2 January 19-21, 2022 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL
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From the Front Page
US residents can now order...
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website reads. It adds, “Order your tests now so you have them when you need them.” The site redirects to an U.S. Postal Service form where individuals can fill in their contact and shipping information. There is a limit of one order per residential address and orders will ship free starting late January. The tests available for order are rapid antigen at-home tests, not PCR and can deliver results within 30 minutes. The website’s guidance advises individuals to take an
at-home test if they begin to exhibit COVID-19 symptoms; at least 5 days after they come into contact with someone with COVID-19; or if they are going to gather with a group of people, especially those who are at risk of severe disease or may not be up to date on COVID-19 vaccines. “To ensure equity and access for all Americans, the Administration will also launch a call line to help those unable to access the website to place orders, and work with national and local community-based organizations to support the nation’s hardest-hit and highest-
risk communities in requesting tests,” according to a White House announcement. In addition to the tests, the covidtests.gov website offers additional resources for those who need to get tested immediately or are looking for another type of test. These include at-home tests at retailers and pharmacies, insurance reimbursement and a list of over 20,000 free testing sites nationally. According to the CDC, over 65.1 million COVID cases have been tracked in the United States and 847,577 deaths, as of Tuesday, January 18. n
Comelec: 10 presidential candidates, including... PAGE 1
petitions for disqualifications. Three of these, all consolidated, are pending before the Comelec’s First Division. Parties already submitted their respective memoranda. Promulgation of the resolution, initially said to be on Monday, has been delayed as staff of the division
had to be isolated due to exposure to COVID-19 cases, Commissioner Rowena Guanzon said. Marcos faces another disqualification suit filed by an Ilocano group, which is pending before the Comelec’s Second Division. The poll body’s Second Division on Monday dismissed
the lone petition to cancel VAX CARD CHECK. An MRT-3 personnel checks the vaccination cards of passengers boarding the rail line at Quezon Avenue Station on Tuesday, Marcos’ Certificate of January 18. The Department of Transportation said the first day of the implementation of the “no vax, no ride” policy was successful, with PNA photo by Robert Oswald Alfiler Candidacy, although petitioners commuters complying with the order. vow to appeal the case to the Commission En Banc. All the suits seeking to block Marcos’ presidential bid are also PAGE 1 from the state and regulated at in long lines in the cold waiting expected to reach the Supreme to be swabbed. Some vans and Court for appeal. (Kristine Joy provides guidance to employers the public health level.” and others. “It’s not a surprise MelaneyArnold,aspokesperson tents are clearly marked with Patag/Philstar.com) that these conditions were totally for the Illinois Department of company names, while others are ripe for consumers to be gouged Public Health, said state officials operating out of what appear to and to get fraudulent tests.” “are aware of complaints for be rental vans. Consumers seeking testing various testing locations across The sites were also ubiquitous estimated $200 million annually — either a rapid antigen test that the state” and are investigating. in Los Angeles. In some places, to support universal health care provides results in under an hour She said consumers should testing sites run by the same or a polymerase chain reaction, contact in the state. Attorney General company were clustered within “This measure would add to or PCR, test that generally takes Kwame Raoul’s office if they are easy walking distance of one the cost of living in California and longer but is more accurate concerned about fraud or criminal another. In the pre-holiday rush, lead to job losses, without any — may think all testing sites are activity at testing sites. the operator at a Crestview guarantee that the billions in new created equal, but they’re not. In Philadelphia, workers at a Clinical Laboratory site on taxes would benefit anyone,” Unfortunately, telling the good sidewalk covid testing tent falsely Wilshire Boulevard, who wouldn’t said CalTax President Robert from the bad is not always easy. claimed to be working with the give her name to a reporter, said Consumers at testing sites in the Federal Emergency Management she also provided a VIP service Gutierrez in a press statement. “Taxpayers want and deserve Chicago area have encountered Agency, said James Garrow, from another testing company quality healthcare services, employees who aren’t wearing communications director for for people willing to pay extra for but there is no guarantee that masks or gloves or have been the Philadelphia Department rapid PCR tests. a government-run healthcare asked to provide a Social Security of Public Health, in an emailed Public health experts say they system will deliver better care or credit card number before response to questions. But FEMA hope that concerns about a for Californians at an affordable a test is provided, said Dr. Eve told the department it wasn’t mobile test site’s legitimacy won’t Bloomgarden, who co-founded funding any testing centers in the deter people from getting tested. price.” Kalra defended his bill in a Illinois Medical Professionals city at the time. Testing outdoors has press statement: “Those that Action Collaborative Team, an “Currently, there are no quick advantages, too. profit off the immoral status quo advocacy group. markers to help folks know if a site “If I had the choice between two Fake testing sites put consumers is legitimate or not,” Garrow said. options while there was a surge may not like it, but I am confident that the vast majority of working at risk for identity theft, inaccurate “That’s why we’re investigating if happening, one being completely and retired Californians will or missing test results, and it is possible to provide a placard outdoors and one indoors, I would see the benefit of significant financial losses if they’re charged to demonstrate that a site is choose the outdoor testing site,” cost-savings as we remove for the tests, which are typically legitimate.” said Denis Nash, a professor debilitating insurance costs, out- free to consumers. It’s hard to walk down a street in of epidemiology at the City “I don’t think we can put this on some parts of Manhattan without University of New York. “And I of-reach prescription drugs and arbitrarily high hospital fees.” the public to know” which sites running into at least one or two would choose affordable home (Sunita Sohrabji/Ethnic Media are legitimate, Bloomgarden said. of the pop-up sites. Leading up testing over both of those.” “Guidance needs to be coming to the holidays, people stood Services) PAGE 3
Gov. Gavin Newsom proposes universal... PAGE 1
all undocumented people in your budget. California is the first state in the nation to finally recognize our immigrants and their contributions,” she said, expressing her confidence that the state Legislature would pass the budget. The $614 million proposal is part of the 2022-23 state budget known as the California Blueprint, which the governor unveiled a day earlier. The budget must be approved by the state Legislature; Newsom said he expects to see the finished package on his desk by May. If approved, expanded coverage would be rolled out by the end of 2022. Currently, Medi-Cal covers all low-income children and young adults under the age of 26, regardless of immigration status. Last year, the state expanded Medi-Cal eligibility to low-income undocumented adults over the age of 50. The new proposal would expand Medi-Cal coverage to low-income people between
the ages of 26-49, regardless of immigration status, Newsom addressed the concerns of critics who fear an increase in state taxes. “We already have universal health care, but it is at the back end and called the emergency room. It’s costing you a bundle, with all of us paying higher premiums.” “Why not have access to preventive care at a much lower cost?” he queried, expressing his hope that other states would follow his lead to extend coverage to the nation’s 10.5 million undocumented residents. The California Taxpayers Association raised its objections to the proposal Jan. 7, before the plan was formally announced, noting that taxes would be increased on businesses and individuals earning more than $149,000annually.Californiastate Assembly members Ash Kalra and Alex Lee, both Democrats who represent portions of the Silicon Valley, have introduced ACA 11, which would raise an
Officials struggle to regulate pop-up COVID testing...
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Duterte: Restrictions on unvaccinated are... Isko offers free quarantine for returning...
PAGE 1 Although Duterte has repeatedly hinted at making vaccines manadatory, there have been no moves in Congress to pass a law that would make it so. The Palace said last October that “the level of individuals who want to be vaccinated is already very high so maybe we don’t need it for now.” Recent decisions by government agencies, though, have made it a requirement. Onsite workers must be vaccinated while unvaccinated employees must get regular COVID-19 tests at their own expense. In areas under Alert Level 3, unvaccinated people are barred from malls, restaurants and other public places as well as on public transportation.
Vaccination in the Philippines was hampered in 2021 by a lack of supply, slow rollout and vaccination hesitancy among some sectors. Around 67.8% of Metro Manila residents are fully vaccinated. The Commission on Human rights has warned that the “no vaccine, no ride” policy “effectively restricts the exercise and enjoyment of fundamental rights” while transportation workers’ group Pagkakaisa ng Manggagawa sa Transportasyon called it too cumbersome to implement. “If unvaccinated workers are not allowed on public transport to get to work then it is tantamount to being a requirement for work,” the group also said.
Manila police last week arrested and charged six people who attended a small protest against mandatory vaccination for not wearing masks and refusing to present vaccination cards. Without naming the group directly, Duterte said they were “doused by the bumbero (hosed down by firefighters) because you are violating the prohibition of being, you know, social distancing, and even a crowd tha — A crowd is a crowd.” The Duterte administration has often played down rights and liberties because of emergency situations like the pandemic, the communist insurgency, terrorism and the “war on drugs.” (Jonathan de Santos/Philstar.com)
‘Caregivers should be a priority’: Advocates fight...
PAGE 1 the majority of care is done by us: family members and elder caregivers. We are an essential part of the health care system,” said Dr. Donna Benton, research associate professor of gerontology at USC and director of the USC Family Caregiver Support Center and Los Angeles Caregiver Resource Center. Benton, along with other community advocates, spoke at a press conference on Thursday, Jan. 13 about the massive community of caregivers in California, a vast majority of whom are women, immigrants, and/or people of color. According to Benton, there are 4.5 million family caregivers in California, meaning that there are millions of caregivers in the state who have been struggling accessing personal protective equipment (PPE) and other essential needs and services to better care for their patients during the pandemic. As of Tuesday, Jan. 18 at-home COVID-19 test kits are available for delivery through the United States Postal Service, which has started taking orders at www. covidtests.gov/. Cheryl Brown, chair of the Social Action Committee of St. Paul’s First AME Baptist Church-San Bernardino and former California State Assemblymember, noted that caregivers should be among those who are prioritized in the rollouts for free testing kits. “Our caregivers should be a priority in terms of accessing these resources and supplies,”
Brown said, noting that caregivers are often responsible for the care of those with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other palliative diseases that warrant prime concern. Benton noted that many caregivers didn’t receive priority for vaccines and boosters since many didn’t fit the special qualifications for early eligibility: frontline medical professionals, senior citizens aged 65 or above, or suffering from an underlying health issue. “It’s difficult when you’re taking care of someone who is homebound and can’t leave the house,” Benton said, adding that as part of the California Caregiver Resource Centers, family caregivers were dropping out of the workforce in droves. According to a study released by Morning Consult in October 2021, 1 out of 5 health care workers in the United States have either resigned or retired. With the omicron surge, Benton said those changes can bring about even more struggles for caregivers, many of whom are caring for individuals who are more susceptible to the harsher effects of the coronavirus. Even with vaccines and boosters, scientists have noted that the omicron variant is still highly contagious, and reports have shown that even the vaccinated are still catching the virus. (However, the unvaccinated continue to dominate hospitalization stats; those who are vaccinated are less likely to suffer the more
severe effects of the virus.) For many communities, caregiving isn’t a job; it’s an essential, ubiquitous part of family. As Filipinos, taking care of elders — especially those who are family — is not only normal but expected. For Filipina American Marienne Dominguez, her path to eldercare was forged when a family member got seriously sick, and when she was asked to help care for this relative, she didn’t think twice. “I didn’t plan on being a caregiver, but it just happened because of family issues where I had to care for an auntie for a few years,” Dominguez told the Asian Journal in a phone interview. “I remember when my mom used to care for her grandmother, who was in a vegetative state. I just thought that was part of being Filipino, caring for our older relatives.” In 2014, her great aunt became physically dependent after suffering a stroke and since Dominguez had a job that allowed her to work from home, she took the responsibility of helping her great aunt take her medicine, go to the doctor, and prepare her meals. But after her great aunt passed away in 2017 — shortly after which she lost her other job — Dominguez decided to apply to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN). For the last five years, Dominguez, 38, has worked at a nursing home in Northern California; it’s a job she PAGE 5
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COVID-19. Moreno said those who will avail themselves of free accommodation at the MCFH, headed by Dr. Arlene Domingez, will find that the facilities are comfortable and patients do not have to spend a single centavo until they are fully cured. “Welcome kayo sa Maynila. We are offering the services for free. Komportable, walang tosgas. May
aircon, maayos na hospital beds, doctors, nurses, food, oxygen, gamot, WiFi at may libre chicha pa three times a day. Para nang sa ganun, ‘yung naipon ninyong pera di na masusugatan pa at maiuuwi ninyo nang buong-buo sa inyong tahanan,” Moreno said. He said the city government had been receiving requests from OFWs and Filipino returnees for free accommodation, saying they do not want a good portion
of their savings going to hotel expenses alone. Citing records provided by Dominguez, Moreno said that since Dec. 31, 2021, more than 100 OFWs and Filipino returnees were accommodated at a given time at the MCFH. Dominguez reported that only 105 out of the total of 344 beds in the hospital are occupied, unlike a week ago when the occupancy rate was at 93%. n
Officials struggle to regulate pop-up COVID...
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In general, more testing is better than less. “I tend not to care why people are testing,” Nash said. “If they are doing it to be safer at a party, great. But I do care if access is inequitable.” Some testing operators are more prominent in neighborhoods where large shares of residents likely have health insurance rather than those where people are more likely to be without. For example, a map of testing locations for LabQ, a company that offers mobile covid testing in the New York City area, shows dozens of spots in Manhattan but only a handful in the Bronx. One weak spot in the system is that although city and state health departments keep close regulatory tabs on the labs that process covid tests, they typically don’t regulate the site operators that administer the tests. In Philadelphia, Garrow said, the only licensing requirement for covid testing sites is that the lab they use have a license from the state health department showing that it meets federal standards under the law known as Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments. CLIA sets lab testing standards for accuracy, reliability and timeliness. In Maryland, covid testing sites must have a CLIA “waiver” from the federal government allowing them to perform the tests, said Andy Owen, deputy media relations director for the Maryland Department of Health. In general, labs in the U.S. must have CLIA licenses, and requiring waivers for point-of-care testing is also standard. In December 2020, Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh issued a news release warning consumers about unauthorized covid testing operations that could collect people’s personal
identifying information and use it to steal their identity. Since then, the department hasn’t received any complaints about pop-up testing sites, according to Aleithea Warmack, deputy director of communications in the consumer protection division of the attorney general’s office. In general, a test site operator seeking payment from a health plan for administering a covid test must have a national provider identifier, which comes from the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, said Kristine Grow, a spokesperson for AHIP, a trade group for health plans. Although test operators routinely ask consumers for health insurance information, asking for credit card numbers is not routine. Individual consumers typically don’t have to pay out-ofpocket for a covid test because it is covered by insurance or by the federal government for people who are uninsured. However, some people are charged if the test isn’t ordered by their doctor, is a rush service or is performed by an out-of-network provider, where “we do continue to see price gouging through the course of the public health emergency,” Grow said. One way to identify a legitimate testing operator is to check lists maintained by states and cities of the testing operators they work with or fund. But many legitimate testing operators are not in the official databases, Bloomgarden said. Some independent test site operators are “highly qualified,” said Scott Becker, CEO of the Association of Public Health Laboratories. Becker went to a drive-through testing site in his neighborhood in Montgomery County, Maryland. The test operator told him which lab they used, and he received results with
the name of the lab on them. “They’re not all bad,” Becker said. “It’s just hard for Joe Consumer to figure it out.” As demand for covid testing grows, even legitimate test operators may not meet their commitments. Theo Servedio stood in line with a handful of other people at the sliding door of a LabQ mobile testing van near Columbia University in New York in December. The 19-year-old sophomore planned to attend a fraternity party, but with the uptick in covid cases, he wanted to get tested first. A sign at the registration table promised a 24-hour turnaround on its PCR tests. “They’re both free, but turnaround for testing at the school has been 48 to 72 hours in the past,” Servedio said. He got his results in 24 hours. But others weren’t so lucky. According to a warning letter sent to LabQ in December by New York Attorney General Letitia James, some consumers had waited more than 96 hours for their covid test results despite the company’s promise of a 48hour turnaround. LabQ was one of several covid test companies that received the warnings in late December and early January. LabQ didn’t respond to a request for comment. (Michelle Andrews/Kaiser Health News) KHN’s Chaseedaw Giles contributed to this report. This story was produced by KHN (Kaiser Health News), a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation. n
4 January 19-21, 2022 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL
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SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARy 19-21, 2022
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Metro Manila logs negative COVID growth by Red
Mendoza ManilaTimes.net
THE COVID-19 growth rate in the National Capital Region (NCR) dropped to less than 1 percent on Sunday, January 16 after soaring to as high as 15 percent during the past week. The negative growth rate was met with guarded optimism by OCTA senior research fellow Dr. Guido David, who said it was still too early to consider it as an indication that the Omicrondriven surge in Metro Manila was beginning to slow down. The Department of Health (DoH), meanwhile, reported that the nationwide daily count of COVID-19 cases rose to 37,070 on Monday, the sixth straight day the tally went over the 30,000 mark. The total active case count was 290,935, the DoH said. The positivity rate was 46 percent, based on the 77,410 tests processed by more than 300 laboratories. The Health department said 12 laboratories were not able to submit their test reports on Saturday. Total recoveries are at 2.899 million, with 33,940 new recoveries. David said OCTA came up
with the COVID growth rate in the NCR using data from DoH, which logged 15,969 new cases in Metro Manila on Sunday. He said that other indicators, such as the positivity rate and reproduction number in the region, were down as well. The positivity rate was 50 percent, lower than the 54 percent during the previous weeks. The reproduction number was 2.6, a steep drop from the 6.12 during the previous weeks. David sees COVID peak in Metro Manila in late January or early February. He said it is too early to celebrate because the downtrend has to be sustained during the next few days. The downtrend, however, is unique to the NCR. Other areas of the country, such as in Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Western Visayas and Zamboanga City and Davao del Sur in Mindanao, continue to experience a sharp rise in cases. In a separate interview on CNN Philippines, David also said that based on the antigen testing being done by the Department of Transportation at Metro Rail Transit (MRT) stations, there could be unreported numbers of COVID cases. The antigen tests revealed a
12.4 positivity rate among MRT passengers, which David means 1 in every 8 passengers that were tested had the virus. This could indicate that the number of cases in Metro Manila could be 6 to 15 times higher than what the department reported, David said. Dr. Alfonso Victorino Famaran, medical director of the Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Medical Hospital, said the hospital is now at 53-percent capacity, with 274 of the 520 COVID-alloted beds occupied. Famaran said 259 of the cases are moderate, eight are severe and seven are critical. He said 43 percent of COVID patients were fully vaccinated, MONDAY COMMUTE. Passengers queue at the Edsa Carousel Nepa Q-Mart station in Quezon City on Monday, January 17. Commuters have to 2 percent were partially present vaccination cards before boarding public transport as the “no vaccination, no ride entry” in Metro Manila takes effect, in compliance vaccinated and 55 percent were with President Rodrigo Duterte’s order to restrict the movement of unvaccinated persons. PNA photo by Joey O. Razonn unvaccinated. Famaran said the hospital was able to prepare for the Omicron surge by stockpiling COVID19 medicines and personal protective equipment for its staff. He said more than 500 out of 1,300 of its medical staff are have no choice but commute to Halata na ang target ng polisiby MaiLa ageR under isolation for COVID-19, but Inquirer.net earn their daily meals.” yang ito ay ang ating mahihirap the hospital has also taken in 229 “Speaking for myself, I am na kababayan,” he added. new personnel, including staff MANILA — Senator Francis fully vaccinated and boosted, but (I’m sure that if they are only from DoH’s Central Office and “Kiko” Pangilinan on Tuesday, I got infected by the Omicron allowed to work from home, they the Philippine National Police January 18 asked the government variant. Many of my friends and will do it, but they are not. It’s evGeneral Hospital. n to end its “no vaccination, no relatives, similarly situated, also ident that the target of this policy ride” policy supposedly intended got the Omicron virus,” Lacson is our poor countrymen) to curb the spread of COVID-19. added. Pangilinan said it is also unfair “Magiging source lang ng paPangilinan believes, however, to attribute the rise of COVID-19 ninikil at pang-aabuso. Hindi that this “draconian” policy will cases to unvaccinated individusolusyon sa COVID-19 ang pang- all the more punish the poor, als because there is no science 57 aid organizations and 107 gigipit at pananakot,” Pangilinan who will now be prevented from backing this claim. Besides, he partners that are distributing said in a text message as the gov- using public transportation un- said, vaccinated individuals are food, building shelters and ernment began implementing less they are vaccinated against still prone to carry the virus, providing other essential items. the policy this week. COVID-19. hence the term “asymptomatic.” Gonzalez said among the top (It will only lead to oppression “Parusa itong no-vax, no-ride “Kahit na ikulong pang lahat priorities were to ensure that and abuse. COVID-19 cannot be policy sa mga mahihirap nat- ang mga di pa napabakunahan, people have access to adequate solved through harassment and ing kababayan na gusto lang kakalat pa rin ang COVID dahil food, clean drinking water intimidation.) maghanapbuhay, at walang sar- merong mga bakunado na asand shelter, and to address Instead of completely halting iling sasakyan. Dagdag parusa ymptomatic,” Pangilinan said, protection concerns. He said it, presidential aspirant Senator rin sa mga naka-first dose lang referring to another policy sugOdette destroyed communities Panfilo Lacson urged the gov- kung hindi pa sila papayagang gesting to bar the unvaccinated that were already suffering from ernment to take a “second hard makagamit ng mass transport,” from leaving home. malnutrition, stunting and lack look” at this new policy. the presidential aspirant said in (Even if you jail all unvaccinatof food. n “Not stop but take a second a statement. ed individuals, COVID will conhard look at the policy,” Lacson (No vaccination, no ride poli- tinue to spread because there said in a separate text message cy penalizes the poor who only are vaccinated who are asympwhen sought for comment on want to work and do not own a tomatic) Pangilinan’s call. car. Those who received their Instead of enforcing the “no“Gather more data and study first dose and cannot use mass vaccination, no-ride” policy, the further the science behind the transportation are subjected to senator urged the national govpolicy, particularly the effect of an additional burden.) ernment to make inoculation full vaccination vs transmissibil“Sigurado ako na kung pwede convenient by setting up vaccifrom the government.) Duterte then praised retired ity, not to mention the human lang silang mag work-from-home nation stations in transportation military generals in his Cabinet, rights aspect on the poor who ay gagawin nila, pero hindi e. hubs and other such places. n including Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr., and Interior Secretary Eduardo Año. “I am praising the military because they deserve it. I am praising the police with a few exceptions. Sana naman ‘yung exceptions hindi matabla doon sa karaming maiwan (I hope the exceptions will not overpower the good),” he said. According to Duterte, scalawag police officers want the pandemic to prolong because they can wear face masks and cover their faces in gambling and cockfighting sites. “Ito namang maskara, sabi ko sa pulis, ayaw kitang makita na magsugal, so hirap sila, ‘yung mga sugarol talaga. Kaya if there is somebody na ayaw nilang matapos itong COVID, gusto nila, patagalan for the longest time, ay ang mga buang maskara. Magcap lang, tapos magmaskara tapos magbili nung binibili sa sidewalk na murang shades,” said Duterte. (I told the police I don’t want them to gamble. That’s why if there are people who do not want COVID to stop, it’s the scalawag police officers who want to wear masks. They will wear caps and masks and buy cheap shades.) “Mag-shades lang, mag-cap pati maskara pasok sa sabungan ‘yan, hindi mo makita. Ang pulis happy sa COVID. May cover sila, ‘yung mga scalawags. Pero at least medyo ngayon medyo disiplinado sila,” he noted. (They will wear shades and masks and enter cockfighting sites, making themselves virtually unidentifiable. The police are happy with COVID. The scalawags have a cover. But at least now, they are more disciplined.) This was not the first time Duterte has expressed his dismay over the police. In 2017, he also called the PNP “corrupt to the core” following the kidnapslay of South Korean businessman Jee Ick Joo at the hands of police officers. n
Pangilinan asks gov’t to scrap ‘no vax, no ride’ rule; Lacson urges further study
UN seeks more support for Odette-ravaged areas by Pia Lee-BRago Philstar.com
MANILA — The United Nations (UN) has appealed for more support to hasten the recovery and reconstruction in areas damaged by Typhoon Odette. Relief efforts for communities are hampered by challenges – surging COVID cases, overstretched health facilities and staff getting sick – forcing movement restrictions
and causing supply chain constraints, according to UN Philippines resident coordinator Gustavo Gonzalez. “This cascade of challenges is severely hampering operations on all fronts,” Gonzalez said in a statement released on Monday, January 17. The humanitarian community continues working despite these obstacles to support national and local relief efforts. Present in 10 regions are
Duterte praises military but slams police for poor discipline, corruption by CathRine
gonzaLes Inquirer.net
MANILA — Rodrigo Duterte praised the military for helping with relief efforts for residents affected by Typhoon Odette, but indicated that the police lack discipline and are “corrupt to the core.” During part two of his pre-recorded Talk to the People aired on Tuesday, Duterte described the military as “utility workers” capable of helping the government in both armed conflicts and natural disasters. “Utility worker itong mga sundalo, bagyo, baha, sunog, landslide, away, kanila ‘yan. Kung wala kang mamobilize, ganitong mga biglaan, there’s a lot of people to be assisted, sundalo lang talaga ‘yan, matawag mo para tumulong, na hindi magsabi ‘hindi.’ ‘Yung ibang, ano, sapaw yan, hindi namin trabaho ‘yan. Sundalo. But pulis, there are certain exempt,” he said. (Soldiers are utility workers during storms, floods, fires, landslides, and armed conflicts. If you can’t mobilize anyone, you can call the soldiers. Others would say it’s not their job. For the police officers, there are certain exemptions.) “Itong pulis medyo kailangan ng ano, depende sa CO (commanding officer) nila, ‘yung kanilang superior. Kapag istrikto ‘yung superior or commanding general or station commander, lalo na sa taas, kapag ‘yung nasa taas sa pulis ay malinis, sigurado mo, pababa ‘yan malinis. But if the head happens to be a corrupt officer, down below corruption malakas,” he added. (These police officers depend on their superior. If their superior or commanding general or station commander is not corrupt, they will not be corrupt. But if the head happens to be a corrupt officer, corruption is also prevalent down the organization.) “Hindi ko inaano ang pulis, hindi kasi kasing, well, I don’t want to… Baka kasi sabihin nila nagpapabor ako, but kulang ta-
laga ng discipline itong pulis,” he also said. (I am not belittling the police. They are not just that… Well, I don’t want to compare. They may say I favor others, but the police really lack discipline.) Duterte believes that corruption can occasionally occur in some police work. “Mga gambling, basta may illegal, malapit ang pulis dyan pero kapag head ng PNP (Philippine National Police) ay hindi corrupt, down the line, hindi ‘yan, mag-iwas ‘yan,” he noted. (Police officers are near gambling and anything illegal, but if the head of the PNP is not corrupt, policemen down the line will also avoid illegal activities.) The President, however, said he is satisfied with the performance of the PNP as he nears the end of his term. “But overall, actually ang pulis I am satisfied. Magtatapos na ako ng term ko for the so many years that I have been their commander in chief. Okay ang performance except for a few. There will always be bad eggs, basta an organization na ganoon kalawak. Meron talagang scalawags,” he said. (But overall, I am satisfied with the police. I am nearing the end of my term of being their commander in chief. There will always be bad eggs in an organization that is that big. There will always be scalawags.) “Sabi ko nga eh itong droga, sabi ko in six months time kasi sa Davao nilinis ko six months time, pagdating ko sa Maynila ang kalaban ko anim na generals. Nasa droga eh, susmaryosep. Ang akala ko ang kalaban ko mga durugista, mga kriminal. Hindi ko alam na ang kalaban ko mismo, gobyerno ko, Customs, lahat,” the President added. (I said I would finish the drug trade in six months because I did it in Davao. But when I arrived in Manila, my enemies were six generals who were in the drug trade. I thought I was fighting against drug lords. I did not know that my enemies were
‘Caregivers should be a priority’: Advocates fight... PAGE 3 loves, but she admits the COVID19 pandemic has made the job “a hundred times harder.” “Every day I’m worried I’ll catch COVID, and amazingly, I haven’t yet. But we’ve seen so many patients suffer and a few have died in our facility before we had vaccines,” Dominguez said, adding that access to PPE, ventilators and other necessities was difficult during the first year of the pandemic.
She continued, “I wish these politicians did more to provide for [those of] us who work in elder care facilities. We are in health care so it would make sense to put us in the same category as hospital workers, but I understand that it’s generally been difficult for all of us.” As the omicron variant continues to complicate daily life, Dominguez said she hasn’t had any plans to quit her caregiving
job. Despite its difficulties and oftentimes feeling hopeless, she knows that quitting would make her feel worse. “I understand the desire to just quit. I’ve seen many LPNs and nurses quit. But knowing me, I would feel terrible about the patients I leave behind,” she said. “I don’t want to quit, but I wish that the health care industry would take us caregivers and elder care workers seriously.” n
6 JANUARY 19-21, 2022 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL
OPINION
No exemption from restrictions
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HOW can unvaccinated officials enforce restrictions on other unvaccinated people? Over the weekend, the undersecretary for barangay affairs said that if he could have his way, village officials who remain unvaccinated against COVID should go on leave during the pandemic or even resign. Some barangay officials, not necessarily unvaccinated, protested that the recommendation is unconstitutional and there is no law that allows it. Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Martin Diño did not say his suggestion would be implemented. He simply said barangay officials tasked to implement vaccination restrictions “should be ashamed” if they themselves had not received the COVID shots. An improvement of the message would be an assurance to the public that barangay officials are not exempted from the mobility restrictions and would have to stay home except for essential errands. Obviously, being covered by the restrictions would prevent them from participating in the enforcement of the new rules. Restrictions on the unvaccinated have been tightened as new COVID infections believed fueled by the highly contagious Omicron variant surge in the National Capital Region and neighboring areas. Vaccines are seen as the main weapons to
contain the pandemic. The tighter restrictions are meant to get more people inoculated particularly in the NCR, which has the highest infection numbers and the largest supply of vaccines in the country. Barangay officials have been tasked to conduct an inventory of the unvaccinated in their areas as the government considers house-to-house inoculation. Officials who are unvaccinated themselves should either lead by example and get their shots, or else confine themselves to their homes as they are included in the inventory. The Department of the Interior and Local Government has warned that penalties will be imposed on those who fail to submit the inventory of unvaccinated. The DILG should add that heavier penalties await those who submit inventories that are deliberately inaccurate and leave out unvaccinated barangay officials. It can deter deliberate inaccuracies by picking a One problem is whether the DILG has the ca- few barangays at random for verification with local pability to verify the accuracy of the inventories. government and health officials. Pandemic restric-
Editorial
The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS AS the whole world feels battle fatigue and desperation in fighting the nearly two-year war against COVID-19 and its variants, a little bit of victory in some battles gives some European countries a bit of impetus to change their strategies and tactics in order to keep the momentum of rebuilding their nations going. And Americans are watching closely. As the New York Times reported, “For Italy, France, and the UK, we see that the number of patients in hospital with COVID remains much lower than in previous waves. In the UK, 291 patients with coronavirus per million were in hospital on 10 January. Just under a year ago, the ratio stood at 576 per million. In France, the ratio stood at 347 per million on the same day, compared with a high of 490 in November.” “In Spain, for instance, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared last week that citizens would “have to learn to live with it, as we do with many other viruses,” and said that the country should adjust the national approach to more closely align with how it handles influenza outbreaks. Olivier Véran, the French health minister, said recently that France’s high level of infection and strong vaccination rate could “maybe” mean
Philstar.com photo
tions entail heavy sacrifices, and a sure way to promote non-compliance is the selective application of the rules. (Philstar.com)
Is the US really in the position to ‘learn to live with COVID’ like some EU countries? this would be the final wave,” the Times report added. Those who push the U.S government to relax restrictions and be bold like these EU countries so businesses can rebuild faster pick up on this boldness, seemingly ignoring the fact about one very important difference in our trajectories in this war: the U.S.’ peak in the rate of infection and hospitalization is in an uptick, and the peak is yet to come. In the U.S., “411 US Covid-19 patients per million people were in hospital as of 9 January - surpassing a previous peak of 400 per million set on 14 January 2021”, BBC News reported. This is a hard and bitter pill of a fact to swallow, considering the reality that the United States, the most powerful and richest country in the world that has led the nation in the fight against pandemics and epidemics in the past would lag behind other industrialized countries in this fight against COVID. We produce most of these life-saving vaccines, remember? We lead in the research and development of our arsenals in the fight against the invisible enemy, right? This is explained by Dr. Mark Cameron, an associate professor in the department of population and quantitative health sciences
at Case Western University in Ohio, in the BBC News report. Dr. Cameron believes “the U.S. is suffering from ‘a perfect storm’ of COVID-19, co-morbidities, uneven access to health care and hostility to vaccines, masks, and other preventative measures.” “When all of that ‘perfect storm’ nature of vulnerabilities that are unique to the U.S. combine, you’ve got an outbreak of the virus that can quickly lead from increased cases to increased hospitalisations, which tax the local hospitals and health community.” Let us talk about numbers to substantiate this. “Just over 63% of the U.S. population is fully vaccinated, much lower than in the UK (71%) as well as Italy and France (both 75%). In Canada, almost 79% of the population is fully protected,” BBC News report stated. Let’s talk about organized institutional resistance to the life-saving vaccine and mask mandates. There are still Americans who do not believe in vaccines and are sick and tired of wearing masks despite the glaring facts that these have been saving lives. They continue to spread misinformation and disinformation against these public safety measures, demonize our scientists, health officials, and the federal
and state governments who fight hard day and night to save lives. Then there are also those Americans who are so obsessed and fixated with their personal liberties instead of focusing on the safety and wellness of people during wartime like where we are right now. They filed cases before the Supreme Court, which, by the way, now has the majority of justices, thanks but no thanks to Donald Trump. Unfortunately, this same SC blocked the Biden Administration’s vaccine-or- mask mandates for big employers. The dissenting opinion as penned by Justices Stephen G. Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan “expressed incredulity at the court’s willingness to frustrate “the federal government’s ability to counter the unparalleled threat that Covid-19 poses to our nation’s workers.” Talk about being pro-life, well this is definitely antithetical to what these dissenters in the Conservative party claim they are fighting for. Let us talk about a real-life experience. My husband and I were privileged to travel twice to Europe in 2021 — to Spain, France and Germany and the Netherlands. Despite the pandemic, we felt safe. We saw how most of the
people, and I mean a vast majority of them, sacrifice a little of their liberties for the greater good. They get vaccinated, they use their health passes to show proof of vaccination to eat out, attend concerts, join public events. They wear masks, urge people to wear masks indoors. They do not whine. They do not curse their government because they know and understand that saving lives is the obligation not only of the government, but of the citizens. Here in the U.S., We have so many “pasaway,” trying to game the system for their own personal selfish reasons. The Times report added that “the World Health Organization cautioned this week against treating the virus like the seasonal flu, saying it was too soon to make that call. Much about the disease remains unknown, the W.H.O. said. And a surge in cases driven by the Omicron variant is still battering the continent, while the population of much of the world remains vulnerable because of a lack of widespread vaccination, and more variants are still likely to arise.” And so to answer my own question in the title of this piece: NO. The United States is not yet in the position to be bold like most EU countries. Before we
can even claim that for ourselves, let us do our part in getting fully vaccinated and boosted. Let’s agree to use health passes. Let us get tested so we can self-isolate to avoid spreading the virus and killing the more vulnerable people like the chronically ill with co-morbidities, the old and the children. Let us start thinking less of ourselves and more of the what will be good for the community. Then, maybe, we can be bold because we have all collectively done our responsibility to be part of the solution instead of the problem. Then and only then, can we be bold when we finally work TOGETHER to save the lives of our people, and not side with the invisible enemy. *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
*** Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, public service and educational broadcasting since 1989 with ABS-CBN and is now serving the Filipino audience using different platforms, including digital broadcasting, and print, and is working on a new public service program for the community. You may contact her through email at gelrelos@icloud.com, or send her a message via Facebook at Facebook.com/Gel. Santos.Relos.
Filipino health workers: The best worldwide
Babe’s Eye View BABE ROMUALDEZ LAST Thursday, January 13, at ANC’s Headstart with Karen Davila, I had the opportunity to give a rundown on the situation in the United States and how Filipino-Americans are faring amid the COVID-19 pandemic. No doubt the Omicron variant is rampaging across the globe with the US registering one of the highest rates of infection, averaging more than 750,000 cases a day in the past week alone. According to Dr. Anthony Fauci, the medical adviser to President Biden, most Americans will likely get infected by Omicron, saying the variant will find “just about everybody.” Unfortunately for a first world country like the US, only 62 percent of Americans have been fully vaccinated, with only 23 percent having received boosters according to CDC data. About 65 million have yet to be vaccinated – a problem the US faces as hospitals are completely overwhelmed with unvaccinated and
immunocompromised individuals manifesting serious illness. It’s very clear that those who have been fully vaccinated and received booster shots have better protection, and even if they contract the Omicron, they will most likely dodge getting severely ill. We’re very glad that – judging from the reports that our consulates from Guam all the way to New York have received – most Filipinos in the US have been vaccinated and have received booster shots. There is concern though regarding the risk that Filipino and Filipino-American nurses and health care workers are facing because the number of days for isolating people who tested positive for COVID-19 has been reduced to five, the same for those who have also been in contact with those who tested positive. At the same time, asymptomatic health care workers who are fully vaccinated or have received a booster can continue to work, according to the new guidelines which are still being debated by experts however. While there is continued discussion about the Omicron
variant, there are indications that the wave is peaking in some states. And although the Delta variant remains dominant globally, experts believe Omicron could become the most prevalent variant within the first quarter of 2022. Researchers believe that the transmissibility of Omicron could hasten the transition of COVID-19 from pandemic to endemic, with those who have survived emerging with a degree of “natural immunity” that would provide protection against the next variant of concern. The good news is that once the situation transitions into endemic, COVID-19 can be managed similar to the flu. Spain is the first country to declare that the COVID-19 pandemic should now be considered as endemic. Spain has a 90 percent vaccination rate, and its death rate has dropped to one percent. During the interview with Karen, I was asked to give my assessment on our current relationship with the United States. I told Karen – we are definitely in a very good place now as far as our relationship with the US
is concerned. There is clear mutual trust and respect, which is extremely important for both countries. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also said it in no uncertain terms when he visited the Philippines last July that the US will not take its friends and allies for granted. This is a message that bodes well for our relationship with the US – we should not take them for granted, neither should they take us for granted. This is how things should be moving forward. One area that the US is giving special attention to is climate change, with the Philippines among the most vulnerable when it comes to natural disasters, seen in the recent onslaught of Typhoon Odette whose damage to agriculture has risen to over P13 billion. The US government through USAID has allocated over $20 million in humanitarian assistance to help communities rebuild. The US is also prepared to help ensure our clean energy goals through small modular reactors that can help lessen our heavy dependence on fossil
fuels, especially coal. On the upcoming May elections, the US is obviously interested and is keenly watching. There are over 4.5 million Filipino-Americans living in the US, and American legislators are well aware of the special ties between our two countries. What is important to our friends and allies is for the elections to be clean and credible. US government officials made it very clear to us that they have no problem dealing with any of the major presidential candidates, being well aware of their backgrounds. They are fully prepared to work with any leader who has been duly elected by the Filipino people. I have always believed that a great anchor in the special friendship between the Philippines and the United States is our personal, deep people-topeople ties. Many Americans have a strong affiliation towards the Philippines, and many of my friends would like to visit again. Our friend, Moderna’s vice president Patrick Bergstedt, visited Palawan with his family years ago. “I really loved
the Philippines and the people. I’m eager to go back,” he said. These are the same comments I hear from many of my American friends. During my discussions with US officials and legislators, the talk would inevitably turn to Filipino nurses and health care workers who are very much appreciated because they are dedicated, hardworking and very competent – which is why they are most sought after and considered among the best in the world. If so many Americans and other nationalities have come to appreciate the Philippines and its people so much, certainly we should not wish our country ill and instead be grateful for our blessings. No matter what our political persuasion is, we should be proud of our country. (Philstar.com) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
*** Email: babeseyeview@gmail.com
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7
Fact check: Who authored SFIO announces $50-M eco-luxury community the bills for the Philippine project in world-renowned Puerto Princesa, Palawan With stunning views of Ulugan Bay, the eight-hectare seaside community will Archipelagic Baselines law? feature world-class resort amenities and pioneer health and wellness offerings in by Kristine Joy
Philstar.com
Patag
MANILA — A claim that presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. authored the bill that became a landmark law on defining the country’s territorial sea made rounds on social media last week. CLAIM: Marcos’ website claims that he “authored landmark laws such as the Philippine Archipelagic Baselines law.” The former chairperson of the Duterte’s Build, Build, Build program parroted this in her column in a daily newspaper. What the posts say Marcos’ official website said as a legislator, he authored Republic Act 9522 or the Philippine Archipelagic Baselines Law. “With the ongoing international disputes, this crucial piece of legislation defines what constitutes the Philippine territorial sea.” His biography on the Senate website claims that while at the House of Representatives in 2007, Marcos authored “one of the important pieces of legislation”, which is RA 9522. Former Build, Build, Build chairperson Anna Mae Lamentillo parroted on her “Night Owl” opinion column dated January 12 the same claim. A quote card on Lamentillo’s claim also circulated on social media. What the posts left out RA 9522 was enacted on March 10, 2009, during the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The law is a consolidation of Senate Bill 2699 and House Bill 3216. Based on the House of Representatives website, Rep. Antonio Cuenco (Cebu City) filed House Bill 3216. A check on the Senate website meanwhile showed that Senate Bill 2699 was filed by Sens. Antonio Trillanes IV, Aquilino Pimentel Jr., Edgardo Angara, Rodolfo Biazon, Juan Ponce Enrile and Miriam Defensor-Santiago. A Marcos did file a version of the Baselines bill, according to the House legislative information system. That was in 2004, when then Rep. Imee Marcos filed House Bill No. 214 during the 13th Congress.
one of the world’s most iconic islands
Presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. Philstar.com file photo
University of the Philippines law professor and maritime law expert Jay Batongbacal in a Facebook post also refuted the claim. He added that he was present during the Bicameral Committee where the two versions of the House of Representatives and Senate proposal were harmonized. Although Marcos is listed as a member of the House contingent, Batongbacal said the lawmaker was not there. “I know because I was there and I would have noticed,” he also said. Essential context Marcos emerged as the top pick as president among respondents of the Pulse Asia survey if the 2022 polls were conducted in December. His qualifications and experience as a public official, as well as of other presidential aspirants, are put under scrutiny by the public and the voters. Why it matters Snippets of Lamentillo’s claims were sent by readers to Philstar. com for verification. Lamentillo’s column, Marcos’ profile on the Senate website and his own website still reflect the claim. This is also not the first claim of Marcos that was fact-checked. He claimed in an October vlog that the International Rice Research Institute was established during the Marcos dictatorship, but this is false. n
LAST month, global asset management company Starfleet Innotech, Inc. (OTC: SFIO) closed off 2021 by signing a joint venture with Filipino partners to build a world-class eco-luxury, health and wellness communi ty on their bayside property in globallyrenowned Philippine destination Puerto Princesa, Palawan. The project will be owned and developed by SFIO Leisure and Development, Inc., a joint venture stock corporation, and will see eight hectares of beachfront land transformed into an exclusive, holistic lifestyle community hidden amongst Palawan’s iconic mangrove glades and situated less than half an hour from the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, one of the official New Seven Wonders of Nature. The seaside community will feature a beachfront resort, as well as condominiums and a residential subdivision for longer-term residents looking to embrace Palawan’s luxurious lifestyle and relocate to its idyllic isles. With stunning views of Ulugan Bay and resting upon some of the nation’s most fertile soils, the resort will offer a lush, nourishing environment for both short and long-term visitors and long-term residents to reconnect with nature. The resort’s tropical design evokes the nostalgic warmth of Filipino hospitality, featuring the nation’s iconic pitched roofs, woven textures, and natural shade elements. These initial design and feasibility studies are already underway, with development scheduled to kick off within the year. Visitors and residents alike will enjoy resort amenities across the development’s condotels, private villas, natural springs, chapel and meditation garden, spa and wellness centers, glamping sites, forest trails, and of course, walking access to Palawan’s iconic white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. With a focus on nurturing wellbeing, the resort will also offer productivity features for remote workers looking for the perfect blend of
modern accessibility and natural living. SFIO’s announcement comes on the heels of a series of joint ventures with Philippine-based partners to develop world-class resorts and townships across the country. With their latest venture, SFIO brings its global expertise in real estate development to a global destination in island leisure. Palawan consistently places among the world’s top islands, coming in first on Travel+Leisure’s definitive global ranking multiple years in a row. Based on Collier’s 2021 Residential Survey, Palawan was the top destination for Filipinos once travel restrictions are lifted. The global research firm expects domestic tourism to drive the leisure sector’s looming rebound, citing the Philippine Department of Tourism’s projection that domestic trips will reach 84.8 million in 2022, or 90 percent of total trips in 2019.
Not long after, the Philippines’ hotel industry – led by island beach destinations like Palawan – is forecasted to surpass even pre-pandemic revenues as early as 2023. According to latest data from Statista, the industry is expected to reach an all-time revenue high of $2.1 billion by 2025. Timed to debut amidst this renewed renaissance for Palawan, SFIO’s latest development in Puerto Princesa is expected to be completed by 2024. SFIO’s joint ventures in real estate play a crucial role in the global asset management company’s strategy of collaborative innovation towards building better communities. Work is already underway at SFIO’s recently established Technology Division on a suite of state-of-the-art, smart-building technologies designed to ensure the long-term, holistic wellbeing of communities. The team has also designed a proprietary
project management platform tailored for their real estate projects. With this system, SFIO’s partners and global network of licensed realtors are able to easily access information and seamlessly collaborate with project proponents, expediting the selling process across SFIO’s real estate portfolio. These technologies are expected to set new goldstandards for real estate management and community health systems across resorts and townships. According to SFIO, the company is in talks with a number of investment banks to enter debt financing deals that would fund these projects while preserving shareholder value. Profits from these high-yield projects are intended to be reinvested into future growth, helping carry the group towards their plans to uplist from the US OTC Markets to the NASDAQ by 2024. (Advertising Supplement)
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Alden’s food for the soul to prevent burnout By
AllAn PolicArPio Inquirer.net
ALDEN Richards isn’t one to publicize his charity work, so not a lot of people know that he has actually been sponsoring the education of underprivileged children and young adults for the past eight years. In fact, some of the scholars themselves didn’t know that it was the GMA 7 star helping them go to school. “It’s my food for the soul. Sometimes, in life, when you do the same things over and over again, burnout is always there. To get rid of that burnout, I find scholars or extend help to different foundations. But I don’t tell them it’s me—I ask others for help and do it for me,” he told the Inquirer in a virtual conference for his Jan. 30 documentary-style concert, “ForwARd: Meet Richard R. Faulkerson Jr.” “All I get are photos of them. They don’t know it’s me,” he added. “That’s how I have been doing it the past couple of years.” Alden has sent 14 scholars to school: two of them recently graduated college with degrees in information technology and electrical energy, respectively; the others—whose grade levels range from elementary to college—are currently studying. “There was a time when I had no idea that I already had that many scholars. It’s usually after a payday that I look for new ones to help,” he related. Up until last year, his philanthropic efforts were mostly carried out by him and the people he closely worked with. But with the creation of Alden’s AR Foundation, Alden plans to expand the scope of his initiative. Formally registered last September, the charity organization aims “to raise and grant funds to scholars who aspire to achieve their full potential” and become “well-rounded, confident and responsible individuals.” Education is a matter Alden feels strongly about, he said, because he knows what it was like having the desire — but not the resources — to study. ‘I know how it feels’ “Poverty is a hindrance to education. I know how it feels wanting to go to school, but
Alden Richards
not having means to do so. I experienced that when I was younger. And I don’t want that to happen to kids today. With this cause, I hope I can help break the cycle,” Alden said. This project isn’t going to be a one-off thing. Now, the 30-year-old actor has a team helping him map out his foundation’s future plans. “I have good people behind me. We have talked about how big our budget has to be by 2025 if we were to take this number of new scholars while sustaining the existing ones,” he related. “Granting scholarships is just the first stage… We have bigger plans in the coming years,” he added. “We want holistic development for the kids.” Asked why he finally decided to make his efforts public, after years of working behind the scenes, Alden said he wanted to let people know that, “in these trying times,” the AR Foundation’s doors are open. “I want to let them know that the foundation is there for deserving kids struggling with education,” he said. “In fact, we have already gotten a lot of inquiries.” Introducing the foundation Inspired by documentary-inspired concert specials by foreign artists on streaming platforms, Alden figured that the concept could be an effective way to introduce AR Foundation to the public. “I thought, ‘Why not do a concert, so the viewers can have a deeper understanding about how the foundation came about? Where is Alden coming from?’” he said. “I want to show [what] I stand for … fight for.”
Photo from Instagram/@aldenrichards02
When some members of the show biz press pointed out that it was mature of him to pursue projects that some celebrities think of only toward the end of their careers, Alden said losing his mother at an early age compelled him to grow up faster. “I lost my mom at 17, so I matured early. I got motivated to help others,” he said. “It all started with my family. But now that I’m blessed with a good career, I have a bigger platform to spread influence,” he added. ‘A deeper calling’ Unlike his previous concerts that put the spotlight on him and his performing talent, the music setlist for “ForwARd” is meant to accentuate its narrative: The life journey of Richard R. Faulkerson Jr.; how he became Alden Richards we know now; the milestones; and the path that led him to creating his own foundation. (For tickets and more information, visit Ticket2me.net and AR Foundation’s official Facebook page.) Directed by Frank Lloyd Mamaril and produced by FLM Creatives and Productions, the fundraising digital show will have Alden revisiting the place he grew up in Laguna, and doing production numbers with his foundation’s beneficiaries. “The way the songs and performances are laid out conforms to the narrative of the documentary… There are mellow and nostalgic songs and something happy and inspirational,” Alden said. “What I had been showing about my life in my past shows was just the tip of the iceberg. There’s a deeper calling and I want to show that.”
F. Sionil Jose (left) as seen in his popular The Star column, ‘Hindsight’ (right).
Philstar.com photos
National Artist F. Sionil Jose buried in Libingan ng mga Bayani By
MArAne A. PlAzA Philstar.com
NATIONAL Artist for Literature F. Sionil Jose was laid to rest on Tuesday, January 18, at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. Before the inurnment, there will be a mass at 10 a.m., followed by the State Funeral. The National Artist passed away last January 6 while confined at the Makati Medical Center, waiting to undergo angioplasty. He was 97. The inurnment will be by invitation-only, in accordance with the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) protocols. Those who want to pay their last
respects are encouraged to tune in to the live streaming via the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Facebook page. The necrological service and tribute at the CCP has been deferred upon the advice of the family. One of the most revered and read Filipino writers, Jose was known for his novels and literary works espousing national sovereignty and social justice, such as his famous series the “Rosales” saga. Five of José’s most known works have won the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature: his short stories “The God Stealer” in 1959,
“Waywaya” in 1979, “Arbol de Fuego” (Firetree) in 1980, his novel “Mass” in 1981, and his essay “A Scenario for Philippine Resistance” in 1979. He was bestowed the National Artist Award in 2001 for his outstanding contributions to Philippine literature. The founder of the Philippine chapter of PEN, he received various accolades such as the CCP Centennial Honors for the Arts in 1998, the Outstanding Fulbrighters Award for Literature in 1988, and the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Journalism, Literature, and Creative Communication Arts in 1980.
Sparkle sparks new career possibilities for Kapuso artists
SOME stars are born, while others are made. This is how entertainment enthusiasts will settle a heated discourse over stardom. Both claims are true and valid. The new name of GMA Artist Center (GMAAC), Sparkle, however, has somehow reminded everyone of that hard-tomiss characteristic of stars, or celebrities, who have made a name for themselves in this competitive industry. Yes, they should “sparkle.” It explains why some personalities command attention when they walk into the room or keep the interest of their audiences. The Philippine Star recently had a brief one-on-one with GMA consultant and star maker, Johnny “Mr. M” Manahan, who shared his thoughts about Sparkle. “We wanted something catchy, something young, (something that)sounds young to young people, said he. “We wanted to reinvigorate and reenergize the artist center. So, when you see the word, ‘Sparkle,’ you think of bright, shiny things, so bright, shiny actors, beautiful sparkling actors.” From a list of five names, Mr., M and his team picked “Sparkle,” which connected right away to what they had visualized. “So, medyo naging madali (the process became easy),” shared he. “It’s very young, very catchy and it sparkles.” Following the task of reinventing the name of the artist center was the naming (and announcement) of the poster boys and poster girls of Sparkle. Also known as Sparkle 8, they collectively represent the brand
and what it stands for. Given their number, four boys and four girls, one may also label them as the chosen eight. They are Khalil Ramos, Ruru Madrid, Derrick Monasterio, Miguel Tanfelix, Gabbi Garcia, Sanya Lopez, Ysabel Ortega and Bianca Umali. “Sobrang nakaka-taba talaga ng puso,” said Sanya of the latest development in her and fellow martists’ careers during a separate group interview. “(The network’s) trust is still there… patuloy pa rinyung pagmamahal at pag-aalaga nila sa amin. I’m very proud to be a part of Sparkle.” As for Ysabel, she couldn’t help but feel “very grateful,” and more inspired to work. Gabbi also sharedthe same thought by saying, “it makes me more motivated to work on my craft, alongside with my fellow artists.” Bianca was “very thankful” and felt “very lucky, very blessed” because among the many possible choices, she was included. As Derrick put it, “There are a lot of more talented, more good-looking artists than we are, but we were chosen. I’m
very thankful. I just can’t wait to start.” In fact, he felt prepared to take on the challenge, as well as the work and the hard work that come with being part of Sparkle 8. Ruru reiterated this by adding that “you know it’s a challenge for all of us, para makapagbigay ng shine sa mga tao, sa lahat ng mga ginagawa namin.” He and the rest of the group are guided by the aim that Mr. M said in a statement, which is “to leave a little Sparkle wherever we go.” Since it’s the fi rst time that the artist center would embark on such endeavor, Miguel shared that “we make sure that we will give our best,” and hoped that everyone will appreciate their eff orts. “I’m pressured, but really happy and game on,” said he. Khalil, for his part, “was overjoyed” over this career blessing. “I’m just super excited for what we have in store for our audiences this 2022, sobrang happy,” said he. What also excites him is the future, filled with new careerpossibilities and opportunities that Sparkle may pave the way Continued on Page 11
Ysabel Ortega
Miguel Tanfelix
Ruru Madrid
Derrick Monasterio
GMA photos
Gabbi Garcia
entertainment 9 Jessy reacts to comments about her body, ability to get pregnant The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - January 19, 2022
By Anne
PAsAjol
Inquirer.net
JESSY Mendiola still is not one to back off from unsolicited comments, especially those questioning her body, as she wittily responded to one about her physique and pregnancy plans. Mendiola gave fans a glimpse of her toned body in a video of her exercising and lifting dumbbells, as seen on her Instagram page on Monday, Jan. 17. “Started the year right during our stay in Baguio. Napakain ng madami kaya dapat mag-exercise (I ate a lot so I need to exercise),” she said. In the same post, one @ modznaabdullah commented about the actress’ abs, while asking about her plans of getting pregnant. “[Nagpapa-abs], [walang balak] mag buntis?” the netizen said. (Working on your abs, do you not have plans of getting pregnant?) “Porket may abs bawal mabuntis?” Mendiola then quipped. (Just because I have abs, I can’t get pregnant?)
Jessy Mendiola Photo from Instagram/@senorita_jessy
Fans then expressed their agreement with Mendiola, stressing how exercising actually helps in trying to get pregnant. Mendiola, who is married
to actor-TV host Luis Manzano, recently revealed that getting pregnant is her current priority, adding that she hopes to have twins.
10
When is my prenuptial agreement not enforceable?
community
The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - January 19, 2022
EMPLOYMENT
Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes MANY people are of the perception that simply downloading a prenuptial agreement from the internet and signing it with their fiance offers them a bullet proof protection from a divorce. What many people do not know is that certain statutory requirements must be met in order for the prenuptial agreement to be valid and to withstand attack in court by your future spouse’s lawyer. Family Code Section 1615 provides that a prenuptial agreement is not enforceable if the party against whom enforcement is sought proves either of the following (1) that party did not execute the agreement voluntarily or (2) The agreement was unconscionable when it was executed and, before execution of the agreement, all of the following applied to that party: (A) That party was not provided a fair, reasonable, and full disclosure of the property or financial obligations of the other party. (B) That party did not voluntarily and expressly waive, in writing, any right to disclosure of the property or financial obligations of the other party beyond the disclosure provided. (C) That party did not have, or reasonably could not have had, an adequate knowledge of the
property or financial obligations of the other party. The issue of unconscionability shall be decided by the court as a matter of law. A prenuptial agreement shall be deemed not executed voluntarily unless the court finds in writing or on the record all of the following: (1) The party against whom enforcement is sought was represented by independent legal counsel at the time of signing the agreement or, after being advised to seek independent legal counsel, expressly waived, in a separate writing, representation by independent legal counsel. The advisement to seek independent legal counsel shall be made at least seven calendar days before the final agreement is signed. (2) One of the following: (A) For an agreement executed between January 1, 2002, and January 1, 2020, the party against whom enforcement is sought had not less than seven calendar days between the time that party was first presented with the final agreement and advised to seek independent legal counsel and the time the agreement was signed. (B) For an agreement executed on or after January 1, 2020, the party against whom enforcement is sought had not less than seven calendar days between the time that party was first presented with the final agreement and the time the agreement was signed, regardless of whether the party is represented by legal counsel. (3) The party against whom enforcement is sought, if unrepresented by legal counsel, was fully informed of the terms and basic effect of the agreement as well as the rights and obligations the party was giving up by signing the agreement, and was proficient in the language in which the explanation of the party’s rights was conducted and in which the agreement was written. The explanation of the rights and obligations relinquished shall be memorialized in writing and delivered
to the party prior to signing the agreement. The unrepresented party shall, on or before the signing of the premarital agreement, execute a document declaring that the party received the information required by this paragraph and indicating who provided that information. (4) The prenuptial agreement was not executed under duress, fraud, or undue influence, and the parties did not lack capacity to enter into the agreement. Having both you and your fiance represented by separate counsel during the drafting and execution of your prenuptial agreement can help avoid any of the problems noted above which will can result to your prenuptial agreement being found to be invalid by the court during your divorce proceeding and your assets divided according to California community property law. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation. *** 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 kenreyeslaw.com. (Advertising Supplement)
LJ on self-love: ‘You are enough’
LJ Reyes is loving it there in the city of dreams! The actress uploads a photo of herself and a photo of Central Park in New York, USA. She wrote along with the photos, a caption about self-love. “You are enough. Yes! To all of you reading this, I want to remind you that YOU are ENOUGH. Why? Because YOU are God’s best creation. You were created from His image. You are His masterpiece! I couldn’t get this image out of my head, of this area in Central Park that just really had me in awe of God’s creation! God created a
EMPLOYMENT
beautiful world — a world that is an expression of His love for us. So if sceneries such as this take our breath away, how much more should you feel confident that YOU.. are.. beautiful! YOU.. are.. ENOUGH! Stay WONDERful!,” she wrote as a caption. Reyes is currently in New York with Summer and her eldest child Aki, whom she had with actor Paulo Avelino. They are all staying with the actress’ New York-based family, in the wake of her separation from Contis. Reyes and Contis’ split was announced by Contis’ manager Lolit Solis in August last year. (By Doris Mondragon/Inquirer.net)
EMPLOYMENT
LJ Reyes Photo from Instagram/@lj_reyes
Immigrant Living: 101 and Beyond Monette AdevA MAglAyA LONG ago in the island of Crete, there lived a man named Daedalus, who was famed for his skills as an inventor. He worked for King Minos. Foremost among his many achievements was building the labyrinth in which the king kept the Minotaur, a fearsome, legendary beast which was half-man and half-bull that fed on human flesh. It was said that anyone who went into the labyrinth never came out of it again because of its complex, undecipherable winding walls and corridors. Daedalus was brilliant and this was a problem for the king. Although Daedalus had been giving the king great and loyal service all his life, Minos was deeply insecure and feared that Daedalus who was wise, celebrated and ingenious would, one day challenge him to become king. As a preemptive move, Minos imprisoned Daedalus and his son, Icarus in a prison tower. The king underestimated Daedalus, for one dark night, father and son escaped from their prison tower. They found out however that it was well nigh impossible to escape the island with the paranoid King Minos sending out an all points bulletin to his mindless minions. Minos’ soldiers carefully searched every boat that left the island. Father and son took cover in a remote cave along the shore hidden from the watchful eyes of Minos’ soldiers while Daedalus figured out a way to escape. Watching the seagulls for hours soaring and diving for food on the shore, Daedalus was struck with the idea of flight as an escape route. He caught one bird and studied the structure and form of its
Children just like you (1st of 2 parts)
“The deepest definition of youth is life as yet untouched by tragedy.” —Alfred North Whitehead wings and after careful thought, decided to copy how a wing is made. He instructed Icarus to catch seagulls and pluck their feathers. When there were enough feathers, he sewed them together and used melted wax to bind the feathers on a wooden framework. He created the contraption so skillfully that they looked like a giant replica of a bird’s wings. He customized two pairs of wings for himself and for his son, careful to take each of their individual body weights into consideration. But having wings was one thing, knowing how to use those wings to fly was another. So Daedalus strapped his wings and still taking his cue from the seagulls on how to soar, swoop, dive and glide, he proceeded to learn how to fly so that the wings felt like a seamless part of his arms and his body. He studied wind currents, the waters of the sea and the heat of the sun. Having gained the skill, he proceeded to teach his son patiently. At first, Icarus stumbled and fell and when he got past the first few fumbles, the youth learned quickly, his lithe, svelte form seemingly destined for flight. He learned to fly like a bird, swooping and diving, gliding and circling about, looking down below at the blue waters and their island prison, now a mere speck from above, and frolicking about overhead, chasing the seagulls and rolling in the clouds. Freedom was a heady drink. Icarus felt complete elation, knew the incredible lightness of being
Sparkle sparks..
From Page 9 for. “Sobrang lawak na kasi ng industriya ngayon, and there are many things we could all possibly do, and there are many platforms in which we can create, (platforms) where we can showcase and hone our talents,” said Khalil. “This year, I’m very much excited to be able to try new things and be on platforms I haven’t tried out before… Personally, I love creating, I live and breathe creativity every day.” This also speaks of building the artists’ capacity, as shared by Miguel. “Yes, we did workshops… we focused on our strengths… (but) I’m (also) excited to work on my weaknesses, alam mo yun, just to improve para hindi pare-parehas lang yung pinapakita ko (and that I won’t be doing the same things). Every year, kailangan nag-i-improve ako.” Always wanting to challenge himself, Ruru said that he looks forward to the Sparkle workshops for these will prepare them for future projects. Belonging to the Sparkle 8 is also about making improvement and becoming the newest version of themselves, said Derrick. “It’s an exciting journey to finally begin a new chapter not just in our lives but also in our careers as well,” said Bianca. Again, this will be done with the people behind Sparkle, who will assist the artists in the career direction they wish to pursue. “It’s more distinct,” said Gabbi. “It’s according to our personality and to our branding, which I’m very grateful for.” Since it’s not every day that artists get such a chance, they can only promise, as Ysabel said, to be “a more driven version of myself. Being part of Sparkle 8, of course, there will be new opportunities and more opportunities for me to, be able to step out of my comfort zone. And I think, it’s a very good way for me to challenge myself.” Sanya added that, “what we can only do is, talagang paghusayan sa lahat ng gagawin namin.” However, coming up with the final list, given the talents of all Kapuso artists, as Mr. M said, “Marami naman talagang magagaling na artista sa GMA (There are manyreally good artists at GMA),” was a tough act to accomplish for him and his team. But they had to trim down the number, so to speak, and name the eight that “… we know they embody the name, Sparkle.” Criteria-wise, these GMA artists made the list, said Mr. M, because “No. 1, they have that Sparkle. No. 2, they are already very experienced, we thought these artists could be our poster boys and poster girls. Sila bale ang magiging mukha ng Sparkle for a certain period of time.”
After this, there will be about two to three more launches, with different categories, as shared by Mr. M. “The plan is also to launch really new, never-before-seen actors and actresses, mga bata talaga na may Sparkle rin,” said he. “So now, they’re undergoing training para lalo silang magshine. Maybe in the latter part of the year, there will be another batch of artists, yung mga experienced din na artists, para mabigyan din sila ng chance to be the poster boys and girls of Sparkle.”What remains as a vital component of being Sparkle artists is the training that further hones their skills and knowledge in the entertainment business. “Yes, kasama na yun (it’s also included),” said Mr. M. “We’re giving them the basic training, the ones who haven’t had their training, binibigyan namin. Most of them have attended workshops for both dancing and acting, but an artist is always to go back to workshops, hindi yan natatapos (attending workshops and learning from them is never ending). Habang artista siya, once in a while, bumabalik (siya) sa workshops.” To tap their full potential, Mr. M implied that having the right attitude is key as well as “their ethics, yung work ethics. So, itong walo, they embody that, nanduon sa kanilang lahat yun, yung attitude to the craft. Those people, I think, would be very good role models for Sparkle kaya sila napili.” Sparkle provides artists continued development and learning to level up themselves in exploring new career possibilities. It will let them blossom and discover their potential. “Kasi may mga experience na rin yung mga artista (because these artists are all experienced),” said Mr. M. “They know how to release their potential, nandito lang kami para i-guide sila (we’re just here to guide them).” Mr. M and his team will serve as artists’ collaborators in molding “their image for furthering their craft, but before that, di ba dapat nanduon na yung ‘it.’” That “it” refers to artists’ unique characteristic that is felt but cannot be fathomed. When standing side by side with others, it makes the artists stand out and sparkle. In this new entertainment ecosystem, the artist center and the talents work hand in hand tobring out the real best in the latter. “From time to time, we willcriticize, but mostly, they come to know themselves better,” said Mr. M. “They come to explore.” Sparkle will help mold the artists, but they are given the room to expand. With that, let Sparkle spark new career possibilities for the Kapuso artists. (Jerry Donato/Philstar. com)
and tasted the sweet freedom of flight. Then came the day when Daedalus and Icarus were to fly out of Crete. The sun was up, and the wind was mild and Daedalus decided it was an auspicious day to make the great escape. Daedalus sat his son down and looked him in the eyes for serious pre-flight instructions knowing that once in the air, there would be little chance for communication. “Pay attention, Icarus. Stick close behind me and watch your altitude. Fly too low and the sea with its moisture will make your wings too heavy. Fly too high and the heat of the sun will melt the wax in your wings. Take heed and stay close.” Icarus nodded agreement but he was far too excited and his mind was already in the sky. (To be continued…) ***
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
***
Nota Bene: To send comments, email monette. maglaya@asianjournalinc.com
community 11 Susan on late husband FPJ honored through FPJ Avenue The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - January 19, 2022
SUSAN Roces expressed her gratitude to the public for honoring his late husband Fernando Poe Jr. (FPJ) through the renaming of Roosevelt Avenue in Quezon City as FPJ Avenue. The veteran actress gave her words of appreciation, after President Rodrigo Duterte signed into law the measure seeking to honor the late action star. She issued her statement on Thursday, Jan. 13, through the office of Sen. Grace Poe, her and FPJ’s daughter. “Maraming salamat sa inyong pagkilala at pagpapahalaga sa aking kabiyak sa pagpapangalan sa kanya ng FPJ Avenue,” she said. “Maging inspirasyon sana ang kababaang-loob, malasakit sa kapwa, at pagmamahal sa sining ni FPJ sa bawat daraan sa abenidang ito.” (Thank you for honoring and appreciating my husband by naming FPJ Avenue after him. May his humility, compassion for others, and his love for the arts be an inspiration to everyone who will pass by this avenue.) Meanwhile, Sen. Poe expressed her appreciation as well for the said legislation on her Facebook page, also on
Susan Roces in “Ang Probinsyano.”
Thursday. “For every Filipino, every ‘probinsyano’ (those from the provinces) who will pass along this avenue, we hope this serves as a physical reminder that no dream is too big and no goal is ever out of reach,” she said. “Nawa’y magsilbing ehemplo ng katatagan, pagpupunyagi at pag-asa ang buhay ni FPJ sa ating mga kababayan (May FPJ’s life serve as an example of courage,
ABS-CBN photo
determination and hope to our fellow Filipinos).” The late Fernando Poe Jr., fondly referred to in the Philippine entertainment industry as “Da King,” starred in about 300 movies in his 46-year film career. In 2012, President Benigno Aquino III confirmed President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s proclamation in 2006, declaring Poe a national artist. (By Anne Pasajol/Inquirer.net)