine has provided patients the means to consult their doctors at the comfort of their homes.

“Telemedicine is here to stay. There are many sec u re on l i ne platforms for this purpose that doctors can use.

Because consultations are online, patients from far-flung regions in the country can see their doctor of choice in another locality,” Dr. Winlove Mojica said.

Medifi, a telehealth platform with over 3,000 doctors, ha s ser ved nearly 37,000 patients since March last year with an average of 80100 consultations per day, said its CEO Jay Fajardo.

“Aside from helping to relieve pressure on the overburdened healthcare system, telehealth

prov ided a safe way for patients to consult with their doctors while avoiding unnecessary exposure,” he said.

“According to our network of doctors, they intend to keep a significant part of their online consu lt ing pract ice, even after the threats of the pandemic have subsided and quarantine rules have relaxed.”

The most common concerns addressed by Medifi are in the fields of dermatology, obstetrics and g ynecolog y, psychiatry, and pediatrics, according to Fajardo.

Mojica, a dermatologist, said telemedicine has been a “blessing” to his practice.

“I'm very lucky that the field of Dermatology is a visual field. Even before the pandemic we have been practicing telemedicine to help physicians in rural communities in diagnosing skin conditions. Most of the time I just need to look at photos to arrive at a correct diagnosis,” he said.

Online patient consultations however has its downsides, Mojica added.

“I can only see a limited number of patients in a day. Online consultations can be tiring too in a different way. When internet connection is fault y, consultations seem to last forever," he said.

"There are also patients who bombard you with questions even after official clinic hours.

For patients with more complicated conditions, I have to refer them to other doctors who hold physical clinics. I could not admit patients at the hospital as I used to.”

Telemedicine does not replace in-person consultation but “complements it,” said Fajardo.

“There are many cases when teleconsulting is useful for post-treatment follow-up...It is also quite effective providing a level of triage, particularly when studies show that 70 percent of physical clinical visits are avoidable,” he said.

“It is very convenient both for doctors and patients. In-person consultations though can never be replaced and can be offered for those needing standard physical examination, Mojica said. (MNS)

FDA team flying to Russia to review Sputnik V vaccine application MANILA (Mabuhay) — FDA Director General Eric Domingo on Thursday said a team of inspectors will fly to the Gamaleya Research Institute manufacturing plant because the company has not yet submitted a Certificate of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) two months since it applied for the Emergency Use Authorization.

Instead of submitting the requirement, the Russian vaccine manufacturer invited the FDA to personally inspect their factory. Domingo said the local representative of Gamaleya will pay the application fee for the GMP inspection, saying this is part of the usual standard operating procedures.

“Ang ine-explain kasi nila is that every country na nag-license sa kanila, kapag pumupunta doon iniisinspect sila, binibigyan sila ng EUA pero hindi sila inissuehan ng certificate of GMP,” Domingo said in a text message.

Domingo said the FDA aims to release the result of Gamaleya’s EUA application before the end of the month.

He said the team they are sending to Russia are trained, adding they are tasked to give their feedback if something needs to be fixed or explain what measures need to be done so their findings can be addressed.

FDA DIRECTOR GENERAL Gamaleya submitted its EUA applicaERIC DOMINGO tion in January, the third vaccine man-

MANILA (Mabuhay) — More Filipinos have become “lax” in following minimum health standards to fight COVID-19, an official from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said Wednesday, blaming it as the reason behind the spike in newly-reported cases.

The country has been logging more than 2,400 fresh cases since March 5, data showed, with the health department reporting over 3,000 new infections at its peak for 4 straight days until March 8.

DILG Undersecretary Epimaco Densing III, who was infected with the coronavirus last year, blamed this development to Filipinos who violate health protocols, and batted for a stricter observance of such measures.

But the official, facing the House Committee on Transportation, did not reveal any new rules for stemming the virus’ spread.

“The reason why there’s an upsurge in identified local government units (LGU) is because people have started to become lax in the practice of minimum health standards. I saw in Pasay, BGC (Bonifacio Global City), people are talking, laughing without face masks and face shields, and you see saliva coming out of their mouths,” Densing told lawmakers.

“This is really an issue that we are addressing right now, for people to practice minimum health standards when they go out of their homes,” he added.

Nueva Ecija 2nd District Rep. Micaela Violago asked the official whether the DILG would consider implementing new health standards considering the uptick in new COVID-19 infections.

“Kasi ngayon, nag-surge na naman ng dami ng pasyente ng COVID. Na-consider ba sa plano ito?

Kasi ngayon, sigurado marami na namang probinsya na magsasara ulit kasi sa pagdami [ng kaso]” said Violago.

Densing said the DILG already issued a memorandum directing LGUs to pass ordinances penalizing residents who violate minimum health protocols.

“We’ve already issued a memo reiterating our previous memorandum in July of 2020… It can be in the form of imprisonment, fines or penalties, or maybe community work. And this was mentioned by our health officials during our consultation with the mayors of the National Capital Region, that regardless of the variant, if people are practicing minimum health standards, there is 95 percent less chance or risk of transmission,” he said.

In a public briefing on Monday,

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire reiterated that the spike in new cases cannot be attributed solely to the local presence of COVID-19 variants, saying that the public’s non-compliance with health protocols remained as its “underlying cause.”

“As long as our public would not be able to comply with the minimum health protocols that are there, the interventions, and then, andiyan na talaga ‘yung posibilidad na dadami nang darami ang kaso. And ngayon dumating yung variants, it has aggravated yung increase sa cases,” said Vergeire.

A Jan. 26-Feb. 1, 2021 survey by the OCTA Research, an independent group of researchers providing updates on the COVID-19 outbreak in the country, showed that a majority or over 90 percent of Filipinos complied with wearing face masks and cleaning their hands.

Many Filipinos fail to abide by physical distancing protocols: OCTA survey Some 67 percent of the respondents interviewed also said they were able to practice physical distancing.

The uptick in fresh COVID-19 infections also came in the wake of the government easing travel protocol across provinces and cities in late February. The new rules include the removal of mandatory COVID-19 testing and quarantine for local travelers except if they exhibit virus symptoms.

Densing defended this move and said the unified travel protocols are “backed up by science.” He also noted that if only the travelers strictly observe minimum health measures, the spread would at least be prevented.

“When we made the standard protocols for travel, the key agency there was our Department of Health and our resident epidemiologist… So [if] the traveler practices minimum health standards—and this I emphasize with our local officials—there’s 95 percent chance of less transmissibility,” he said.

Earlier in the hearing, the official told lawmakers that close to 80 to 90 percent of LGUs have complied with 3 mandates following the unified travel protocols: Travelers don’t need travel authority from the Philippine Natioanal Police Medical certificate from the LGU of origin is no longer required there is no required quarantine upon arrival of travelers except for those who have symptoms He also expects the rollout of an application that can be used by travelers within the next 2 weeks to advise them on travels. (MNS)

ufacturer to apply for emergency use in the Philippines. However, other firms that applied much later have already received their authorization.

The Russian company previously told the Philippine government that it could supply 50 to 100 million doses of its coronavirus vaccine to the country.

After criticism last year over an early rollout before the completion of its Phase 3 clinical trial, Russia's Sputnik V vaccine turned out to be 91.6% effective against symptomatic COVID-19 and 100% effective against severe and moderate disease, according to an interim analysis of the vaccine's Phase 3 trial results published in Lancet.

Sputnik V has so far been administered to more than two million people worldwide. (MNS)

Saturday-Friday | March 13 - 19, 2021

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More vax choices boost inoculations among health workers MANILA (Mabuhay) — More and more health workers are getting vaccinated with the CoronaVac and AstraZeneca vaccines, with a health expert noting that the availability of the second brand of a vaccine for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) has encouraged more vaccinations.

In a Laging Handa briefing on Wednesday, Dr. Anna Ong-Lim, a member of the Department of Health’s (DOH) Technical Advisory Group, said the vaccination drive among health workers have so far received a good response, noting that those apprehensive about CoronaVac’s “low” efficacy for preventing mild symptoms have been encouraged with the arrival of AstraZeneca vaccines.

“Dahil nagkaroon na ng ibang options, mas marami din nagkaroon ng encouragement na magpabakuna (Because of the addition of another option, more have been encouraged to get vaccinated),” Lim said.

However, she emphasized the importance of receiving any of the vaccines if they fit the criteria for inoculation.

“As long as nagpi-fit tayo sa criteria kung saan siya dapat gamitin mag-

'Pandemic fatigue' driving increase in COVID-19 cases, says expert MANILA (Mabuhay) — The fresh spike in COVID-19 cases is mainly being driven by “pandemic fatigue,” an expert said Wednesday.

Dr. Edsel Salvana, a molecular biologist and Department of Health (DOH) advisor, said some Filipinos have eased their adherence to health protocols due to fatigue.

The Philippines has been battling COVID-19 for over a year now, with Filipinos close to marking one year under quarantine.

“Ang main driver talaga nito sa ngayon [ay] ‘yung tinawag na ‘pandemic fatigue’ dahil medyo nagre-relax talaga ‘yung mga tao dahil nakikita nila, ‘Ay well, everyone’s out naman. Okay naman pala,’” Salvana said. “‘Yung virus hindi naman nagre-relax ‘yun eh, kaya tuloy-tuloy po ‘yung nangyayaring transmission,” he added.

The DOH similarly said the public’s relaxed observance of health protocols led to the spike in cases.

Salvana also noted that the new coronavirus variants that were recently detected in the country contributed to the case increase. “‘Yung sa variant, sure, it certainly can be a factor. Pero ‘yung porsyento ng variants na nakikita natin sa mga tine-test natin na genomic sequencing is still low, mga 5%,” he said.

According to the DOH, only 350 to 750 samples nationwide are subjected to genome sequencing each week due to supply constraints.

Meanwhile, Salvana urged COVID-19-positive Filipinos to immediately undergo facility-based isolation to prevent further transmission within households, which experts from the OCTA Research group said affected the hike in the number of cases.

“Dapat hindi talaga siya manatili sa bahay lalung-lalo na kung wala siyang sariling kuwarto at hindi siya makaka-physical distance from the rest of the family,” he said.

The expert also said household contacts of a COVID-19 case should remain under home quarantine until they receive their test results.

The OCTA Research team earlier said COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila are increasing at a faster rate than last year’s. (MNS)

pabakuna na tayo kasi dagdag proteksyon talaga ‘to (As long as we fit the criteria on how it must be used then we should get vaccinated because this is increased protection),” Lim said.

Following reports of a decrease in efficacy of vaccines for other variants of the virus that causes the Covid-19, she said less protection is still better than having no protection at all.

“Kahit anong bakuna pa ang matanggap mo, kahit sabihin pa natin na medyo bumaba ang bisa niyan, meron pa rin kesa sa zero kung hindi ka nagpabakuna (Whatever vaccine you receive, even if it’s found that its efficacy lessened, it is still better than no protection at all if you don’t get inoculated),” Lim said.

Getting vaccinated, she said, is expected to decrease the severity of Covid-19 infections, noting that there is no information yet on whether vaccinations decrease transmission of the disease.

Vaccine passports not guarantee vs. transmissibility of Covid-19

PHOTO BY JONATHAN CELLONA, ABS-CBN MANILA (Mabuhay) — Health experts on Wednesday clarified that getting a vaccine passport after having been inoculated is not a guarantee that an individual will not spread or get infected with the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) anymore.

In a Laging Handa briefing on Wednesday, Dr. Anna Ong-Lim, a member of the Department of Health’s (DOH) Technical Advisory Group, said vaccine passports will merely serve as a record that an individual has been vaccinated.

“Hindi 'yung kapag nakapagbigay proof ka na nabakunahan ka na eh hindi ka na manghahawa at hindi ka (na) mahahawaan. And in fact, wala pa tayo ganun klaseng information (It won’t be because you already have proof that you’re vaccinated that you cannot infect or get infected. In fact, we don’t have that kind of information yet),” Lim said.

She noted that vaccinated individuals are expected to benefit from a

decrease in the severity of Covid-19 symptoms and that there is no information yet on whether vaccination will decrease transmission of the disease.

“Kahit na nabakunahan na, ang mga healthcare workers pinag-iingat pa rin ang lahat kasi yun ngang paglipat ng sakit, whether mahawaan or manghawa, ay hindi kasama dun sa datos na hawak natin sa ngayon (Even after inoculation, our health workers are still being cautioned because the transmission of the disease is not included in the data that we have right now),” Lim said.

Dr. John Wong, a member of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infections Diseases–Technical Working Group on Data Analytics, said vaccine passports will be required mostly by businesses such as airline companies before allowing people inside their establishments.

However, he said, “it will take a

while before the Philippines reaches that stage, where we'll be able to say somebody with a vaccination passport will not be able to transmit, that it will be safe.”

The spread of new variants Meanwhile, Wong said the Philippine Genome Center has detected “several cases” of both the UK and South Africa variant of the virus that causes Covid-19, noting that the UK-variant was known to have increased transmissibility while the South Africa-variant is supposed to be resistant against vaccines.

He said the current surge of new cases of Covid-19 in the country may be caused by the UK-variant.

If over half of all cases in the National Capital Region (NCR) gets infected with the UK-variant, he said there may be an increase of “nine times more cases after a month.”

“So, we have to take precautions to avoid this,” Wong said. (MNS)

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