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FEBRUARY 19-25, 2021 Serving San Diego Since 1987 • 12 Pages
T h e F i l i p i n o –A m e r i c A n c o m m u n i T y n e w s pA p e r
Also published in LOS ANGELES • ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE • NORTHERN CALIFORNIA • NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY • LAS VEGAS
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Palace: PH should get close to USA Appointments for $16 billion compensation from US second vaccine dose DATELINE
FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
prioritized in LA
LOS Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced that city vaccination sites will prioritize second doses this week while the city waits for additional vaccines. “Our City has the tools, the infrastructure, and the determination to vaccinate Angelenos swiftly and safely — we simply need more doses,” said Garcetti. “Our density and demographics have made our region an
by Ritchel
Mendiola AJPress
AFTER President Rodrigo Duterte demanded that the United States pay for the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), Malacañang said that the Philippines should get “something like $16 billion or close to that
amount” from the U.S. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque pointed out how little the U.S. has provided in terms of military assistance to the Philippines from 2002 to 2017. Citing a study by Washington-based Stimson Center on counterterrorism spending, Roque said the Philippines only received $3.9 billion for counterterrorism ef-
forts compared to Pakistan’s $16.4 billion. “When did Pakistan become an ally of America? They do not have a basis to say that they have a longstanding relationship with America unlike the Filipinos who died in the Death March during World War II,” he said on Monday, February 15.
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The ACA marketplace is open again for insurance sign-ups. Here’s what you need to know.
Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said the newly established China Task Force of the US Department of Defense will be looking into the current state of its military-to-military contacts in the Indo-Pacific. US Department of Defense File Photo
FOR people who’ve been without health insurance during the pandemic, relief is in sight. In January, President Joe Biden signed an executive order to open up the federal health insurance marketplace for three months as of Monday so uninsured people can buy a plan and those who want to change their marketplace coverage can do so. Consumer advocates applauded the directive. Since 2016, the number of Americans without health insurance has been on the rise,
MANILA — The United States takes its responsibilities to its treaty alliances including that with the Philippines “very seriously,” a Pentagon official said over the weekend. Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said the newly established China Task Force of the US De-
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US takes alliances ‘very seriously’ – Pentagon SPRINKLING ASHES. A nun wearing a face shield and face mask sprinkles ashes on the head of a devotee during the Ash Wednesday mass at the Baclaran Church in Parañaque City on February 17 . Ash Wednesday marks the start of the 40-day Lenten season for the Roman Catholics. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan
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SD County reserves COVID-19 vaccine Elderly Pinay attacked on San Diego trolley appointments for Project SAVE
County clinics are only vaccinating people in Phase 1A and those 65 and older in Phase 1B. File Photo www.countynewscenter.com
THE County is reserving a portion of available COVID-19 vaccination appointments each day for a pilot project that aims to equitably distribute the novel coronavirus vaccine. Project SAVE (Scheduling Assistance for Vaccine Equity) sets aside appointments for people who are in the currently eligible groups and at high risk for complications from COVID-19. “We need to make sure that communities that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 have easier access to the vaccine,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “This project is making it easier for people who qualify to make appointments and get vaccinated.”
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AMID a surge of violence against older Asian Americans across the country, an elderly Filipina was the victim of a random attack in San Diego, California on Monday, February 15. The Pinay senior citizen, who has not been identified, was riding a trolley when a man, unprovoked, started punching her, sources told ABC 10News. The station said witnesses helped the victim report the attack to the police. She was later treated at a local hospital. Vice President Leni Robredo and former Senator Bongbong Marcos Police arrested a suspect, whose details were not released, for “assault with a deadly weapon with an elder abuse enhancement,” according to the news station, but the incident was not considered a hate crime. Violent attacks against elderly Asian
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De Lima acquitted Asian American leaders in 1 of 3 drug cases condemn anti-Asian attacks, say ‘more action is necessary’ by Ritchel
Mendiola AJPress
PHILIPPINE Senator Leila de Lima has been acquitted in one of three drug charges she is currently facing. Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 205 Judge Leizel Aquiatan on Wednesday, February 17, granted De Lima’s demurrer to evidence in Case Number 17-166. A demurrer is a motion to dismiss a case due to insufficient evidence presented by prosecutors. When granted, the case is considered dismissed. “The Demurrer to Evidence filed by Accused Leila De Lima is hereby granted. The
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by AJPress A NUMBER of Asian American organizations have called for an immediate action to end violence against Asian American communities following the recent string of attacks on several Asian elders around the country. The National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA) issued a statement regarding this continued violence targeting the most vulnerable members of the Asian American community. “Since the beginning of the pandemic,
we have witnessed a rise in violence, harassment and racism targeting the Asian American community. We applaud the leadership of local community leaders who have responded to these incidents, and join Asian Americans around the country in saying once again: this must end,” the statement read. The string of violent attacks have escalated in the recent weeks, and the community has suffered the loss of Vicha Ratanapakdee, an 84-year old Thai-American, after he was killed by being shoved to the ground while walking in San Francisco. Noel Quintana, a 61year old Filipino-American was on his way to
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Inquirer.net photos
PH Supreme Court junks Marcos’ poll protest vs Robredo by KRistine Joy
Philstar.com
Patag
MANILA — The Supreme Court, sitting as Presidential Electoral Tribunal, has junked former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s poll protest against Vice President Leni Robredo. According to a source, the tribunal unanimously dismissed the electoral protest on Tuesday, February 16. “(Y)es unanimously dismissed,” the source told Philstar. com. SC spokesperson Brian Hosaka in a press conference confirmed the dismissal of the electoral protest filed in 2016. “Out of the 15 members of the
tribunal were present in today’s meeting, I was informed that seven members fully concurred in dismissal while eight concurred in the result,” Hosaka said. Three hours after the SC made the announcement on the voting, lawyer Vic Rodriguez, Marcos’ spokesperson, falsely claimed that the tribunal only dismissed their second cause of action, which is on the recount of votes in the pilot provinces and their bid on the annulment of votes in Mindanao is still pending. At 5:00 p.m., the SC issued an “updated press briefer” that stressed that the “entire electoral protest” was unanimously dismissed. The SC also shared the dispos-
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FEBRUARY 19-25, 2021 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588
From The FronT Page
Commissioner Lara issues revised draft regulations to expand auto insurance group discounts to lower-income drivers LOS ANGELES — Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara on Thursday, February 18 released revised draft regulations to expand drivers’ access to group discounts, following an extensive fact-finding examination of the adverse impact on lower-income policyholders and motorists of color. The revised draft regulations will extend discounts to previously underrepresented drivers in the first major reform of group discounts since voters approved them in 1988 with the passage of Proposition 103. “Insurance companies must give greater access to auto insurance discounts for low-income drivers and people of color, regardless of their educational attainment,” said Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara. “Our nearly two-year examination has concluded that group discounts skew toward wealthier, more highly educated, and whiter areas of the state, so working families are often left out. With this pandemic continuing to dramatically widen the country’s income and equality gap, I am proposing these new rules that make car insurance discounts more equitable and available to the communities who can least afford to pay more for insurance. Whether you’re a doctor or a janitor with comparably safe driving records, you should have the same access to these discounts.” The Department wrote the initial draft regulations after Commissioner Lara ordered the first-ever investigation of group discounts in the Department’s history along with an extensive data collection effort. While one-quarter of Californians receive a group premium reduction ranging from 1.5% to 25.9%, data collected by the Department shows that participation in group discount programs decreases with declining income and education levels. Those living in ZIP Codes with average per capita income above $49,000 are more than twice as likely to receive discounts as those in ZIP Codes with average per capita income of $22,500 or below. In some areas of Los Angeles, San Diego, and the Bay Area, participation in group discount programs in high-income ZIP Codes was three to four times higher. Commissioner Lara proposed these revised draft regulations after holding a workshop with consumers, business and membership groups, and insurance companies on January 27, 2020. The revisions include: • Reducing barriers to the creation of new groups for lower-income drivers. The revised draft regulations require that insurance companies offering group discounts make sure they are available to drivers at different income levels who have similar driving experience.
• Increasing incentives for the creation of new groups for underserved communities. The revised draft regulations were improved by adding an incentive system whereby insurers who excel in writing policyholders from underserved socio-economic communities will receive a small increased allowance in their expense calculation to account for the added costs of making this effort. • Increasing public awareness of available groups. Currently insurance companies must provide a list of all available discounts to every new policyholder at every renewal. The revised draft regulations now require that all of an insurer’s available group plans must also be included in this list to help drivers avail themselves of discounts they may be entitled to but not aware they presently exist. “Some insurers are taking advantage of a gap in Proposition 103 regulations to create phony, occupation-based “affinity groups” that force blue collar and lower-income Californians to subsidize wealthier motorists,” said Doug Heller, Insurance Consultant for Consumer Federation of California. “This needs to be fixed in order to stop insurers from unfairly charging higher auto insurance rates to lower-wage workers and unemployed Californians, even when those drivers have perfect records. Good drivers should get the best rates, regardless of their socio-economic status.” The Department will hold its second prenotice virtual workshop on the revised draft regulations on March 23. The purpose of the workshop is to provide interested and affected stakeholders another opportunity to comment on the proposed regulation changes and how rates and rating practices are used for group private passenger automobile insurance in California. If adopted, this would be the first major change to the use of group discounts since California voters approved Proposition 103 in 1988, outlawing “redlining” and other forms of discrimination in insurance. Commissioner Lara is responsible for the review and approval of automobile insurance premiums in the state to ensure they are fair, not unfairly discriminatory, and based on objective factors. The Commissioner’s revised draft regulations would ensure that group discounts are offered equally to drivers with comparably safe records, and without arbitrary or unfairly discriminatory differences in pricing. Proposition 103 established the mandatory factors to be a driver’s driving safety record, miles driven, and years of driving experience, followed by optional factors that the Commissioner may permit for use in automobile insurance rating. (CA Dep’t of Insurance Release)
Palace: PH should get close... PAGE 1 t Roque also cited the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, a 2014 deal that gave American soldiers access to the Philippines’ military establishments. “But how much are we getting for this? According to the study, we got $3.9 billion. Is this a big amount? It is loose change when compared to what other countries got,” he said. The spokesman continued: “Pakistan got $16 billion, we think we
should get something similar or close to that amount. But definitely, not the amount we are currently getting.” According to Roque, the amount is based on the “historically very strong ties” between the Philippines and the U.S. “We are basing it on the fact that we have had historically very strong ties and if you have very strong ties with a very strong ally, then I think it also comes with a higher amount of financial assistance to be given,” he explained.
If the U.S. refuses to pay, then the VFA termination will proceed as scheduled, Roque said. “I think the president has been clear, he wants compensation. If the Americans don’t agree, then there is also the previous declaration of the Filipino president that he will terminate the VFA,” he stressed. Duterte, on February 12, said before the troops at Clark Air Base in Pampanga: “I’d like to put on notice if there’s an American agent here. From now on, you want the Visiting Forces Agreement done? You have to pay.” “It’s a shared responsibility but your share of responsibility does not come free because, after all, when the war breaks out, we all pay,” he added. The VFA, which came into force in 1999, has provisions including lax visa and passport policies for U.S. troops and the rights of the U.S. government to retain its jurisdiction over its military personnel when they commit crimes in the Philippines. Last February, the Philippines sent the U.S. a notice terminating the VFA reportedly after the U.S. canceled Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa’s visa. The termination was later suspended in June “in light of political and other developments in the region,” and the suspension was extended in November for another six months to enable the Philippines and the U.S. to find a more enhanced, mutually beneficial, mutually agreeable, and more effective and lasting arrangement on how to move forward in their mutual defense.
BENEFICIARIES. Farmers harvest a variety of vegetables that they sell during the 2nd Harvest Festival in Metro Manila dubbed “Buhay sa Gulay” at the New Greenland Farm in Barangay Bagong Silangan, Quezon City on Thursday, February 18. The Department of Agrarian Reform primarily identified 70 urban dwellers as beneficiaries of the project, who were divided into five teams with each team given a maximum of nine garden plots to develop. PNA photo by Robert Oswald Alfiler
Biden, Democrats’ immigration reform bill: A slow start toward pro-immigrant policy, experts say IMMIGRATION reform, a term that has become synonymous with political gridlock and ideological barriers to entry, may finally be on the horizon after decades of unsuccessful attempts from both Democrats and Republicans. White House officials confirmed that President Joe Biden and congressional Democrats are expected to release a sweeping immigration reform bill this week. The bill — called the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 — was first announced on Jan. 20 shortly after Biden’s inauguration. It had been marketed as the start of a more “fair, orderly [and] humane” immigration system, as previously reported in the Asian Journal. “There’s a lot of talk, with good reason, about the number of executive orders that I’ve signed. I’m not making new law — I’m eliminating bad policy,” Biden said at the Oval Office on Tuesday, Feb. 2 when he signed three executive orders that promise to review Trumpera immigration policy. The bill, which Democrats in both chambers of Congress support, includes proposals for: an “earned pathway to citizenship” for 11 million undocumented immigrants, a majority of whom are beneficiaries of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program; expands the refugee resettlement program; streamlining the backlog of immigration court cases and improving technology at the Southern border. Asylum processing for minors and reviewing the controversial public charge rule are also major components of the Biden immigration vision. “The plan is not only about fixing our broken immigration system, but building a better one that reunites families, brings the undocumented community out of the shadows and on a path to citizenship, stands up for human rights, addresses root causes of migration and includes a smart border security strategy,” said Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), who is lead-
ing the legislative force in the Senate. On the other side of the Hill, Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-C.A.) is leading the effort in the House. She noted the multiple communities that are relying on the Biden administration to create a more functional immigration system. “From our DREAMers, to the service workers and farmers pulling us through this pandemic, there are too many relying on this reform for us to fail,” Sanchez said in a statement. With Democrats in control of both chambers in Congress and the White House, Biden’s bill may be on a faster track to passing than those of previous presidential administrations. That being said, however, immigration experts stress that while the executive orders may be the beginning of a new era in policy, the Biden administration has taken no significant action yet. According to the legislation’s text, much of the proposal involves “reviewing” and vetting current policies without offering any legislative alternatives to those policies. “Some executive actions call for the review of current policies so as of today, it is not clear what further changes will happen or when,” Maria E. Penaloza, program manager at the Los Angeles County Office of Immigrant Affairs (OIA), said at a press briefing with ethnic media outlets on Thursday, Feb. 11. “Right now, it has not been introduced [and] it is not law yet,” Penaloza stressed, noting that the proposal has not been published yet aside from summary fact sheets that the White House released weeks ago. In the LA area alone, there are 80,000 DACA beneficiaries and 30,000 holders of Temporary Protected Status (TPS), both of whom receive temporary protection from deportation. For the LA immigrant community — a vast web of families and individuals, a majority of whom hail from Latin America and Asia — local resources and
county commitment to providing those resources should be the priority, according to LA County OIA Executive Director Rigoberto Reyes. Reyes said that the county is dedicated to providing necessary services like legal representation and consultation, health care, education support, cash assistance and other “basic things that the county wants to provide.” (Reyes advised undocumented immigrants who are seeking advice to call 800593-8222.) Amid the federal effort to scale back former President Trump’s immigration policy, other local immigration officials are urging undocumented individuals and families to avoid immigration scams. Adriana Garcia, associate director for LA City OIA, warned that immigration scams tend to prop up any time new immigration laws are under consideration. “Notario fraud” — when non-lawyers or unethical attorneys offer legal advice or promise “guaranteed positive results” — is particularly common. Garcia warned against working with firms or individual attorneys who make clients pay for government forms (which are free on the government websites). Additionally, clients should only give copies of original documents and always ask for copies of documents that are being prepared for them. And, always get or request agreements in writing, including information about fees. “After the Trump administration, undocumented folks are less willing to reach out to government agencies for help,” said Daniel Sharp, chief of LA County OIA, who said that the public charge rule largely contributed to immigrants’ distrust in government services and agencies. He added, “But you don’t want to be in a situation where a shady attorney makes you pay for things that are free or takes your documents.” (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)
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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 19-25, 2021
Medicare Story #2
Mga Paraan Para Panatiliing Malusog
ang Inyong Katawan at Pitaka sa
Medicare Advantage Plan Ito ang pangalawang istorya sa serye ng Medicare Tips hatid ng Clever Care Health Plan, isang nangungunang tagapagbigay ng East meets West Medicare services na sensitibo sa kultura ng kanilang mga miyembro.
In this photo taken on Wednesday, February 17, Sen. Leila De Lima attends the trial of the third drug case she is facing at the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 256. Senate photo
De Lima acquitted in 1 of 3 drug case...
PAGE 1 petition for bail is rendered moot and academic as the grant is tantamount to her acquittal,” read the ruling. The court denied a separate demurrer filed by De Lima’s co-accused Jose Adrian Dera. He was, however, allowed to post a bail bond P500,000. According to reports, Dera was supposedly De Lima’s nephew but later claimed to be a police informant. He allegedly received money from convicted drug lord Peter Co on behalf of De Lima, but the court found that “no link between the two accused was proven.” “Thus, it cannot be concluded that they agreed to engage in illegal drug trading,” the omnibus order said. “As such, his demurrer to evidence must be denied as conviction is still possible. He has to answer why he introduced himself as an agent or relative of De Lima to Hans Tan and to explain the money he received from the inmates,” it added. Second demurrer denied In a separate ruling, Aquiatan denied De Lima’s demurrer and motion to post bail in Case Number 17-165. The demurrer filed by co-accused Ronnie Dayan, De Lima’s former aide, was likewise denied. Reports said that Dayan allegedly received money from former Bureau of Corrections officer-in-charge Rafael Ragos, which he delivered to De Lima. The court noted that De Lima “did not investigate the source” of the money, nor did she return it, leading to a conclusion that she knew the money came from illegal drug dealings.
“The prosecution witnesses sufficiently established that accused De Lima, as the Secretary of Justice at the time, enabled the NBP inmates to resort to illegal drug trading so that they can collect funds for her campaign,” it added. Aquiatan said “it is imperative” for De Lima and Dayan to explain the alleged receipt of the money. The judge also wants De Lima to explain why the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) were excluded in the surprise 2014 raid at the New Bilibid Prison. “These facts, if unrebutted, the same is prima facie sufficient to support a verdict of guilt against the accused,” the court said. De Lima and Dayan’s lawyers will present their evidence and witnesses on March 5. The senator’s third charge, Case Number 17-167, is pending before Muntinlupa RTC Branch 256. De Lima welcomes ruling In a statement, De Lima said: “To be acquitted even in just one case, in the time of Duterte, is a victory.” She also maintained her innocence, pointing out that the evidence against her is weak and made up. “Puro laway lang ang basehan... Ang kaso laban sa akin ay conspiracy to engage in illegal drug trading. Pero ang lumabas sa mga pagdinig, walang ebidensya ng kasunduan (The evidence is just based on their words. The case against me is conspiracy to engage in illegal drug trading. But the hearings
found there was no evidence of any collusion),” said De Lima. “Walang kahit isang testigo na nagpatunay na ako at ang aking kapwa akusado ay nakipagsabwatan sa mga drug lords para maglako o magbenta ng ilegal na droga sa Bilibid (There were no witnesses that proved I and the co-accused conspired with drug lords to sell illegal drugs in Bilibid),” she added. De Lima also said that her camp will be reviewing the court’s ruling in Case Number 17-165 so they can file a motion for reconsideration. “Ang labang ito ay hindi lang personal kong laban, kundi laban ng sambayanan (This is not just my personal fight but the people’s fight),” she stressed. “Mula’t sapul, ang mga kasong ito ay ginagamit lamang na paraan para patahimikin ako at gambalain ang aking paglilingkod sa bayan bilang senador (From the start, these cases have been used to silence me and interfere with my public service as a senator),” added De Lima. Meanwhile, the Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ) said it respects the court’s decision. “The DOJ has always trusted in the good judgment and impartiality of the trial court,” said Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra. “We believe that the honorable judge has diligently examined and weighed all the evidence presented by the prosecution before making a determination as to its sufficiency or insufficiency, and for this reason, we reiterate our utmost respect,” he added.
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Para sa mga marami, ang “golden years” o ang mga taon pagkatapos mag-retiro, ay ang pinakamasaya sa buhay ng isang tao. Isa sa mga kritikal na bagay sa pag-tanda ay ang mag-budget, at importante ito para sa mga gastos sa inyong kalusugan na hindi karaniwang sakop ng tradisyonal na Medicare. Hatid ng artikulong ito ang impormasyon tungkol sa kung paano makakatulong ang Medicare Advantage plan na maging abot-kaya ang inyong karagdagang gastos para sa kalusugan.
related care. Maaring magbago ang mga benepisyo ayon sa plano, pero may mga ilang Medical Advantage plans na nag-aalok ng hearing services para sa kanilang mga miyembro sa pamamagitan ng itinalagang network ng hearing specialists. Sa Medicare Advantage Plan mula sa Clever Care, kasama na ang hearing exams at hearing aid fittings. Makakatanggap din ang mga miyembro ng allowance na hanggang sa $1,500 bawat tenga kada taon para sa pagbayad ng hearing aids.
DENTAL SERVICES Hindi covered ng orihinal na Medicare ang routine dental care, o dental procedures, tulad ng cleanings, filling, pagbunot ng ngipin, pustiso, dental plates, at iba pang dental devices. Ang mga miyembro ng Clever Care Medicare Advantage ay makatanggap ng allowance hanggang sa $1,600 sa isang taon para sa comprehensive dental services. Ang mga routine dental exam, cleanings at x-rays ay sakop ng plano bukod pa sa allowance. Ibig sabihin, kung pagkatapos ng isang exam, kailangan ng isang miyembro ang root canal, pustiso, crowns o bridges, mayroon hanggang $1,600 na allowance para makatulong sa pagbayad para sa mga serbisyong kanilang kailangan
OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATION AND SUPPLIES May ilang mga Medicare Advantage plans na kasama na sa coverage ang prescription drugs (Part D), o puwede kang bumili ng hiwalay na Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. Pero, hindi karaniwan na covered ng mga planong ito ang iba pang gamot o supplies na hindi nangangailangan ng reseta tulad ng pain relievers (acetaminophen o ibuprofen), cough suppressants, allergy medication, o gamot sa heartburn at indigestion. Mga supply tulad ng mga benda, anti-itch creams, ice packs, at incontinence products ay hindi tipikal na covered. Sa Clever Care Medicare Advantage plans, may allowance para sa over-the-counter items. Mayroon ding dagdag na allowance para sa herbal supplements.
VISION SERVICES Hindi covered ng orihinal na Medicare ang routine eye exams para sa salamin o contact lenses. Nagbabago ang mga benepisyo depende sa plano, pero maaring covered ng Medicare Advantage plans ang routine eye exams, salamin, contacts, at fittings para sa frames at contact lenses. Eligible ang mga miyembro ng Medicare Advantage members na hatid ng Clever Care Health Plan para sa routine eye exams, at puwede silang makatanggap ng hanggang sa $300 na allowance na puwedeng gamitin para sa salamin o contact lenses kada dalawang taon. HEARING SERVICES Hindi covered ng orihinal na Medicare ang hearing aids, at iba pang tipo ng hearing-
SUMMARY Umaasa kami na nakatulong ang artikulong ito para mapakita kung paano kayo makakatipid sa Medicare Advantage plan na may mga allowance para sa dental, vision, hearing, at overthe-counter supplies. Kung mayroon pa kayong mga tanong, humingi ng payo sa inyong health care provider, o sa Tagalogspeaking representatives ng Clever Care Health Plan sa 833-365-1888 (TTY: 771). clevercarehealthplan.com
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FEBRUARY 19-25, 2021 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL
PH Supreme Court junks... PAGE 1 itive portion of the resolution that read: “Wherefore, the Presidential Electoral Tribunal dismisses the Election Protest filed by protestant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for lack of merit.” The SC had also dismissed Robredo’s counter-protest. Full resolution yet to be published Hosaka did not give any further details on the voting, including the identity of the justices who voted with the full concurrence of the main decision. He said the copy of the resolution will be uploaded to the SC website once it is available. Hosaka also declined to comment on whether a decision may be appealed. Should an appeal be filed, a reversal of the ruling, however, may be difficult as the tribunal was unanimous in its decision. PET actions
The PET in September 2020 ordered the Commission on Elections and the Office of the Solicitor General to file their comment on the issues related to Marcos’ third cause of action in his poll protest. In particular, this involves the annulment of elections in the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Basilan and Maguindanao on the grounds of terrorism, intimidation, harassment of voters and pre-shading of ballots. This action came almost a year since Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa submitted his initial report on Marcos’ second cause of action which covered the recount in his identified three pilot provinces. PET said in the October 2019 resolution: “After the revision and appreciation, the lead of protestee Robredo increased from 263,473 to 278,566.” PET, however, said it will
“comply with its constitutionally mandated duty allowing the parties the opportunity to examine the results of revision...as well as comment so that they are fully and fairly heard on all related legal issues.”’ Inhibitions sought Through the course of the petition, protestant Marcos had moved for the inhibition of at least two justices. He accused Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, of being a “partial and biased” in 2018 but the SC dismissed his motion and “sternly warned” Marcos and his legal counsels “that any unfounded and inappropriate accusation made in the future will be dealt with more severely.” Caguioa was previously the member-in-charge of the case until it was re-raffled after the release of the report on the recount of ballots from Marcos’ three identified pilot provinces.
The ACA marketplace is open again for... PAGE 1 reaching 30 million in 2019. The economic upheaval caused by the novel coronavirus has made a bad situation worse, throwing millions off their insurance plans. The move is in stark contrast to the Trump administration’s approach. As covid-19 took hold last spring and the economy imploded, health experts pleaded with the Trump administration to open up the federal marketplace so people could buy insurance to protect themselves during the worst public health emergency in a century. The administration declined, noting that people who suddenly found themselves without coverage because they lost their jobs were able to sign up on the marketplace under ordinary rules. They also cited concerns that sick people who had resisted buying insurance before would buy coverage and drive up premiums. The Biden administration is promising to spend $50 million on outreach and education to get the word out about the new special enrollment period. That’s critical, experts said. Although the number of people signing up for Affordable Care Act plans has generally remained robust, the number of new consumers enrolling in the federal marketplace has dropped every year since 2016, according to KFF,
corresponding to funding cuts in marketing and outreach. (KHN is an editorially independent program of KFF.) “There are a lot of uninsured people who even before covid were eligible for either hefty marketplace subsidies or for Medicaid and not aware of it,” said Sabrina Corlette, a research professor at Georgetown University’s Center on Health Insurance Reforms. A marketing blitz can reach a broad swath of people and hopefully draw them in, regardless of whether they’re uninsured because of covid or not, she said. Here are answers to questions about the new enrollment option. Q: When can consumers sign up, and in which states? The sign-up window will be open for three months, from Monday through May 15. Uninsured residents of any of the 36 states that use the federal healthcare.gov platform can look for plans during that time and enroll. States and the District of Columbia that operate their own marketplaces are establishing special enrollment periods similar to the new federal one, though they may have somewhat different time frames or eligibility rules. In Massachusetts, for example, the sign-up window remains open until May 23, while in Connecticut, it closes March
15. Meanwhile, Colorado has reopened enrollment in its marketplace for residents who lack insurance, but anyone already enrolled in one of the state’s marketplace plans won’t be allowed to switch to a different plan based on this special enrollment period. Q: Can people who lost their jobs and health insurance many months ago sign up during the new enrollment period? Yes. The enrollment window is open to anyone who is uninsured and would normally be eligible to buy coverage on the exchange (people who are serving prison or jail terms and those who are in the country without legal permission aren’t allowed to enroll). People with incomes up to 400% of the federal poverty level (about $51,500 for one person or $106,000 for a family of four) are eligible for premium tax credits that may substantially reduce their costs. Typically, people can buy a marketplace plan only during the annual open enrollment period in the fall or if a major life event gives them another opportunity to sign up, called a special enrollment period. Losing job-based health coverage is one event that creates a special sign-up opportunity; so is getting married or having a baby. But usually people must sign up with the mar-
http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588 Caguioa and former Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio dissented and voted that the case should be dismissed. In 2020, Marcos and Solicitor General Jose Calida, in an unrelated pleading, again claimed bias and prejudice and sought the recusal of Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, reportedly member-in-charge of the case. The tribunal again denied Marcos’ motion. It also reiterated that it is a collegial body, and the member-in-charge of a case can only recommend actions to be taken. The tribunal then cautioned parties, counsels and those acting on their behalf to “be more circumspect in their pleadings and in their public pronouncements.” “All counsels including the Solicitor General are reminded to attend to their cases with objectivity and dignity demanded by our profession and keep their passions and excitement in check,” the PET added. ketplace within 60 days of the event. With the new special enrollment period, how long someone has been uninsured isn’t relevant, nor do people have to provide documentation that they’ve lost job-based coverage. “The message is quite simple: Come and apply,” said Sarah Lueck, a senior policy analyst at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Q: What about people who are already enrolled in a marketplace plan? Can they switch their coverage during this new enrollment period? Yes, as long as their coverage is through the federal marketplace. If, for example, someone is enrolled in a gold plan now but wants to switch to a cheaper bronze plan with a higher deductible, that’s allowed. As mentioned above, however, some state-operated marketplaces may not make that option available. Q: Many people have lost significant income during the pandemic. How do they decide whether a marketplace plan with premium subsidies is a better buy for them than Medicaid? They don’t have to decide. During the application process, the marketplace asks people for income information. If their annual income is below the Medicaid threshold (for many adults in
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FOOD FOR STUDENTS. Delfin Geralde Elementary School principal Melanie Simeon (standing with microphone) announces that the bag of food for the students will regularly be received by parents every other week at the school cover court on Salvia Street, Saint Dominic Subdivision, Barangay Kaligayahan, Novaliches in Quezon City on Wednesday, February 17. The school-based feeding program is a project of the DepEd. PNA photo by Oliver Marquez
Appointments for second... PAGE 1 epicenter of this crisis in recent months, and with a reliable, consistent supply of vaccines, we can get more shots into people’s arms, bring down rates of infection, hospitalization, and death, and defeat this pandemic once and for all.” The City of Los Angeles is expected to receive just 54,000 doses of Moderna and 4,000 doses of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines this week. In accordance with guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and the County Department of Public Health, the city will prioritize individuals whose second doses are due in the days ahead. If the city receives additional supply this week, more first dose appointments will become available online at Coronavirus.LACity.org/ VaxAppointment. This week’s second dose appointments were automatically scheduled for Angelenos who received their first dose from
January 18-23 at Hansen Dam, San Fernando Park, Crenshaw Christian Center, Lincoln Park, and Dodger Stadium. Patients who qualify should have received a text message and/or an email with their second appointment details. Given the low level of overall supplies, approximately 4,600 first doses will be available throughout the week at the city’s newest site at Pierce College and mobile vaccination clinics serving our most vulnerable communities. Most City vaccination sites are scheduled to be open this week from Tuesday through Saturday; Hansen Dam will reopen on Wednesday. Mobile clinics are scheduled to operate from Tuesday through Friday in Council Districts 8, 9, and 14. Angelenos can visit Coronavirus.LACity.org/Vaccine to check for first dose appointment availability, sign up for notifications, and find more information about second dose appointments.
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Dateline PhiliPPines
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PH not a target of China’s coast guard law Palace: Duterte ‘knows what it takes’ to be president by Ritchel
Mendiola AJPress
CHINA was not targeting the Philippines when it passed a new law allowing its coast guard to fire on foreign vessels entering disputed territories, according to Philippine Ambassador to China Chito Sta. Romana. “The Chinese have reassured us through their spokesman, the Foreign Ministry Spokesman as well as the Chinese Embassy...that they are not targeting the Philippines or any specific country and that they will not resort to force in the first instance,” the ambassador said on Tuesday, February 16. “I want to explain that through the objection, through the diplomatic note and through the diplomatic discussion, the Chinese have tried to reassure that they will still exercise restraint. This is
what we are calling for, that all claimant countries resort to diplomacy and avoid the use of force,” added Sta. Romana. Last month, China passed the Coast Guard Law, permitting its coast guard to use “all necessary means, including the use of weapons” to stop or prevent threats from foreign vessels. A diplomatic protest against the new law was filed by Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on January 27. “While enacting law is a sovereign prerogative, this one – given the area involved or for that matter the open South China Sea – is a verbal threat of war to any country that defies the law; which, if unchallenged, is submission to it,” said Locsin. The Chinese Embassy in Manila, in response, assured that the Coast Guard Law is not a
SD County reserves COVID-19... PAGE 1 t The pilot program is now operating in the southern region of the county and is managed by nine community groups who have access to reserve appointments at four vaccination sites. The sites are: • South Region Live Well Center – Chula Vista • Martin Luther King Community Center – National City • Mar Vista High School – Imperial Beach • Southwestern College – San Ysidro. The reserved appointments will be filled through outreach by community health workers or promotoras who are contacting people 65 and older at locations that include grocery stores, faith centers, food distribution sites and housing complexes in the South Bay. Rescheduled appointments Due to delays in vaccine shipments to San Diego, the County is rescheduling approximately 1,000 first-dose appointments at its sites. Those affected are being notified they will be rescheduled for next week. Additional vaccine informa-
tion The Metropolitan Transit System is offering free rides to people with proof of a vaccination appointment and 2-1-1 San Diego and promotoras also have the capacity to arrange for transportation. Currently, all County vaccination super stations and points of dispensing, or PODs, are vaccinating people in Phase 1A and people 65 years and older in Phase 1B. All require appointments which can be made at vaccinationsuperstationsd.com. To date, more than 765,000 COVID-19 doses have been delivered to the region. Of those, over 663,000 have been administered, including more than 135,000 San Diegans who have received two doses and are fully vaccinated. So far, 17.6% of the population over age 16 has received at least one dose. More information about vaccine distribution can be found on the County’s vaccination dashboard. State metrics San Diego County’s state-calculated, adjusted case rate
threat of war. “Enacting such a coast guard law is not unique to China, but a sovereign right to all. Many countries have enacted similar legislation. It is the Philippine Coast Guard Law of 2009 that established the PCG as an armed and uniformed service. None of these laws have been seen as a threat of war,” it said on February 1. The embassy also maintained that the Coast Guard Law doesn’t target any country. “China Coast Guard Law doesn’t specifically target any certain country. The enact of the law doesn’t indicate any change of China’s maritime policy,” it said. “China has always been committed to managing differences with countries including the Philippines through dialogue and consultations and upholding peace and stability in the South China Sea,” it added. is currently 22.2 cases per 100,000 residents and the region is in Purple Tier or Tier 1. The testing positivity percentage is 6.4%, placing the County in Tier 2 or the Red Tier. While the testing positivity rate for the County qualifies it for the Red Tier, the state uses the most restrictive metric – in this case the adjusted case rate – and assigns counties to that tier. Therefore, the County remains in the Purple Tier or Tier 1. The County’s health equity metric, which looks at the testing positivity for areas with the lowest healthy conditions, is 9.7% and it’s in the Purple Tier or Tier 1. This metric does not move counties to more restrictive tiers but is required to advance to a less restrictive tier. The California Department of Public Health assesses counties on a weekly basis. The next report is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 23. The more detailed data summaries found on the County’s coronavirus-sd.com website are updated around 5 p.m. daily. (Jose A. Alvarez/County of San Diego Communications Office)
by Ritchel
Mendiola AJPress
BEING the chief executive of the Philippines, President Rodrigo Duterte knows which qualities his successor should have to lead the country, Malacañang said Wednesday, February 17. “Dahil siya ay naging president, alam niya ‘yung mga kakayahan na kinakailangan para maging president (Since he’s the president, he knows what it takes to be the president),” said Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque. This comes in defense of Duterte’s latest statement saying that Vice President Leni Robredo is not qualified to be the next president since she doesn’t know her role in the government. On Monday, February 15 Duterte lashed out at Robredo for criticizing his demand for
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte
the United States to “pay” for the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and likening it to “extortion.” “Every time she opens her mouth, she forgets that she is a lawyer. Being a lawyer, she should know that the Constitution says that that is my function. It is not their function.
Malacañang photo by King Rodriguez
Whatever I want to say for the sake of the country, there’s a purpose for it,” he said “You, ma’am, I’m sorry to say, you are not really qualified to run for president. You do not know your role,” Duterte added, addressing Robredo. Robredo, in response, said:
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FEBRUARY 19-25, 2021 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL
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OpiniOn
Endangerment through forgery
Features Philstar.com photo
WITH COVID cases still rising in several areas outside Metro Manila, and the vaccine rollout hitting a snag, coronavirus transmission can be curbed only through strict adherence to health protocols. The so-called three T’s – tracing, testing and treatment – need to be stringently maintained. Obviously, this goal is seriously undermined when people fake the results of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction swab tests. The forgery of RT-PCR test results used to be done mainly by people seeking employment or a return to their jobs. With the gradual reopening of various economic sectors, however, faking RT-PCR test results has also been resorted to even by those who want to enjoy tourism. This was the case with six visitors to Boracay, three of whom tested positive for COVID following their arrest in a hotel on the resort island. This week the Department of Tourism filed criminal charges against the six, who are from Metro Manila, for falsification of public documents. Last December, the Aklan police also filed criminal charges against five Boracay visitors, for falsification of public documents as well as violation of Republic Act No. 11332, the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act. Since Boracay began accepting visitors from ar-
eas outside Western Visayas on Oct. 1 last year, about 100 tourists have been apprehended for faking swab test results. Malay town, which has jurisdiction over Boracay, is preparing a resolution declaring the 100 as persona non grata. Such reports have apparently not provided sufficient deterrence. Last week eight more people with fake swab test results were arrested in three separate resorts in Boracay. Unless people see violators suffering the consequences of faking swab test results, there will be many more people who will recklessly endanger others with possible infection. Boracay could soon suffer a surge in COVID cases. While acting more decisively on this problem, the government must address the root cause of the forgery: the steep cost of RT-PCR tests and limited access to testing facilities. The Philippine Red Cross has started rolling out its less invasive RT-PCR saliva testing, which provides faster relook at the much cheaper saliva tests being used in sults at half the price of the swab test. The government can augment this effort by pro- countries such as Israel, which do not require labcuring its own saliva tests. Even better, it should oratory processing and produce results instantly,
Editorial
with high accuracy. As long as COVID swab tests remain expensive and difficult to access, forgery of results will continue. (Philstar.com)
The Republican Party of true conservative values is gone after being hijacked and terrorized by Trump The Fil-Am Perspective Gel SantoS-ReloS NO, the Senate acquitting Donald J. Trump in his second impeachment trial did NOT mean the 45th president was not guilty of inciting the deadly January 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. It only meant it did not have 10 more Republicans voting to convict, as seven others courageously did. The final vote revealed that a majority gave a guilty verdict — 57, including seven Republicans joining Democrats, while 43 voted to acquit him, all of them Republicans. Sixty-seven votes were needed to convict. Trump has been terrorizing the Republican Party, warning them against voting against him, threatening them and their families. Using his power over his die-hard followers, he stoked fear among the members of Congress who desper-
ately wanted to cling on to power even if it meant selling their souls to the devil. One month ago, the House voted 232 to 197 to impeach Trump for incitement of insurrection, with ten Republicans joining Democrats. This happened one week after the January 6 riot when an armed pro-Trump mob breached the Capitol to stop the members of Congress from fulfilling their Constitutional duty to officially declare that Joe Biden won, based on the results of the November 3rd election. We all have seen videos of the riot that killed five people, injured 140, put the lives of the members of Congress at risk, threatened to hang Vice President Mike Pence after he did not follow Trump’s will that he should reject the Electoral College vote, vandalized and looted the Capitol. All of these were a product of Trump’s hateful rhetoric, lies and disinformation even before the election, that the only way he would lose was if the election was stolen from him. After the November 3rd election, his rhetoric became even viler, continuing to claim
he won by a landslide and that there was massive voter fraud — a claim that had been rejected in courts and by election officials across the country for lack of evidence. And on January 6, Trump did nothing to stop the carnage, even praised the mob for being patriots. Those arrested and convicted said they were just following the orders of Trump. Rep. Liz Cheney, the third highest-ranking Republican, contended that Trump summoned this mob, assembled the mob and lit the flame of this attack. “There has never been a greater betrayal by a President of the United States of his office and his oath to the Constitution,” Cheney said. “We know that the President of the United States incited this insurrection, this armed rebellion against our common country,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on the House floor before the votes were cast. “He must go. He is a clear and present danger to the nation that we all love.” After the House impeached Trump, it was the Senate’s duty to either convict or ac-
quit Trump. McConnell could have called the Senate back to work before Biden’s inauguration, but he did not. This, even after saying that he was glad the House impeached the President as this would purge Trump out of the Republican Party. This, after he and the Republican leadership rebuked Trump’s role in the January 6 insurrection. The Senate’s acquittal of Trump a month after is glaring evidence that the Republican Party has ceased to be the party of Lincoln, the party that upholds the Constitution and the rule of law. It revealed their true color, their true reason for being in office, and that is their greed for power. During the 2016 presidential primaries, these Republicans had warned the American people against Trump, how much he did not embody the values of the Republican Party, how much of a pathological liar and crook he was, and why he should never be trusted. But Trump was right after all when he said that he could shoot somebody at 5th Avenue and still win the election. He was referring not only to the
Republican base. He was also talking about the supposedly honorable members of the Republican Party who were accorded public trust through the public posts they hold. These public officials, both elected and appointed, all swore to serve the people and to defend the Constitution. Unfortunately, these Republicans in Congress all betrayed their oath when they chose to be more loyal to Trump than to the Constitution. McConnell sharply criticized his former ally in a speech on the Senate floor shortly after Trump was cleared in a 57-43 vote, saying the rioters had been “fed wild falsehoods by the most powerful man on Earth. Because he was angry he’d lost an election,” CNN reported. “Former President Trump’s actions that preceded the riot were a disgraceful, disgraceful dereliction of duty,” added McConnell. “Trump is practically and morally responsible for provoking the events of the day.” But they acquitted him anyway. They failed to fulfill their duties of checks and balances
and accountability as mandated by the Constitution because, like Trump, they wanted to hold on to power. Birds of the same feather flock together. They were complicit. They were all as guilty as Trump. These Republicans are not true public servants. They failed us. They failed to honor our will. We, the People have spoken. We voted out Trump. We voted out Republicans in the Senate and the House. Let us continue to guard our democracy — the government of the people, for the people, by the people. *** 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.
What does Duterte really want from the US?
Postscript
Federico Pascual Jr. WHAT exactly does President Duterte want from Washington, aside from the “guided rockets” and 20 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, for him to withdraw his notice terminating the PH-U.S. Visiting Forces Agreement? First off, who speaks for the Philippines on VFA matters? Is it only President Duterte – or is it a chorus that includes his spokesman Harry Roque, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Foreign Secretary Teddy Locsin Jr. and the Mayor’s favorite senator? Secondly, do the two allies want to continue with the VFA that was signed in 1998 and came into force in 1999 when the Philippines ratified it? (The U.S. regards it as an executive agreement that does not require ratification by its Senate.) Since the U.S. has not sent its own notice of termination, effective 180 days after notice
as stipulated in the contract, Washington is presumed to still want to keep the VFA. It may just come in handy considering the turbulent security weather in the Indo-Pacific area. On the Philippine side, Duterte sent last year a termination notice whose deadline had been extended twice – first to force revalidation of the US visa of his protégé former PNP chief (now senator) Bato dela Rosa and, second, to demand delivery of 20 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines. The U.S. embassy has reissued Dela Rosa’s visa, but on the demand for vaccines, then President Trump waved it off and said something about the U.S. being able to save money by not paying what looked like a ransom for the VFA. Now Duterte is insisting that the U.S. “pay up!” in a transactional tone that has embarrassed many Filipinos not used to seeing their President talk like an extortionist. On whether the Philippines wants to keep the VFA, before Locsin could tweet a reaction, Lorenzana beat him to it, say-
ing in a TV interview: “We at the defense department and the armed forces, the general feeling is for the VFA to continue.” It was not clear if Lorenzana was talking for the government, especially with Duterte having just said he wanted the U.S. to pay for being able to use the VFA. If Duterte wants the VFA terminated, there is no point negotiating. The Philippines could just drop all pretense, scrap the VFA 180 days after notice, then formalize its being de facto an open city to another power lusting to control it. But that is jumping to a premature conclusion. A new U.S. president sits in the Oval Office and early signals point to his being at least attentive to little brown Americans in the American continent and across the Pacific. As we said here last Sunday, the VFA cannot be reviewed or revised in isolation. The talks on how to adapt the 21-yearold contract to the realities of the present will impinge on the gamut of bilateral rela-
tions – and even the very stay of Duterte in power. While current talks revolve around the VFA, “depending on Duterte’s frame of mind, the negotiations could dive deeper and wander wider” and open for review even the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement supplementing the VFA. The EDCA allows the U.S. to send troops to the Philippines for extended periods on rotation and to operate facilities on Philippine bases, one way of going around the constitutional ban on permanent foreign bases. The need for the VFA and the EDCA arose when the Bases Agreement, which was also written to help carry out MDT objectives, expired in 1991 and the constitutional ban on foreign bases, facilities and troops automatically took effect. For reference, Article XVIII (Transitory Provisions) says: “Section 25. After the expiration in 1991 of the Agreement between the Republic of the Philippines and the United States of America concerning
military bases, foreign military bases, troops or facilities shall not be allowed in the Philippines except under a treaty duly concurred in by the Senate and, when the Congress so requires, ratified by a majority of the votes cast by the people in a national referendum held for that purpose, and recognized as a treaty by the other contracting State.” Duterte has emerged as the fulcrum on which Fil-Am relations will move. As he has generated a political climate that is beginning to feel for many people like one-man rule, what he says generally goes. An effective political opposition is hardly felt. So we go back to the question asked in the head of this column: What does Duterte really want? He has to say what, so everybody knows what must or could be done. If he wants the U.S. armed forces out, he can go ahead with his VFA notice of termination. He can drop all pretense, stamp out U.S. military presence and open the country to another power that is already within the walls anyway.
That scenario leads us to another question raised earlier: Between Duterte and the AFP, who controls whom? Section 3 of Article II says “the Armed Forces of the Philippines is the protector of the people and the State,” but does not answer the question. The saner assumption is that Duterte simply wants the VFA revised to suit his immediate requirements and not as prelude to kicking Uncle Sam out of the kulambo. Duterte’s negotiating team could find many ways to water down the VFA’s pro-U.S. bias and still be able to collect what the boss wants as payment. We hope they have learned the lesson of Ferdinand Marcos’ pushing too hard and finding himself being pushed out to fall, tubes and all, from his throne of bayonets. *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints e x p re s s e d b y t h e a u t h o r d o n o t necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
***
Author is on Twitter as @FDPascual. Email: fdp333@yahoo.com
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Asian American leaders condemn... PAGE 1 work when another subway rider slashed his face from ear to ear, simply for asking the attacker to stop kicking his tote bag. “Not only have our communities suffered disproportionately, but our suffering has also been made so much worse by the racism and violent attacks we have been facing for the past year,” a statement from the Asian American Federation (AAF) read. Since early 2020, AAF has been collecting reports of bias incidents and working with leaders to address the anti-Asian rhetoric and anti-immigrant policies driven by the former president and other national leaders. To date, there have been approximately BAMBIKE. Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat rides a bamboo bicycle at Plaza Moriones, Intramuros in Manila during the reopening 500 reports of bias incidents and of Intramuros on Wednesday, February 17. Intramuros will now welcome guests and tourists on a limited capacity. hate crimes directed at the comPNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr. munity in New York City alone. “We ask our neighbors and friends of all communities to stand with us to eradicate hate in our communities. We ask our Dr. Ely Ratner, who was an- VFA it should be because of fellow New Yorkers to look out PAGE 1 partment of Defense will be nounced by Biden to head the reasons that would benefit us for each other,” the AAF statelooking into the current state of China Task Force at the Pen- and not because they would not ment read further. “Mr. Quintana was in a crowded train when he its military-to-military contacts tagon, said the task force will pay us,” she said. “To me, it’s embarrassing, was attacked, yet only a few peolook into the military-to-military in the Indo-Pacific. He said Defense Secretary contacts in the Indo-Pacific to it seems like we are extorting Lloyd Austin made it very clear determine areas to be improved money. When we say we don’t want to renew the VFA, let’s lay that he believes China is the or enhanced. “Absolutely, I think both in down the reasons why. Let’s chief pacing challenge for the department and that the In- the context of how are we ap- prove why this is disadvanta- PAGE 5 t do-Pacific region is of critical proaching our alliances and geous to us, and money is not a “Hindi naman siya ang magimportance to the US and its partnerships but also how are consideration,” she added. de-decision kung qualified ako o Duterte unilaterally terminat- hindi, pero ‘yong taumbayan (It we approaching our defense allies and partners. “You have seen in just the relations with China? Absolute- ed the VFA last year. The VFA is not him who will decide if I am two or three weeks that the sec- ly, we’ll be looking at both of allows Philippine and US troops qualified or not, but the public).” retary has been in office that those,” Ratner said in a press to hold joint exercises in the Roque agreed that the decountry. he’s continuing to make it clear, briefing. cision depends on the public, Foreign Affairs Secretary but pointed out that Duterte is Ratner, a China expert, said particularly in South China Sea, that the United States forces are the defense chief sees China as Teodoro Locsin Jr. earlier said included in the public she’s regoing to sail and fly and operate the number-one pacing chal- a high-level meeting is sched- ferring to. in accordance with internation- lenge for the US and the “China uled in the last week of this al law, as needed, to protect our task force is a manifestation of month to discuss the fate of the VFA. A bilateral meeting on desecurity interests and those of that.” Robredo scores Duterte fense between the Philippines our allies and partners,” Kirby and the US was held last Feb. said in a press briefing on Fri- over VFA ‘fee’ Meanwhile, Vice President 11. Locsin declined to provide PAGE 4 t day, February 12. “Five of our seven treaty alli- Leni Robredo slammed on further details, saying it “in- most states, 138% of the federal ances are in the Pacific, and we Sunday, February 14 President volves our national security and poverty level, or about $18,000 take those responsibilities very Duterte’s demand for the US “to defense.” for an individual), they will be US Secretary of State Antony directed to that program for covpay” in order to retain the Visseriously,” he said. US President Joe Biden an- iting Forces Agreement (VFA), Blinken, in a phone conversa- erage. If people are eligible for nounced the establishment of saying it sounded like extortion. tion with Locsin last month, Medicaid, they can’t get subsi“It sounded like an extortion. stressed the importance of the dized coverage on the exchange. the China Task Force during a visit at the Pentagon last It seemed like a criminal asking Mutual Defense Treaty for the People can sign up for Medweek. The task force will help someone to pay if he wants to security of the US and the Phil- icaid anytime; there’s no need craft a comprehensive China get what he wants,” Robredo ippines. The MDT states that to wait for an annual or special policy and assess Austin’s most said in her show BISErbisyong each country would come to enrollment period. the defense of the other in case important challenges and op- Leni over dzXL. Those already enrolled in a The Vice President said the of an attack by a foreign coun- marketplace plan whose income portunities regarding China. “So there’s a sharp focus on Duterte administration should try. Blinken pledged “to stand changes should go back into the that region and China in par- state clearly the reasons why it with Southeast Asian claim- marketplace and update their ticular. A lot of work to do, but thinks the VFA should be termi- ants in the face of China pres- income information as soon as sure.” (Pia Lee Brago & Helen possible. They may be eligible clearly a sharp focus on it,” Kir- nated. “If we don’t want to grant the Flores/The Philippine Star) by added. for larger premium subsidies for
US takes alliances ‘very seriously’...
ple stepped up to help him even though he was bleeding profusely. We are all in this together.” The statement was signed by 37 Asian American organizations in the tristate area. On the other hand, NCAPA’s statement believes that the incidents “are the result of the hostile, xenophobic climate created by scapegoating Asian communities for the pandemic and the product of decades of systematic neglect and structural racism.” “We call upon our country’s leaders to make good on their past commitments to fight anti-Asian racism. Both President Biden’s Administration and Congress have condemned this racism in the past, but it has become clear that more action is necessary,” NCAPA said. “To governors and locally-elected officials: listen to Asian American leaders in your communities who have been doing this work every day. We need to see tangible solutions that prioritize investing in our communities to prevent violence, both systemic and interpersonal, rather than turning towards punitive methods that rely on systems
that have continued to fail us.” Based in Washington, D.C., NCAPA is a coalition of 37 national Asian Pacific American organizations that serves to represent the interests of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities and to provide a national voice for our communities’ concerns. Among the coalition members is the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA). “NaFFAA condemns all acts of hate-based violence, especially the recent attacks on our fellow Asian Americans in the Bay Area and New York City. Historically, anti-Asian rhetoric has existed in many forms all over the country, but the rapid increase in violence against our community during the pandemic is repugnant and unacceptable,” Brendan Flores, national chair and president said. “Our hearts go out to the families of the victims in these attacks and we call upon our elected officials and community leaders to hold the perpetrators accountable for their actions and to put an end to the violence.”
Palace: Duterte ‘knows what it takes’ to be... “‘Yan ay desisyon ng taumbayan pero kabahagi po ng taumbayan ay ang Presidente na siya ay boboto rin. (The decision will come from the people, but the president is among them since he will vote, too),” he noted. Last month, Duterte claimed that women are not fit for the top government post.
“Alam mo, the emotional setup of a woman and a man is totally different. Maging gago ka dito. That is the sad story (You know, the emotional set-up of a woman and a man is totally different. You will become a fool here. That is the sad story),” he said. Robredo has yet to announce her political plans for 2022.
The ACA marketplace is open again for... their marketplace plan or, if their income has dropped significantly, for Medicaid. (Likewise, if their income has increased and they don’t adjust their marketplace income estimates, they could be on the hook for overpayments of their subsidies when they file their taxes.) Q: What about people who signed up under the federal COBRA law to continue their employer coverage after losing their job? Can they drop it and sign up for a marketplace plan? Yes people in federal marketplace states can take that step, health experts say. Under COBRA, people can be required to
pay the full amount of the premium plus a 2% administrative fee. Marketplace coverage is almost certainly cheaper. Normally, if people have COBRA coverage and they drop it midyear, they can’t sign up for a marketplace plan until the annual fall open enrollment period. But this special enrollment period will give people that option. Kaiser Health News (KHN) is a national health policy news service. It is an editorially independent program of the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation which is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente. (Michelle Andrews/khn. org)
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FEBRUARY 19-25, 2021 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL
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Elderly Pinay attacked on San Diego trolley... WNBA-bound Chanelle Molina wants to play for PH
Chanelle Molina
Photo from Instagram/@chanellemolina
LEGAL NOTICE
PAGE 1 Americans have gone viral in the past month. In late January, 84-year-old Vicha Ratanapakdee, who was by Ritchel Mendiola originally from Thailand, died AJPress from injuries after Antoine FILIPINA American guard Watson, 19, knocked him to Chanelle Molina revealed that the ground while on his mornshe wants to play for the Phil- ing walk in the Anza Vista ippine women’s national bas- neighborhood of San Francisketball team “when the time co. A fundraiser for Ratanapakdee’s family has raised nearly is right.” In an Instagram Live inter- $70,000. In early February, a Filipino view with FilAm Nation Select on Tuesday, February 16, she American man had to receive said: “I get asked this ques- almost 100 stitches after he tion a lot, you know if I will ever play for the Philippines. ketball. I get a lot of messages When the time’s right I feel from little girls, and they’re like I want to represent the always like, ‘You’re my idol. Represent.’ Just all that,” said country, my country.” Last week, Molina signed a Molina. She added, “It’s bigger than training camp contract with basketball, for sure. Reprethe WNBA’s Indiana Fever. The 5-foot-9 guard ac- senting the Filipinos, and knowledged that the oppor- all the little girls aspiring to tunity also meant that she is wanna be in my position. I’m representing the Philippines glad that I’m representing and all the girls aspiring to them.” Molina, who was born in play basketball professionally. “I’m representing the Fili- Hawaii to Filipino parents, pino community and all those played college ball for Washaspiring who wanna play bas- ington State for four years.
was slashed across the face by another passenger on the New York City subway. Noel Quintana, 61, was riding the L train to get to work in Harlem on February 3 when a man walked by and kicked the tote bag that Quintana had set on the train floor. When Quintana confronted the man after he noticed his bag being kicked again, the man took out a box cutter and slashed Quintana across the face from cheek to cheek. Quintana was taken to Bellevue Hospital for treatment.
From March to December 2020, Stop AAPI Hate, an online reporting tracking anti-Asian hate incidents, received 2,808 reports of racism and discrimination targeting community members, as previously reported by the Asian Journal. The tracking center (stopaapihate.org) allows individuals to report in English as well as several Asian languages like Tagalog. The website also features safety tips for those who experience or witness hate. (AJPress)
She was rated as a five-star recruit by ESPN in 2016. In 2020, she went undrafted despite averaging 12.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game in her four-year stint at Washington State. “[Connecticut Sun] actually called me beforehand, and they were thinking about drafting me. So I was like, kind of in their list of people to draft,” Molina told FilAm Nation. “I had really high hopes of being drafted by them. Come
draft day and I don’t hear my name getting called,” she added, admitting that there was “a lot of disappointment, a lot of sadness, anger, a whole mix of emotions.” According to her, signing a training camp contract with Indiana Fever is a chance to prove Connecticut Sun “wrong.” Currently, Molina is averaging 18.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in the 15 games with the Dolphins this season.
LEGAL NOTICE
LEGAL NOTICE
CASE NUMBER: 37-2021-00003812-CU-PT-CTL
CASE NUMBER: 37-2021-00005554-CU-PT-CTL
CASE NUMBER: 37-2021-00005191-CU-PT-CTL
TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner DIANA SOOAH YOUNG filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: DIANA SOOAH YOUNG to DIANA SOOAH COHEN. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 03/11/2021 Time: 8:30 AM, Dept. C-61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. C-61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: JAN 27, 2021 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Lorna Alksne Judge of the Superior Court AJ 688 01/29, 02/05, 02/12, AND 02/19/2021 ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE – Name Change (NC120) Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, which poses a substantial risk to the health and welfare of court personnel and the public, rendering presence in, or access to, the court’s facilities unsafe, and pursuant to the emergency orders of the Chief Justice of the State of California and General Orders of the Presiding Department of the San Diego Superior Court, the following Order is made: NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).. If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner. If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions. If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions. A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date. Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court.
TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Damiana Starr Young filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Damiana Starr Young to Damiana Starr Rojas. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 03/23/2021 Tine: 8:30 AM Dept. C-61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. C-61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: FEB. 05, 2021 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Lorna Alksne Judge of the Superior Court AJ 691 02/12, 02/19, 02/26, and 03/05/2021 ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE – Name Change (NC120) Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, which poses a substantial risk to the health and welfare of court personnel and the public, rendering presence in, or access to, the court’s facilities unsafe, and pursuant to the emergency orders of the Chief Justice of the State of California and General Orders of the Presiding Department of the San Diego Superior Court, the following Order is made: NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120). If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner. If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions. If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions. A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date. Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court.
TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner FE PRADO ESCALONA filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: FE PRADO ESCALONA to MARIA FE PRADO ESCALONA. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 03/22/2021 Time: 8:30 AM Dept.: 61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. C-61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: FEB. 09, 2021 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Lorna Alksne Judge of the Superior Court AJ 695 02/19, 02/26, 03/05, 03/12/2021 ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE – Name Change (NC120) Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, which poses a substantial risk to the health and welfare of court personnel and the public, rendering presence in, or access to, the court’s facilities unsafe, and pursuant to the emergency orders of the Chief Justice of the State of California and General Orders of the Presiding Department of the San Diego Superior Court, the following Order is made: NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).. If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner. If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions. If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions. A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date. Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court.
AJSD 688
AJSD 691
AJSD 695
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9000660 Dollars Smog And Repair located at 231 Beyer Way, Chula Vista, CA, 91911. Registrant: Kristopher Charles Holcomb, 3993 Coleman Ave., San Diego, CA 92154. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 07/06/2015. Signature Kristopher Holcomb. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/22/2021. AJ 689 02/05, 02/12, 02/19, and 02/26/2021.
AJSD 689
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9001722
SKYLINE DENTAL CENTER located at 1411 SKYLINE DRIVE, LEMON GROVE, CA 91945. Registrant: JEAN EMILE F. PIANSAY, DDS, INC., 1411 SKYLINE DRIVE, LEMON GROVE, CA 91945. This business is conducted by CORPORATION. REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 09/28/2000. Signature JEAN EMILE PIANSAY. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/03/2021. AJ 692 02/12, 02/19, 02/26, 03/05/2021. AJSD 692
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9001534
SWINE MERCHANT located at 10207 CAMINO RUIZ APT. #160, SAN DIEGO, CA 92126. Registrant: BRANDON EUGENE AKIATEN, 10207 CAMINO RUIZ APT. #160, SAN DIEGO, CA 92126. This business is conducted by INDIVIDUAL. REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 01/04/2021. Signature: BRANDON E. AKIATEN. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/21/2021. AJ 694 02/12, 02/19, 02/26, 03/05/2021.
AJSD 694
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9001134
California Distribution located at 7062 Convoy Court, San Diego, CA 92111. Registrant: California Distribution, 7062 Convoy Court, San Diego, CA 92111. This business is conducted by Corporation. REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 11/01/2020. Signature Alan P. Ang. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/28/2021. AJ 690 02/05, 02/12, 02/19, and 02/26/2021. AJSD 690
EMPLOYMENT
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9000305
XIN CHAO A VIETNAMESE EATERY located at 3545 DEL MAR HEIGHTS RD C5, SAN DIEGO, CA 92130. Registrant: XIN CHAO DEL MAR, 3545 DEL MAR HEIGHTS RD C5, SAN DIEGO, CA 92130. This business is conducted by CORPORATION. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 11/19/2020. Signature: ANH HUYNH. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/21/2021. AJ 693 02/12, 02/19, 02/26, 03/05/2021. AJSD 693
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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 19-25, 2021
JOURNAL
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F E B R UA RY 1 9, 2 0 2 1
READY FOR THE SPOTLIGHT
Laya DeLeon Hayes takes on her biggest project to date I
by MoMar
G. Visaya / AJPress
F you stayed on CBS last Sunday night after the Super Bowl to watch the premiere of The Equalizer, then you saw a possible breakout star named Laya De Leon Hayes.
DeLeon plays the role of Delilah, the teenage daughter of Robyn McCall played by the Academy Award nominee and multi-hyphenate Queen Latifah. It has been almost a year to the date when the 16-year-old rising performer got the big news that she bagged the role of the enigmatic former CIA operative’s smart and observant daughter. “I was crying tears of joy,” Hayes told the Asian Journal, sharing that she had just gotten out of acting class when her agents called and shared the exciting news. The audition process moved very quickly, according to the young star. She went in four times for the role, all in the span of a week. About two days after the call, she was on a plane to New York to film the pilot episode. The teen actress is perhaps best known for voicing the titular role in the BAFTA, Emmy and Peabody Award-nominated animated series, “Doc McStuffins,” which earned her a NAACP Image Award nomination. She was just 9 years old when she booked the landmark role as the first Black/FilAm animation character on Disney Jr. Laya considers this as her biggest project to date, and that she has been fortunate in her career so far to have worked with some amazing actors on big projects but nothing compared like this. “Considering how popular of a franchise The Equalizer is and how Queen Latifah is creating history by being the first female Equalizer really made me excited and honored to be a part of this amazing cast,” Laya said, describing the eagerness she felt about the project. It is no wonder then that the role of Delilah means so much to her. She recalls reading the script last year and really relating to the character: a girl who is in this weird time of growing up where she’s not a grown woman yet but also not a baby. “Realistic roles for teenage biracial girls don’t come up often so, I was so ecstatic to see a role like Delilah come up. Not to mention, this is also my first lead in a live action TV drama series,” she said. “[It is] something I’ve been wanting for a while. I’m constantly learning every single day on set, whether that’s from the crew or our amazing cast. I am soaking everything up.” Tracing her roots “I grew up very close with my Filipino side and I still am. Up until I was nine years old, I spent every summer with my grandparents,” Laya shared. “I visit my Filipino side at least once or twice a year and I’m constantly learning more about that side of my family every day.” Her grandparents immigrated from the Philippines. Her
grandfather, who passed away recently, was a retired US Navy veteran. Both lolo and lola come from Pangasinan, he from Mangaldan and she from Umingan. They immigrated to America in the 70s. They would cook lumpia, adobo, and pancit and Laya’s mom, Gina still cooks some of those dishes for her. “I have never been to the Philippines, but I would love to visit one day,” she said. Growing up biracial Born in Charlotte, NC and raised in Grand Prairie, Texas, Laya participated in school plays and talent shows, which powered her passion to perform. She trained at Hart and Soul studio in Dallas prior to moving to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. “Growing up in a biracial family is something I’m extremely proud of. Growing up I didn’t realize what that meant or how interracial couples were looked at back in the day, because it just felt normal to me and it still does,” she said. “When you’re mixed, I think it can be challenging at times just figuring out who you are or where you fit.” Being mixed has allowed her to become closer to her ancestry and embrace the two cultures that make up who she is; two cultures that she is constantly learning more about and extremely proud of. And now, with this new show, she has this opportunity to represent. Asked about how she feels that this role will be seen by young girls, particularly Asian/ Filipino American and Black girls, she said, “It means the world to me. I really believe representation matters.” Like regular viewers, Laya used to constantly find characters who look like her or are going through the same things like her. She believes that having characters that relate to the audience member makes them feel less alone and when the character looks like them, it’s even more of a connection. “Art should depict real life and real stories. Knowing that young Asian/Filipino or biracial girls will look on their screen and see someone who looks like them is something I don’t take lightly,” she quipped. “I know when I was younger, I wanted to see a character like Delilah, one who’s not perfect and has a lot of growing to do but helps audiences know that that’s okay. You don’t get many roles for biracial girls that depict a realistic teenage girl just trying to come of age. That’s why this role means so much to me.” An equal rights and social justice advocate, Laya utilizes her social media platforms to spread awareness and to help propel conversation forward. Also, she is passionate about women’s rights, body positivity
Laya DeLeon Hayes was born in Charlotte, NC and raised in Grand Prairie, Texas. As a young girl, she participated in school plays and talent shows, which powered her passion to perform. Photo by Alex Kruk
“They’re all so talented and very kind. It’s a dream really. Many of these actors I’ve watched and admired since I was younger,” Laya told the Asian Journal as she described her The Equalizer costars, led by Queen Latifah. Photo by Michael Greenberg/CBS
and equality for all. In her free time, Hayes enjoys rollerblading, baking with her friends and family, fashion, singing, traveling and sketch drawing. She loves theater, watching movies and creating films and videos. In the future, she hopes to develop, write, direct and produce her own projects. Pandemic work The episodes of The Equalizer were shot during the pandemic. In fact, they’re still filming right now, something that Laya is so grateful for. “It’s definitely taken some getting used to, especially because of how collaborative the process of making a show can be. There were challenges in the beginning, but production and CBS really make sure everyone is safe and taken care of on set,” she said. The cast and crew are tested regularly, they practice social distancing, and the production does a deep clean of the set every day. They also wear their masks everywhere and only take them off before they say action. “We’re all working hard to not only make sure this a good show, but also a safe environment for everyone,” Laya quipped. Laya describes working with Queen Latifah and everyone on this cast as amazing, specially since she has been watching them since she was a young girl. “Queen is the coolest. She plays music on set and really knows how to have the intensity needed for a scene while also creating a light environment on set. She’s got cool stories too,” she shared. “It’s been really nice to have bonded with them during the time we have been filming. They’re masters at their craft and I’m learning so much simply by watching them.” Laya’s additional television credits include “Just Add Magic,” “Liv & Maddie” and “Raven’s Home.” Also, she guest-
starred in “Cougar Town,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Quantico” and “Code Black,” on the Network. Also, she appeared in the television film “Santa Hunters” and several national commercial campaigns. The goal now is to continue building her already impressive body of work as she looks forward to grow every day and expand her career with each role and project that she gets to be a part of.
Laya, seen here in a scene with Queen Latifah has established a successful voiceover career, garnering roles in “Kung Fu Panda: The Paws of Destiny,” “Hey Arnold: The Jungle Movie,” and most recently, she voiced the Iron Maiden in the popular video game series “League of Legends.” Photo by Barbara Nitke/CBS
SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL
Recipe Corner
Hamon Bulakeña
Ingredients 1 kilo Pork Liempo (pig belly) 4 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons fine salt 1 teaspoon prague powder (salitre) 2 cups pineapple juice 2 tablespoons sugar 1 cp San Miguel Beer
The Equalizer also stars Liza Lapira (center), Adam Goldberg (left), Chris Noth, Lorraine Toussaint, and Tory Kittles. It is aired on CBS every Sunday, 8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT. Photo by Barbara Nitke/CBS
Directions 1. Remove skin from the whole liempo. 2. Mix the preserving ingredients (sugar, salt, and prague powder) and wipe thoroughly on liempo. 3. Prick very well and let stand for one day, then put inside the refrigerator or ice box for 3 days. 4. Before cooking, wash very well. 5. Boil in pineapple juice, sugar and beer until sauce thickens.
This recipe is provided courtesy of Seafood City. Visit their Facebook Page or http://www.seafoodcity.com for more recipes. If you have any recipes that you would like to share with Asian Journal readers, please send email to editor@asianjournalinc. com or info@asianjournalinc.com, and include a photo of your dish.
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FEBRUARY 19-25, 2021 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL
EntErtainmEnt
Hollywood star Joseph Gordon-Levitt asks Filipinos’ help for new YouTube show By rAtziel
sAn JuAn Philstar.com
HOLLYWOOD actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt is inviting Filipinos to be part of his new YouTube project by crowdsourcing photos taken outdoors in the Philippines. “Hello my Filipino friends! I’m making a new YouTube show and you’re all invited to be a part of it. Just go find a photo you’ve taken outdoors in the Philippines. Any photos will do,” Joseph posted on Thursday, February 18. ”Looking forward to checking these out!” Linked on his post is a photography prompt on the open online collaborative community HitRecord, founded and led by the actor himself. Joseph Gordon-Levitt “Take a photo of nature in Photo from Facebok/@ Joseph Gordon evitt your country! This could be
a landscape shot or photos of the flowers, trees, wildlife and water in your area,” read the prompt. According to the HitRecord page, the project’s purpose is to celebrate this coming Earth Day. This isn’t Joseph’s first time asking for Filipinos’ help. He previously asked his local fans to support the “Technology Around the World” and “Poetry Around the World” projects. But don’t feel special just yet. The actor recently also enlisted the help of other places like Taiwan, Hong Kong, Guatemala and Bolivia for the same purpose. The 40-year-old starred in critically-acclaimed and box office success films like “500 Days of Summer,” “Inception,” “Don Jon,” “Looper,” “50/50” and more.
Jane prepping for ‘Darna’ TV series By MArinel
cruz
Inquirer.net
EVEN Jane de Leon, who is set to play the well-loved and iconic Filipino superheroine Darna, admitted to having had a moment of weakness at one point in her life and have already resigned herself to failure. “I had wanted to quit show biz at one point. It had been a really ‘toxic’ time for me, especially since I was only starting then. I haven’t been given my big break,” recalled Jane, who started acting at age 15. “I almost lost hope; to think that I worked hard to join this industry because I really love my craft. However, Jane is the family breadwinner, “So I had to really push myself to work. I shared and surrendered to the Lord all my worries, and true enough, He used the people I love and care for as instruments in order for me to achieve my dreams.” Jane added: “While it’s a given that making it big in this industry is extremely difficult, it’s also important that you enjoy and love what you do in order for you to last. I waited for years to get to where I am now. I never rested. I tried to learn as much as I could about the industry. I discovered that there are actors, whom we may consider veterans by now, who have also gotten their breaks very late. They were already in their 20s or 30s when good things started to happen to them.” Right time Jane believed that “there’s a right time for you. You just have
Jane De Leon
to trust God that it will happen eventually.” Jane noted that the same thing could be said about actor-producer Coco Martin, who recently welcomed her as a cast member of his highly successful TV program “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.” “While we were taping, Coco told me everything about his life. I realized that we had the same experiences when we were still starting,” Jane said. “It’s true that I began as an extra. I’ve experienced being told to wait on the set for long hours. We weren’t given tents so we endured the heat and humidity on the set. It was there where I was taught a valuable lesson on patience.” Self-discipline Before ABS-CBN declared that Jane would play the lead in its film version —but to be a TV series instead—of Mars Ravelo’s “Darna,” Jane said her most important role was that of Maggie Bartolome, sister to Jericho Rosales’ character
Photo from Instagram/@imjanedeleon
in the now-defunct top-rated soap, “Halik.” These days, Jane uses her free time to work out. She needed to gain more weight for “Darna,” she explained. “I really had to push myself to do this. I also had to change my diet in order to bulk up because our shoot for the series is really close. I lift weights and do cardio workouts for endurance, as well. In this case, I’m being taught a lesson on self-discipline,” she said. Jane claimed she was dateless last Valentine’s Day. “I’m giving my love life a rest. I’ve also been hurt several times. Now, I want to focus more on myself and my career. I think people call this ‘self-love.’ You won’t be able to completely give your heart to your partner unless you have learned to love yourself first.” To her would-be boyfriend, she has this to say: “Just stay where you are. I’ll see you soon, whoever you may be.”
Jed’s advice to aspiring singers to get noticed in the age of social media By AllAn
PolicArPio Inquirer.net
“YOU have to put yourself out there in order to get noticed.” This is a piece of advice Jed Madela often gives to young aspiring singers. And it’s especially true now in the age of social media. “It’s what I always tell them. There are so many new performers emerging every day, left and right. So if you don’t step up your game, you will get left out,” he stressed in a virtual conference for “Hearts on Fire,” his recent back-to-back digital concert with Juris. And since the live music scene has yet to show signs of returning anytime soon, the need to double down on their efforts is even greater. “You have to grab each opportunity you can get. I think they’re actually more fortunate now because everything can be done on social media,” he pointed out. “Back then, you have to start from scratch—play gigs or perform at bars—just to get noticed. You have to go to auditions for television,” the 43-year-old balladeer added. “You have to make the most of the things coming your way.” Shift to digital That’s why when COVID-19 happened, he immediately shifted his efforts into the digital space. “When online streaming … digital shows started, I thought that I have to get into these avenues one way or another, so that people can still see me,” he said. The good thing is that he’s already an established act, so the viewers are already there. His mark
Jed Madela
“I’m blessed that I began my career earlier and I have managed to establish my name; that I’m closely associated with a particular style of singing. People have the image of me: When you say Jed Madela, they think of a male belter,” he said. “That’s my mark. But of course, it shouldn’t stop there,” Jed added. “Like what I have said, I continue to put myself out there. I’m very active now on social media.” In “Hearts of Fire,” which is part of the YouTube Music Night series, Jed performed 10 numbers—all “hugot” songs—including “Kunin Mo na ang Lahat sa Akin,” “Till My Heartaches End” and his rendition of the Moira de la Torre “Paubaya.” He also sang duets with Juris and Markki Stroem. The show was live streamed on Feb. 13 and is now available to rewatch on Star Music’s YouTube page. Although the show was shot live
Photo from Instagram/@jedmadelaofficial
in a studio with musicians, there was no live audience—something Jed is still getting used to. Different feeling “When I perform, I get energy and life force from the reaction of the audience. Now that I sing in front only of a camera and a couple of people, it’s a different feeling because there’s no applause,” he related. But this is as good as it gets given the current situation. And so live performers like him would just have to adjust. “It’s a different feeling. But after doing it for the past year, the artist in you starts to get used to it,” he said. “You just have to imagine that there are people watching you.” “You have to keep in mind that people will still see it online, so you have to put twice the effort,” Jed said. “But still, performing for a live crowd and getting an instant reaction is still different. And it’s something we miss.”
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Jamie Rivera
Inquirer.net photo
Jamie realizes her mission in music By Alex
BrosAs Inquirer.net
INSPIRATIONAL diva Jamie Rivera feels it is her “mission” to be singing gospel songs. Rivera recently launched the inspirational song “We Give Our Yes,” the official mission song to mark 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines, a year-long celebration that commenced this month. Rivera recalled several music events in her life that seem to have prepared her for a bigger mission. “I consider this… hindi naman culminating pero parang hinanda yata ako para sa occasion na ito,” Rivera said in an online conference for the album launch yesterday, Feb. 17. (I consider this not as a culmination, but it seems that I was prepared for this occasion.) Rivera recalled singing inspirational songs that started her road into gospel music like “Jubilee,” “Heal Our Land,” “Awit Para Sa Ina ng Sto. Rosario,” “We Are God’s Children” and now, “We Give Our Yes.” Calling it “divine providence,” Rivera felt that it has become her mission to spread the word of God through her songs.
“As we grow older, hindi natin alam iyong plano ni Lord sa atin because God’s plan is bigger than ours. Kaya hindi ko pa masasabi kung culminating ba ito or ito na ba iyong last,” she explained. (As we grow older, we do not know the Lord’s plan for us because God’s plan is bigger than ours. That is why I cannot say if this is a culmination or this will be the last.) “What I can say is that it is a preparation for a bigger mission,” she added. Rivera recalled the day she was asked to sing an inspirational song. It was the year 2000, and her brother Jun Cruz asked her to sing for Jesus’s 2,000th birthday. “Akala ko kakanta lang ng ‘happy birthday to you.’ Akala ko ganoon lang, eh. Iyon pala it’s a bigger responsibility,” Rivera recalled. (I thought I would just sing “happy birthday to you.” I thought it was just that. It turned out to be a bigger responsibility.) “The song was composed by Fr. Carlo Magno Marcelo. It is titled ‘The Jubilee Song.’ Doon nag-umpisa iyon (that is where it started),” Rivera shared. She was surprised at the pop-
ularity of the song. “Hindi namin alam iyong magnitude (ng song). Later on, nagulat kami, lahat ng bata, lahat ng Catholic churches, ng parishes, lahat kinakanta na,” she said. (We did not realize the magnitude of the song. Later on, we were surprised that most kids, all Catholic churches, parishes, were singing the song.) With that, Rivera felt she had to live up to the song. “It totally changed my life also. Kailangan kung ano iyong mali kong ginagawa kailangang itatama ko na rin (I needed to right whatever wrongs I had done),” she said. Rivera first performed “We Give Our Yes” live at the Manila Cathedral during the Archdiocese of Manila’s launch of the 500 Years of Christianity festivities on Feb. 6. Written by the multi-awarded composer Fr. Carlo Magno Marcelo, Rivera’s version of “We Give Our Yes” was produced by the award-winning hitmaker and ABS-CBN Music creative director Jonathan Manalo. “We Give Our Yes” is now available on music streaming services worldwide.
Maxene shares how yoga and meditation connect her with God By Alex
BrosAs Inquirer.net
FOR Maxene Magalona, yoga has not only physically and mentally improved her wellbeing — it also has a whole lot to offer for the soul. Magalona articulated what she gains from doing yoga in her Instagram post on Wednesday, Feb. 17. “When I started my yoga and meditation journey, I honestly thought that it was just a physical and mental practice that was meant to keep our bodies fit and our minds sharp. After diving deeper into this rabbit hole, I realized that it is so much more than just asanas and breathwork,” she said. But it was more than what she expected as “this practice is what has helped me develop a healthy and strong relationship not only with myself but also with the energies surrounding me, the Universe as a whole and God, the Divine
Maxene Magalona
Photos from Instagram/@maxenemagalona
Source.” this daily ritual, the more I be“I noticed that the more I come in tune with myself,” the devote my time and energy to actress observed. Doing daily yoga exercises has brought Magalona “healing” and “inner peace”. “By showing up on my mat [every day], I am able to check in with myself, communicate with my body, observe my thoughts, calibrate my energy, nourish my soul and connect to God. This is how I start my day. This is how I heal and find inner peace,” she said. Magalona and husband Rob Manaquil are yoga instructors and have been deepening their yoga practice while based in Bali, Indonesia for the past year.
Coronavirus relief continues for housing and student loans
AS the Coronavirus pandemic continues, so does its financial impact. For people who need help with rent or mortgage payments, or have student loans, there may be some good news about the federal relief response. Renters — The temporary stop on evictions for certain renters now runs through March 31, 2021. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has information on who is eligible and the steps to take. Homeowners — If you’re struggling to make your federally backed mortgage payments because of the pandemic, payment forbearance may still be available, and the pause on foreclosures runs through at least March 31, 2021. The Federal Housing Finance Agency tells you how to find out if your mortgage is federally backed. Contact your mortgage servicer to find out what other help is available to you. Student Loan Borrowers — For those federal student loans that are covered, the U.S. Department of Education has automatically paused payments through September 30, 2021.
Remember that scammers are paying attention to this news and may try to take advantage of you. Here are some ways to protect yourself: • Don’t pay to get these benefits. Be wary of anyone who contacts you to offer financial services or rental assistance for a fee. If you need housing assistance, the Department of Housing and Urban Development has a list of approved housing counseling agencies organized by state or territory. • Don’t give your personal or financial information to anyone who contacts you. Even if you reached out for assistance, make sure you know who you are talking to. And know that government officials will never contact you and ask for your Social Security, bank account, or credit card number. If you’ve given that information to someone you don’t know, visit IdentityTheft.gov to learn what to do. • Keep up with the latest scams by subscribing to Consumer Alerts from the FTC. If you spot a scam, please report it to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. (Atty. Emily Wu/Federal Trade Commission)
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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 19-25, 2021
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