MAY 23-26, 2020 Volume 30 - No. 40 • 2 Sections – 18 Pages
USA
DATELINE Officials, orgs concerned about decrease in domestic violence calls in LA FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
Resources and services still available during pandemic
Los Angeles County reaches over 2,000 coronavirus cases as more restrictions ease by CHRISTINA
M. ORIEL
AJPress
LOS ANGELES County is easing more restrictions ahead of the long weekend, despite reaching over 2,000 coronavirus deaths earlier this week.
The county Department of Public Health confirmed 35 new deaths and 1,072 additional cases of COVID-19 on Friday, May 22, bringing the totals to 2,049 deaths and 43,052 positive cases. Of the latest deaths, 25 individuals were over the age of 65 and five were between 41 to 65 years old. Meanwhile, 23 had underlying health
Human rights group to US: Don’t sell attack helicopters to PH
WITH safer-at-home orders in place for the past two months in Los Angeles County, officials are expressing concern over the decrease in domestic violence calls. “We had expected to see an increase and weren’t seeing that. We were instead seeing a drop and our concern was that survivors in the wake of COVID-19, especially in those first few weeks, would not know what was still operational and up and running,” Pallavi Dhawan, director of Domestic Violence Policy & Prevention at the LA City Attorney’s office, said at a virtual media roundtable on Thursday, May 21. In light of this, advocacy groups are sending out a reminder that resources are still available and accessible amidst COVID-19 shutdowns. Studies have shown that just knowing what resources are available makes a survivor of domestic violence 25% safer.
by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
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UC system eliminates SAT, ACT for eligibility requirements until fall 2024 IN a historic move to accommodate changes due to the coronavirus pandemic, the University of California (UC) Board of Regents on Thursday, May 21 eliminated SAT and ACT scores from its admissions requirements until fall 2024. In its unanimous ruling, the board’s decision to eliminate the requirement for in-coming freshmen until 2024. This decision was coupled with the announcement that the UC would be taking the next three years to design a new entrance test “that more closely aligns with what we expect incoming students to know to demonstrate their preparedness for UC,” UC President Janet Napolitano said in a statement. The board said that the new test will also serve as a more equitable alternative to the SATs and ACTs which are administered by notfor-profit organization The College Board. The SAT Reasoning Test (which includes a crucial essay portion) costs $64.50 to take while the u PAGE A4
conditions including 20 people over the age of 65 years old and three people between 41 to 65 years old. The day before, the county passed the 2,000 threshold for total fatalities. “This is a very sad milestone for us,” county u PAGE A2
RIDE OF THE TIMES. People ride their bikes along a highway in Quezon City as public transportation remains suspended due to the lockdown. The country’s top cycling organizations met online on Tuesday to issue a collective call for the promotion of a “biking culture,” as they pledged to help government efforts to set up bike lanes on major roads. Inquirer.net photo by Marianne Bermudez
Chinese POGO workers, tenants tested for COVID-19 after raid of illegal hospital in Clark by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
NEARLY 500 Chinese citizens working and residing at a resort situated at the Clark Freeport Zone north of Manila have been tested for COVID-19, following the discovery of an illegal makeshift hospital. A total of 490 Chinese nationals underwent testing at Fontana Leisure Park, according to the Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group on Thursday, May 21. This comes two days after the compound was found to have an underground
AN international human rights watchdog is urging U.S. Congress to “block or delay sales” of attack helicopters worth almost $2 billion to the Philippines. In a post on Friday, May 22, Human Rights Watch gave its recommendation to Congress after the Trump administration last month announced two possible Foreign Military Sales by the U.S. military to the Philippines. The sales include six Boeing multi-role combat helicopters worth $1.5 billion and six Bell attack and reconnaissance helicopters worth $450 million — both with accompanying guided missiles, rockets, and light cannon ammunition, as well as ongoing service contracts for training, parts, and maintenance, according to the HRW. “Approving contracts for attack helicopters would be sending a terrible message to the Philippine government that long-running military abuses without accountability have no consequences on the U.S.-Philu PAGE A2
hospital treating patients. The facility only did check-ups on patients without requiring them to be quarantined, said Brig. Gen. Rhoderick Armamento, deputy chief of the CIDG. “Lahat ng mga staff doon, lahat ng mga tenant, hindi na pinayaganag lumabas. Pati iyong community within that area, ni-lockdown na (All the staff, tenants there were barred from leaving. The community within that area was also locked down),” he said. “Ang ultimate objective natin, number one, A police team discovers a drugstore operating in the clandestine hospital set up in a residential Photo by CIDG Regional Field Unit u PAGE A3 villa at Fontana Leisure Parks in Clark Freeport.
Anti-Asian racism and COVID-19: How to be an ally Study finds PH now a ‘global Community orgs offer bystander trainings to prepare individuals for encounters of anti-Asian harassment by KLARIZE
MEDENILLA AJPress
On May 14, a young Asian woman in Wisconsin was minding her own business and walking down the aisle of a grocery store. A white man stopped her and started hurling racial epithets at her; later, a police report stated that multiple Asian “customers were called names and harassed for wearing masks because of their race.” The day after that, in a New York City subway an Asian woman was verbally harassed by a stranger for allegedly not wearing her mask “properly,” yelling
at the Asian woman, “You f**king Chinese don’t speak English! Go back to China!” before slapping the victim’s phone from her hand. The next day on May 16 in San Luis Obispo, California, a Zoom meeting among members of the Cal Poly Chinese Student Association was bombed by anonymous trolls who drew swastikas and spammed the chat box with xenophobic language and blamed the COVID-19 pandemic on the entire Chinese community. If you saw these incidents happen, what would you do? These incidents, which hap- Illustration shows how to properly document an incidence of public harassment. u PAGE A4 Courtesy of Hollaback!
hotspot’ for online child abuse by AJPRESS THE Philippines has become the world’s largest known source of online child sexual exploitation, according to a new report released this week. The study from the International Justice Mission on Thursday, May 21 found that underage abuses are worsening with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic as the victims have been forced to go on lockdown with their abusers. “The global shutdown with the COVID-19 pandemic seems to only be increasing these phenomena,” noted U.S. State Department official John Richmond during the online launch of the study.
The traffickers are typically parents or close family members, the official said. “And so lockdown orders mean that children are being locked down with their traffickers,” Richmond added. The seven-year study, entitled “Online Sexual Exploitation of Children in the Philippines: Analysis and Recommendations for Governments, Industry and Civil Society,” also said the combination of English fluency, high internet connectivity, long-entrenched poverty, and wide access to vulnerable kids helped make the country a “global hotspot” for child pornography. Citing its data collected by law enforcement, the study found that u PAGE A3
A May 23-26, 2020 • La WEEKEND aSIaN JOURNaL
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From the Front Page
Los Angeles County reaches over...
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Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said on Thursday. To date, 17% of deaths in the county are of Asian descent, with the rate at 16 per 100,000 individuals. The county continues to be the epicenter of the virus outbreak in California, comprising nearly half of the state’s positive cases. As the county reopened beaches last week to permit recreational activities, the new health orders for the upcoming weekend include the opening of beach parking lots and bike paths. Beachgoers must wear face coverings while not in the water if others are nearby. However, activities on the sand, such as sunbathing, gathering in groups and grilling remain prohibited. Indoor malls can begin offering curbside service, while car parades can be organized to
safely celebrate graduations, birthdays and other special occasions. “As more businesses and public spaces are open, as individuals and institutions, we do need to take care of each other by continuing to practice physical distancing, wearing our cloth-faced coverings and following all of the directives for creating as much safety as possible,” Ferrer said. White House Coronavirus Task Force Coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx on Friday expressed over the continuous coronavirus spread in areas like LA despite the decline in most parts of the country and as states begin reopening. “Even though Washington has remained closed, LA has remained closed, Chicago has remained closed, we still see these ongoing cases,” she said during Friday’s daily press briefing as reported by the Los
Angeles Times. She called on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to look at those areas “to really understand where are these new cases coming from, and what do we need to do to prevent them in the future.” The Washington, D.C. metro region has the highest COVID19 positivity rate among cities in the country, Birx said. The area is followed by Baltimore, Chicago and Minneapolis. Despite Birx’s remarks, Ferrer said the region has seen a 15% decrease in hospitalizations and 12% decline in deaths. “Our overall data points are looking pretty good,” she said. MECQ TRAFFIC. Traffic builds up along Marcos Highway at the boundary of Pasig-Cainta during the rush hour on Tuesday, May 19. Stricter Though there is no end date checkpoints were also set up during the second day implementation of the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ). for the county’s stay-at-home PNA photo by Joey O. Razon orders as of press time, officials previously announced that they are eyeing July 4 for the full reopening of retail and restaurant businesses. n PAGE A1 t ippines relationship,” said John Sifton, Asia advocacy director for the group. The organization cited the Philippine military’s long track record of violating human rights and committing war crimes during counter-insurgency operations against the communist New People’s Army and Moro armed groups. HRW listed the reported disregard of civilian life, hundreds of extrajudicial executions, mistreatment of displaced people, and indiscriminate attacks as the crimes committed by the Philip- In this July 26, 2019 photo, a U.S. marine AH-1Z Viper with Marine Light Attack Helicopter pine military. It further pointed Squadron (HMLA) 167 prepares for take off in CHarleston, West Virginia. The Trump out that the military has a poor administration earlier notified U.S. Congress of possible military sales to the Philippines, record of holding those respon- including six AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters. sible for human rights abuses ac- tems will cease in the event the “It is unfortunate that certain countable. systems are used illegally,” the groups seek to take advantage “Congress should be impress- group wrote. “Under U.S. law il- of this issue to advance their ing upon the Philippine govern- legal use of weapons constitute own political agenda, even to ment that real reforms are need- a violation of their End Use Cer- the detriment of the long-standed to end military abuses before tificates, which impose various ing alliance between the Philipdeals like this can be approved,” restrictions on their use after a pines and the United States,” the Sifton added. sale.” embassy said in a statement on It also alleged that the U.S. “The U.S. should not be sell- Friday. State Department has not “re- ing advanced military systems to The embassy added that the ceived any assurances” as to an abusive, unaccountable Phil- Philippines’ defense modernizawhere and how the helicopters ippine military under cover of a tion program has been pursued would be used. global pandemic,” Sifton said. long before President Rodrigo “If the sales goes forward, the “Congress needs to act now.” Duterte took office in 2016. U.S. government should put the The Philippine Embassy in “The program is critical to Philippines on notice that ongo- Washington D.C. in response national security and necessary ing and future servicing and sup- slammed the group for its oppo- to achieving a credible defense ply of parts for the weapons sys- sition to the possible sale. posture,” it said. n
Human rights group to US: Don’t sell...
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Chinese POGO workers, tenants tested for...
PAGE A1 t is magsagawa tayo ng contact tracing (Our ultimate objective is to do contact tracing),” he added. The reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing involved Chinese tenants and workers of the Philippine offshore gaming operators inside the resort, said a report from the CIDG-Region 3. Beginning at 4 p.m. on Thursday, the mass testing lasted until around midnight. The swab tests were conducted by the Philippine Coast Guard personnel in full personal protective equipment, according to the Philippine Daily Inquirer. The test results would be available within 2 to 3 weeks, after the collected specimens have been sent to the Philippine Red Cross laboratory in Mandaluyong City.
Personal data of all those tested were also gathered by the CIDG-3 operatives to obtain information that could be used for contact tracing. The Clark Development Corporation ordered the closure and full lockdown of the Fontana Resorts and Leisure Park inside the Clark Freeport Zone after the discovery of an illegal makeshift hospital treating Chinese nationals infected with COVID-19. The two orders were signed after the CIDG-Region 3, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the CDC conducted a joint raid inside a villa at the Fontana Leisure Park on Tuesday, May 19. During the raid on Wednesday, May 20, the team found the makeshift medical facility, which had seven beds and a kitchen-type laboratory where COVID-19 test-
Dateline USa
ing could have been conducted, as evidenced by more than 200 suspected coronavirus rapid test kits and syringes recovered in the trash bin. The team also arrested Chinese nationals Hu Ling, the alleged owner of the facility, and Lee Seung Hyun, an alleged pharmacist. Both individuals could face charges for the violation of the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009 (Republic Act No. 9711), and the violation of the Medical Act of 1959 (RA 2382) for illegally operating without clearance and permit with the Department of Health and Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases. They are currently detained at Camp Olivas, the regional police headquarters. n
Study finds PH now a ‘global hotspot’ for... PAGE A1 t the proportion of Philippine internet addresses used to host child pornography has tripled in three years — going from about 23,333 in 2014 to 81,723 in 2017. “The tech industry should prioritize detection of all child sexual exploitation materials because of the gravity of harm that repeated
less than 1 year old, according to the study. “We need to act as a global community — ending impunity in both source countries like the Philippines and demand countries,” Philippine Justice Undersecretary Emmeline Villar told the Associated Press in response to the findings. n
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REGIONAL RAIL AUTHORITY RFP No. OP151-21 METROLIK TRAIN OPERATOR SERVICES The Southern California Regional Rail Authority (Authority) is requesting proposals or the provision of rail operator services for its commuter rail service known as Metrolink. Requests for Proposal (RFPs) may be obtained via download at: https://metrolinktrains.com/ doing_business. Vendors must register on the website in order to download the documents, but registration is free. Electronic proposal submittals are due at 2:00 p.m. (PT) on July 3, 2020. The Authority will conduct a virtual pre-proposal conference and facilities tour at 8:00 a.m. (PT) on June 4, 2020. Prospective proposers can respond per the RFP’s provisions, in order to receive the invitation to the virtual conference and tour. Any Contract awarded as a result of this solicitation may be funded in part by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration. Proposers will be required to certify that they have not been suspended or debarred from participation in federally-funded contracts. Full compliance with all applicable Safety and Health standards, DBE requirements, Equal Employment Opportunity and Americans with Disabilities Act laws and regulations will be required of the successful proposer. As a condition of financial assistance agreements between the Authority and U.S. DOT, the Authority has established a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program and overall annual DBE goal in accordance with Title 49 CFR, Part 26. The Authority’s overall DBE goal for Federal Fiscal Years 2019-2021 is 12%. The Authority has established a goal of 1.1% for DBE participation on this project. For further information contact: Angelos Kastrisianakis, Principal Contract and Compliance Administrator at (213) 452-0215 or email KastrisianakisA@scrra.net 5/23/20 CNS-3367256# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)
A
Nielsen’s latest report found that Asian Americans are leading the decision to cut the cord and seek other ways to watch television.
Report: Asian Americans lead use of digital alternatives to traditional TV viewing
ing services and digital platforms continue to battle for audiences across the country. ASIAN Americans are the leadNielsen said the data findings ing consumer segment in the are opportunity for marketers United States in favor of digital to step away from the excuses devices and streaming platforms previously used to ignore the as alternatives to traditional tele- multicultural group in the past, vision consumption, according to such as “too many diverse suba new report released by Nielsen cultures” to “too many different this week. languages” to “the general marThe report entitled, “Engaging ket advertising will reach them.” Asian American Consumers at the Through these digital services Dawn of a New Decade,” found are the main ways to capture violence to stay vigilant and make lence hotline at 1-800-978-3600 that Asian Americans are spend- Asian Americans as they are now a report for someone who may be to be directed to domestic vio- ing the most time on digital devic- the fastest-growing multicultural lence services across the county, es like computers, smartphones group in the U.S. with a buying showing signs of abuse. “Go ahead and make that report as well as 211 for essential com- and tables (66%) compared to power of $1.2 trillion, and are plugged in more than the general for someone because you could munity services. (Rae Ann Varo- the total U.S. population. These findings come as stream- population and prefer culturallyeventually end up saving some- na/AJPress) one’s life,” said Cindy Shin, CEO and founder of KACIE Strategies, which hosted the roundtable. Dhawan also encouraged people to reach out for domestic violence services regardless of whether they want to stay or go as those answering the hotlines are trained and can help individuals and survivors decide. “It doesn’t have to be a major decision just to reach out to another [person] or to a hotline,” she said. Aside from their helpline, CPAF also offers a longer-term shelter transition program, online support for families, and youth programs including a healthy relationship program being offered this summer. More information about CPAF’s services can be found on nurturingchange.org. People can also call LA County’s domestic viosexual exploitation causes victims,” stressed IJM Philippine Director Samson Inocencio. “There are children who need rescue now, but rescue starts with the timely detection and robust reporting,” he added. Identified victims have an average age of 11 years, with the youngest known victim being
Officials, orgs concerned about decrease in...
PAGE A1 t Many who experience domestic violence often receive information on how they can get help through neighbors, school teachers, friends, church leaders, or others in their community. Those resources are now not as easily accessible as they stay home with their abusers. Because domestic violence is often less talked about in AAPI communities, AAPIs may not only be unaware of what resources are available, but also of what rights they have or what they could seek help for. This is compounded by the belief that victims will be blamed or stigmatized, or that their situation will be seen as something wrong in their family. “Within their frame of reference which may be their country of origin, perhaps something like marital rape is not against the law or not something that’s seen as a problem that they can actually get help for,” said Debra Suh, executive director at the Center for the Pacific Asian Family (CPAF), an organization that provides domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse services in Los Angeles. CPAF runs a 24/7 helpline where callers can expect to have someone respond in 90 seconds and provide service in 30 different Asian languages, including Tagalog. AAPIs make up 15% of California’s population, a percentage that mirrors Los Angeles County’s population. However, AAPIs are only using about 3% of resources being put into domestic violence, Suh explained. The economic depression resulting from the pandemic has been another stressor to domestic violence, one that can impact individuals in every socio-economic group. “If violence has been in the household, it escalates and becomes worse,” said Suh, adding that domestic violence has been observed to go up during crises. For example, it went up during Hurricane Katrina. The COVID-19 crisis has been especially troublesome for the AAPI community in that many businesses have been experiencing losses upwards of 80% of their revenue. Many domestic violence survivors have been calling CPAF to say that they’ve lost their jobs and need help. Also adding to stressors is the fact that hate crimes and discrimination towards AAPI, especially the Chinese community, have been increasing. “So even if it feels like they are not safe at home, they’re not going out,” said Suh. If someone is experiencing domestic violence, CPAF and other advocacy groups recommend the individual formulate a safety plan that can be relied upon. “We have been also telling people that because of the restrictions on outside activities, they should as much as they can, find a safe space inside their home to the extent that it is possible to sort of separate from the abuser,” said Dhawan. “These are tactics meant to buy time until help arrives.” Another suggestion is to reach to neighbors, friends, or relatives who may be able to access resources, and let them know what is happening. Neighbors, friends, and relatives can also call domestic violence hotlines to find out what are the best ways they can help their neighbors, friends, or relatives in need of help. In a time when people are also wearing masks and other types of coverage, advocates are encouraging others who may not personally be experiencing domestic
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAy 23-26, 2020
by Christina
M. Oriel
AJPress
relevant content. Despite the report not disaggregating data from the specific Asian American or Pacific Islander groups, Mariko Carpenter, vice president of strategic community alliances at Nielsen, argued it shows that later generations have found commonalities with one another and there is a more unified force in the community. “That is almost just as important as the heritage they present as. The Asian American story is the story of being part of an immigrant family, being bicultural, being misunderstood,” Carpenter told the Asian Journal. “All of that bonds us and it really
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A May 23-26, 2020 • La WEEKEND aSIaN JOURNaL
Dateline USa
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Anti-Asian racism and COVID-19: How to... PAGE A1 t pened three days in a row last week, were reported to hate crime hotlines catering the Asian American community, like those established by the Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council (A3PCON)
or Asian Americans Advancing Justice’s (Advancing Justice) Stand Against Hatred tracker. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Asian Journal has been extensively reporting on the disconcerting uptick of
Illustrations show the D’s of bystander intervention: Direct, Delegate, and Delay. Courtesy of Hollaback!
anti-Asian harassment, violence and overall sentiments, most of it spurred by the understanding that the virus is known to have originated in China. Accusations that any given Asian or Asian-passing person has the virus or blaming any and all Asians for the spread of the pandemic are common themes within the harassment, which ranges from microaggressions to outright violence. More than 1,500 incidents have been reported to A3PCON’s hate crime tracker since the middle of March, and the incidents continue to pile up as the pandemic rages on across the country. Bearing witness to these incidents could bring about discomfort and doubt for whether or not intervention would be helpful or harmful. In many cases, individuals may want to help the victim or stand up to the harasser, but they are unsure of what to do. As a way to coach individuals on what to do if they find themselves as bystanders of such incidents, two community organizations have teamed up to provide virtual training sessions to educate individuals about the types of disrespect and harassment Asian Americans are facing right now and to prepare them to become allies in any given situation. The anti-harassment and discrimination organization Hollaback!, along with Advancing Justice, has organized bystander intervention training sessions every week for May and June to help various communities become effective allies to the Asian Americans who are victims to what the organizers describe as the “spectrum of disrespect.” “These instances, however small they seem, build up over time,” Bessie Chan-Smitham, director of Community Engagement at Advancing Justice, explained during the training held on Thursday, May 21. “They’re also part of a larger spectrum of disrespect and contribute to an environment that allows for more extreme incidents to occur.” The education portion of the training details the long and winding history of anti-Asian sentiments from the time of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 to the internment of more than 100,000 Japanese Americans during World War II to the current coronavirus pandemic where every day, Asian Americans are being ostracized for being Asian.
CALIBRATED LOCKDOWN. Barangay Baclaran in Paranaque City looks like a ghost town after residents were prohibited to go outside their homes on Thursday, May 21 as the local government placed the area under calibrated lockdown. Dr. Armando Arsenio Jr. of the Parañaque City Health Office said they hope to finish the 700-900 swab testing for COVID-19 until the end of lockdown on Saturday, May 23. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan
Immigrant Neighbor Fund provides financial grant to those ineligible for government relief by Rae
ann VaRona AJPress
Unauthorized workers make up 10% of California’s workforce with many of them working in essential sectors like the healthcare, agriculture, food, and service industry. Yet, despite being at the forefront of the current COVID-19 pandemic, they — and those living with them — were left out of the recent federal coronavirus relief package. While some efforts have recently been made at the federal level like the HEROES Act that passed the House on Friday, May 15, some organizations have been looking at ways of providing relief for undocumented families in their own communities. One project, the Immigrant Neighbor Fund, has so far raised just over $1 million with a goal of raising $4 million to provide financial support for families and individuals in California and Texas. “We’re focusing on individuals and families who were left
out of getting assistance from the CARES Act,” said Jose Quiñonez, founder and CEO of Mission Asset Fund (MAF), the non-profit financial technology organization behind the fund. The fund was launched by MAF, Voto Latino Foundation, and Asian and Pacific Islander American (APIA) Vote, with a $1 million seed investment by East West Bank. So far, over 12,000 people have signed up to start the application process. Those eligible would receive $500 from the fund. To be eligible, individuals must not be among those receiving a coronavirus stimulus check from the federal government’s CARES Act, must have earned less than $99,000 or a total household income below $198,000 in 2019, and have experienced some sort of income disruption like loss of income due to the pandemic. Applicants are also required to have an email, a valid ID, and a checking account. The application process involves a pre-application and a
full grant application. All applications are provided in 20 languages including Filipino. In the pre-application, applicants are asked to provide income information, to verify their eligibility for the grant, and to make sure they have a checking account under their name. Once invited to proceed to the full grant application, the process involves six different sections that cover personal information, individual income, household income, an opportunity to share a personal story or information on why the grant is important, and an important verification section that ensures the grant will be deposited to the applicant’s bank account. If approved, the $500 grant will be deposited directly into the approved applicant’s bank account within two to five days. Over 1,000 applicants have already been approved, with a team of 12 reviewing applications daily. MAF acknowledges that security may be a concern for po-
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UC system eliminates SAT, ACT for eligibility... PAGE A1 t
u PAGE A5 SAT Subject Test costs between
$22 to $26; these costs do not include the delivery fees to schools, which is $12 per school. “I think this is an incredible step in the right direction toward aligning our admissions policy with the broad-based values of the university. I see our role as fiduciaries and stewards of the public good and this proposal before us is an incredible step in the right direction,” UC Board of Regends Chair John Perez said before Thursday’s vote. As previously reported in the Asian Journal, the board voted in April to suspend the use of SAT scores and letter grade requirements for A-G courses for the fall of 2021, instead accepting the pass/fail grading system adopted by many high schools across the state. For the fall of 2021 and 2022, campuses will, however, have the option to consider test scores if prospective students wish to include them in their applications. But by 2023 and 2023, campuses will not consider scores for students’ entrance into the university. (However, scores could be used as determinants for course placement, scholarships and the statewide admission guarantee.) Though the board’s decision was catalyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the omnipresence
The University of California system has led the charge to eliminate standard test requirements for incoming students.
of distance learning, advocates for equity in higher education admissions have long been encouraging university systems to omit standardized test scores as a major determinant for college admission. “The University of California’s decision sends a clear message that biased, pay-to-play admissions tests will no longer be tolerated,” Michele Siqueiros, president of the Campaign for College Opportunity, said in a statement. Sisqueiros referenced the 2019 college admissions scandal in which wealthy parents, including actresses Felicity Huffman and Lori Loughlin, were found to have leveraged their affluence to cheat the admissions system for their children. One part of the extensive scandal involved Huffman paying thousands of dollars to inflate her daughter’s
SAT scores to reflect higher academic acumen. (Huffman was sentenced to 14 days in prison last September following her guilty plea.) The scandal placed focus on the systemic discrimination embedded within the college admissions process, a system that, unless students come from a wealthy family, comprises of abundant red tape based on income status, race/ethnicity and zip code. “After years of research pointing to the racial and income biases of these tests that fuel a billion-dollar industry more concerned with profits than fairness, coupled with the recent college admissions scandal, it is time for colleges and universities across the country to do more than simply talk their ‘commitments to diversity,’” Sisqueiros added. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)
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Anti-Asian racism and COVID-19: How to... PAGE A4 t Notably, the use of the misnomers “Wuhan virus,” “Chinese virus,” and the “Kung-flu” — which have been used among everyday individuals as well as high ranking lawmakers, including the president himself — exacerbates the anti-Asian hate by establishing an fraudulent inherent association between the virus and an entire racial group. As implausible as it may seem to eliminate racism and discrimination from society, these are learned constructs that require community engagement to reverse, and that starts by understanding how to remedy these situations as a bystander. Hollaback! has devised a fivepronged methodology called the 5D’s of bystander intervention which those witnessing an act of anti-Asian hate can utilize in an effort to mitigate the situation and stand up for the victim(s). The 5D’s include: Distract, which involves creating a diversion to de-escalate the event; delegate, find someone else like law enforcement or store management to help out; Document, record what’s happening on your phone to use as evidence that could be used to bring justice to the harasser; Delay, which is to wait until the incident has passed to check up on the victim; and Direct, which involves direct intervention between the assailant and the victim. The hour-long training sessions
are designed to help distinguish these strategies and to find which method is best suited to a variety of incidents that may happen in person or online. “This is about creating a tool that’s super easy for folks to use and refer back to whenever happens in the street or online and when it’s something [in which] they want to react or intervene but don’t know how to,” said Jorge Arteaga, director of operations at Hollaback!. “This is the methodology that will hopefully help us in a moment when we freeze and we just have that human reaction
Illustration courtesy of Hollaback!
to want to show up for someone else.” Hollaback! and Advancing Justice is also organizing training sessions for conflict de-escalation for frontline workers of Asian descent. Asian Americans who are also health care workers, first responders or other essential workers face a uniquely serious predicament as a community fighting against racism as well as the virus itself. To learn more about the bystander intervention training sessions, please visit https://www. ihollaback.org/bystanderintervention/. n
Immigrant Neighbor Fund provides financial... PAGE A4 t tential applicants, but assures applicants that the personal information they provide is safe. “We manage at the highest standards in the fintech finance industry,” said Quiñonez, adding that as a financial tech organization, they are required by the credit bureau to maintain high standards and will never share information to any third party. In processing financial and other personal information, MAF uses a financial application programming interface by Plaid, the company behind many secure financial institutions and companies such as Venmo, Acorn, Fannie Mae, and American Express. “It is completely safe for them to complete the full grant application. [Their information] will not be shared with anyone
outside of MAF and outside the purposes of this fund,” added Quiñonez. As for individuals who may not have a personal checking account, MAF encourages potential applicants to see if anyone in their household has a personal checking account and can apply. “This is the only thing we can rely on,” said Quiñonez, referring to bank account and routing numbers that allows them to make sure that the grants are going to real people and not bots trying to take advantage of the funds. “We are not sending prepaid cards. We’re not sending checks.” When it comes to the identification card requirement, MAF is aware that there are individuals without a government issued ID. In Texas for example,
undocumented individuals are unable to apply for an ID or driver’s license. Some consulates have been issuing temporary IDs, however that isn’t the case for all. “We are not a government agency that wants to make sure every T is crossed and every I is dotted. That’s not the intent. We just want to make sure that this is an actual human being, so we want to see a picture,” said Quiñonez. “We want to make sure that people get help.” While the grant is meant to support applicants from California and Texas, MAF also encourages people from other states to sign up with their email to get updates for when efforts expand to other states. The application can be found on www.missionsassetfund. org. n
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAy 23-26, 2020
Report: Asian Americans lead use of... PAGE A3 t speaks to the respect we have for each other’s heritage and [readiness] to support one another for the better of the community. It’s shifting from the self-interest to the Asian American interest.” The segment — which refers to those who identify as Asian, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander — engages more on TV-connected devices requiring internet connection, such as Apple TV, Amazon Fire and Roku at 49% compared to 44% of the total population. As Asian American households tend to be multigenerational, older family members are “more likely to use the technology shared by others,” the marketing research firm said. Asian Americans also lead in cord cutting as they seek new virtual multichannel video programming distributors. Among them are Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV and AT&T TV Now to access live TV. “For marketers and content creators alike, understanding the shift towards these new services to access TV programming is important to fully understand how and where to reach Asian Americans,” the report said. In terms of actual content viewed, the community has “shown strong support of culturally-relevant content on streaming platforms,” such as Netflix and Hulu, which have comedy specials for Asian American comedians like Jo Koy and Ronny Chieng and other scripted series featuring Asian American leads. “On the streaming side, how we’re getting into content and what we are choosing is influencing how content creators are strategizing and how marketers are going to reach out us,” Carpenter said. “Asian Americans are shifting the overall trend in this country, which is really exciting for us to see.” With the success of Asian-led projects — “Parasite,” “Crazy Rich Asians,” “Always Be My Maybe,” and “The Farewell,” to name a few — reflect a change in representation and “the AsianAmerican community voting with their wallet for more authentic stories.” Another area where Asian Americans are big players is in the gaming industry as the country experienced a 45% increase in time spent playing video games in late March as stay-at-home or-
ders were implemented. A majority of Asian American households own more video game related products than the general population. Asian American gamers are younger with 69% between ages 13-34 compared to 44% of U.S. gamers. Top types of games include action-adventure (Assassin’s Creed, GTA), puzzle (Candy Crush, Cut the Rope), and fighting related (Street Fighter, Super Smash Bros.). “At the dawn of a new decade, Asian Americans will continue on their trajectory of growth in
A
population size, cultural influence and consumer power. This is a group that will lead brand conversations online, seeking and supporting businesses that will invest in meeting their needs. As the bridge between the East and West, Asian Americans will be introducing new trends to U.S. pop culture; no doubt, there will be many more new crazes that will make their way to us from Asia, just like bubble tea, k-beauty, and Bollywood did,” the report concluded. n
A6 MAY 23-26, 2020 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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O PINION Preventing a second wave
FEATURES
THE government believes it did not make a mistake in easing anti-COVID restrictions all over the country to restart the contracting economy. Metro Manila and other areas under enhanced community quarantine have shifted to a modified ECQ, while nearly the entire country is transitioning from ECQ to GCQ or general community quarantine Government officials, however, are dismayed by the scenes of crowds ignoring physical distancing as they flocked to the malls after two months of being largely cooped up at home. Last Monday – the first working day under MECQ in Metro Manila, Laguna and Cebu City – presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the country should brace for a spike in cases of coronavirus disease 2019 as a result of the crowd exuberance during the weekend. Health experts are warning of a second COVID19 wave, which is being manifested in other countries that are reopening for business. Among the common sources of new infections, according to foreign news reports, are barbershops and salons, where human contact is often inevitable. Such reports prompted the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases to order barbershops and salons
to remain shuttered. Yet several of these shops have been seen openly resuming operations. These are just some of the examples of public discipline weakening as quarantine restrictions are relaxed. Public discipline can be more difficult to impose after the police chief of Metro Manila himself, Debold Sinas, together with other police generals and lower ranking personnel ignored quarantine protocols so he could celebrate his 55th birthday. Officials have since warned that the ECQ could be reimposed if blatant violations of public health measures persist. Those who are prepared to risk COVID infection have surely seen the catastrophic consequences of quarantines and lockdowns on livelihoods. With the easing of quarantine measures, everyone must avoid at all costs a second COVID wave and a return to tighter restrictions. (Philstar.com)
Editorial
Philstar.com photo
Standing up for the AAPI community amid America’s leadership crisis
Commentary
SEN. KAMALA HARRIS & ASSEMBLYMEMBER ROB BONTA WE are in a crisis — one that requires unifying leadership. But that’s not what we are getting from the president of the United States. The staggering death toll and human suffering haven’t changed Donald Trump’s lack of empathy and tendency to strike out at those who speak truth. Rather than show moral leadership and take real action to help
people, Trump has resorted to race baiting and spreading misinformation. This has helped perpetuate hate against the Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. After it became clear that President Trump ignored early warning signs and failed to prepare for this pandemic, he blamed other countries, groups of people, and entities like the World Health Organization. The racializing of the coronavirus as the “Chinese virus” and “Wuhan virus” by the president and by some members of Congress has recklessly put members of the AAPI community at risk.
The number of hate-fueled incidents – ranging from verbal harassment to physical assault – against the AAPI community remains dangerous. These incidents include cases like people being spit on, having bottles thrown at them, and being physically assaulted in the subway and other public places. The racist fearmongering has also hurt AAPI-owned small businesses. It was reported that Asian American businesses saw up to an 80% drop in business before isolation orders came into full effect. Not only has this scapegoating caused members of the AAPI community to fear for their safety, but also their
livelihoods. Sadly, we’ve seen this kind of prejudice before. Two decades after the Chinese Exclusion Act, the federal government blamed Chinese Americans for an outbreak of the bubonic plague in San Francisco. We must work to make sure history doesn’t continue repeating itself. The increase in instances of profiling, intolerance, intimidation, and hate is disturbing and inexcusable. Any witness to these acts has the responsibility to speak up, report, and condemn them. And the Commander in Chief must show real leadership that unifies our country instead of sowing hate,
especially during a national crisis. Given the lack of leadership in the White House, the two of us have worked hard to address these issues head on by demanding an end to discrimination against the AAPI community; calling for the administration to address bias; and requesting funding to combat discrimination. During this Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, we must recognize that there is more that unites us than divides us. It’s natural to be fearful or anxious in these uncertain times, but we cannot allow that fear to erode our unity. While
there have been despicable acts of hatred, there are countless examples of communities supporting one another. People helping their elderly neighbors with groceries, impromptu balcony concerts for frontline workers, and wellness check-ins over video calls have become essential to our resilience. Stories like these serve as hopeful reminders that we are all better off when we reject hatred, look out for others, and embrace our shared humanity. *** Kamala Harris is a U.S. Senator representing California. Rob Bonta is a State Assemblymember representing Oakland, Alameda, and San Leandro.
Dear Filipinos in America, do NOT flock churches without social distancing as Trump wants you to do. Our merciful God understands.
The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS FILIPINOS, wherever we may be, are some of the most religious and devoted Christians in the world. We find both joy and solace when we go to church to worship God, pray fervently and serve Him. Most of us, this author included, find our strength in our faith. This is why a lot of us feel so frustrated not to be able to do our weekly, even daily devotion, like we used to because of the shelter-in-place/stay at home orders implemented as safety measures to protect us from being infected by the deadly COVID-19, especially because many places of worship become packed with people, making them contagions for the coronavirus pandemic. COVID-19 has infected more than 5-million people around the world, killing 333,000 people and counting as of press time. Here in the United States, the number of confirmed cases has topped 1,611,297, with a death toll of more than 95,213. Yet, on Thursday, May 21, Trump told reporters at the White House: “One of the other things I want to do is get our churches open. The churches are not being treated with respect by a lot of the Democrat governors. We’re going to take a very strong position on that very soon.” In fact, “Guidance for reopening houses of worship amid the coronavirus pandemic has been put on hold after a battle between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the White House, which was resistant to putting limits on religious institutions, according to administration officials,” The Washington Post reported on Wednesday, May 20.
The White House believed the advice was too restrictive and could risk angering evangelicals, a key base for President Donald Trump, according to the Post report. Trump’s move is politically motivated, meant to pander to us believers wanting to go to church, pandering also to church leaders and evangelical ministers in exchange for their continued endorsement and support for Trump’s re-election. We also know how these houses of worship depend on donations and tithes from their churchgoers. That is why it benefits them to re-open immediately despite the threat to the life and safety of their followers. Trump’s statement likewise demonizes Democrats who require very strict safety measures before re-opening any place that may put the safety and life of people at greater risk as we fight the war against COVID-19. Why should these state officials treat churches differently compared with other establishments and businesses that are high risk? Learn from what happened in Europe and from here in the United States. The Washington Post reported that “in the Arkansas outbreak, detailed in a CDC report this week, began after a pastor at the church and his wife attended church events over six days in early March and spread the virus to others. At least 34 of 92 attendees at church events became infected, including the three who died, all over the age of 65. An additional 26 infections and one death in the community were probably linked to contact with people infected at the church events.” New indications of the dangers of reopening churches
during this pandemic reported by WITN on Thursday, May 21: “The Catoosa Baptist Tabernacle Church in Ringgold, Ga., and Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Houston have closed their doors for the second time. Several parishioners and leaders of those churches have reportedly tested positive for coronavirus after they reopened in recent weeks.” Because of the safety measures, only essentials businesses are allowed to open like groceries, hospitals, pharmacies, banks, etc. yet even these places are mandated to enforce everybody to wear a protective mask; maintain a distance of at least six feet from any person in the area — especially the enclosed places — and limit/control the number of people coming in and out to maintain social distancing; and use hand sanitizers, wipe clean shopping carts with disinfectant before turning over for use of other customers, among other rules. As many states now transition to safe re-opening, the local government officials, in coordination with health officials and scientists, follow a strict protocol of satisfying certain requirements before moving from one phase to another to help save lives! California was the first state to implement a state-wide shelter-in-place/stay at home order. In April, the New York Times reported on the state leaders’ timelines for how California plans to reopen schools, businesses and public spaces. The framework, which consists of four phases, lays out how the state will inch toward those goals. Counties that were approved for a variance from the statewide order can move further into Stage 2, including opening retail stores and dine-in restau-
rants, with strict modifications. Stage 1, which the state has passed, means government and private organizations are working to make it consistently safer for essential workers, like grocery employees or nurses. Those workers need more protective equipment and a more robust testing and tracing system. Stage 2, which California entered in early May, is when some lower-risk businesses and public spaces can reopen, with strict modifications that allow for social distancing. Stage 3 will be when higherrisk businesses may reopen, with modifications. Stage 4 will be the end of the state’s stay-at-home order. California Gov. Gavin Newsom this week said counties should continue to track hospitalization numbers, and also track positivity rates, meaning the percentage of tests that come back positive. It should be less than 8% for a week, the Times reported. Yet even as 53 out of 58 counties meet the new criteria, not all of them can reopen. Newsom requires each county to file documentation showing that it meets the criteria and that officials have plans in place to help ensure restaurants and other businesses keep customers apart. Moving on to the next phase will then vary from county to county, from business to business, and restriction will have to be reinstated if the number of infected resurges. Quoting the Times: “Mr. Newsom said that in the next few weeks, stores may be open not just for curbside pickup. In the first week of June, sporting events may start taking place, although they’d still be without
fans. And for those of us feeling a bit shaggy, haircuts could be on the way somewhere in that same time frame.” WHY should churches be any different? Some cities have ordered no more than 10 people in any given time, or to regulate the number of people coming in and out of churches to keep people no less than six feet apart from each other. Even this kind of safety measure is being implemented in Philippine churches. Why is Trump calling these measures “disrespect by a lot of Democratic governors” when we all know they are being implemented for ALL to SAVE LIVES? Trump is politicizing our health and safety and this is wrong, immoral, irresponsible and dangerous! The pandemic affects all of us, and does not care about political stripes and colors, or religion, or race, nationality, immigration status, gender, or age. The safety measures being implemented should, therefore, cover ALL people, doing otherwise is stupid as it will be a self-defeating move. The Post reported “the CDC this week issued a detailed road map for reopening schools, child-care facilities, restaurants and mass transit. On Tuesday night, the agency issued additional guidance in the form of “health considerations” for summer camps, including overnight camps, and youth sports organizations and colleges.” WHY should churches be treated differently? Why is the White House getting in the way of the government health regulators and agencies like the CDC and FDA tasked to save lives during this pandemic? Trump is not helping solve
our problem, he is even exacerbating it because of his selfish political and business agenda. He refuses to wear masks. He endorses and claims to use drugs that have yet to be proven safe and effective for COVID-10 through strict clinical trials. He pushes to relax social distancing rules to re-open America contrary to the advice of health officials and scientists. He encourages protests and defiance of these orders of local government officials meant to save lives. In my opinion, Trump is guilty of treason by siding with our common invisible enemy. He is selling our lives to COVID19 for his re-election bid. Even Pope Francis holds mass virtually from the Vatican. My family attends mass online too and joins some virtual worship and faith services to keep safe. Our God is a merciful God. He understands us and does not fault us for not going to church physically to keep ourselves and other people safe during this pandemic. SPEAK OUT against false religious ministers demanding the irresponsible opening of churches who are just out there to get your donations while enjoying tax exemptions. MORE IMPORTANTLY, speak out against false leaders who sell you out to the enemy just to win your vote. *** 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.
The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.
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Dateline PhiliPPines
PH still on first wave of COVID-19 pandemic - DOH by Ritchel
Mendiola AJPress
The Philippines is still on its first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the country’s Department of health clarified on Thursday, May 21. This comes after health Secretary Francisco Duque previously issued a statement that the country was already on its second surge of the virus. “earlier presidential spokesperson harry Roque clarified that we are still in the first wave of the epidemic. The DOh confirms that yes we are on the first wave driven by a local community transmission,” said Assistant to the health Secretary Beverly ho during the DOh’s online press conference on Thursday. “We apologize for the confusion that this has caused but we
hope that this does not in any way distract us from what we really need to do to change the course of this pandemic,” she added. Duque on Wednesday, May 20, stated that the country is now experiencing the second wave of the COVID-19 outbreak, citing the findings of epidemiologist Dr. John Wong and other experts. “There was a very small wave last few days of January, and then there was a lull, and then we had our second wave, which is the first major wave, which is more than 10,000 cases. We are now in the trough of the lower part of the second wave,” he said. A day later, he recanted his statement, saying that it was a “casual expression of an epidemiological fact.” “Because the first wave was
in January, but only three cases. In that epidemiological sense, cases that show a rise or a crest and then a decrease constitute a wave, although a small wave,” Duque explained. “Then we have nothing for February. Then this was followed by a bigger wave which is now what we consider as the first major wave of sustained transmission. either way, it can be easily construed that where we are today is really the first major wave,” he added. Malacañang, for its part, refuted Duque’s earlier proclamation, but also defended him by saying the health chief only had a different interpretation of the data. As of writing, there are a total of 13,434 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country, with 846 fatalities and 3,000 recoveries. n
House committee to tackle ABS-CBN franchise on May 26
terms and conditions of its previous broadcast privilege, and foreign equity issues. Some witnesses and resource persons would also be required to physically appear before the committee, provided that social distancing and other health protocols are observed, according to the Philippine Daily Inquirer. “I foresee that the hearings would not go beyond July, and by August, after President Duterte’s SONA (State of the Nation Address), we should be ready to decide,” Cayetano said. he also reiterated that the hearing should be impartial and comprehensive. “As I’ve said time and again, the hearings must be fair, impartial, comprehensive, and thorough. All voices must be heard and all issues for and against will be discussed…this will require a lot of time - time we do not have. And so, there will be sacrifices on our part if we hope to finish this without delay,” he said. “For those who are calling for an outright approval or denial, I ask that you suspend your extreme views until all the facts have been presented, and all the testimonies have been heard,” Philstar.com photo Cayetano added. n
through videoconferencing at 9:30 a.m. Cayetano said that the deliberaThe Philippines house Com- tions by the house franchises committee on Legislative Franchises mittee will continue even during has set a hearing on ABS-CBN’s the congressional recess in June. franchise bills for next week. “They will not stop until they The announcement for the are finished so that no one can Tuesday, May 26 deliberations say we’re stopping the process or comes after house Speaker Alan dragging our feet,” he said. Peter Cayetano said that the he added that the committee house of Representatives would would most likely hold two to forego the provisional franchise three hearings a week to tackle for the network giant to prioritize “no more than 10 issues” related the bills for a 25-year franchise. to the franchise, including: ABSThe hearing will be chaired CBN’s alleged violations of tax by Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez and labor laws, breaches of the by Ritchel
Mendiola AJPress
House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAy 23-26, 2020
A
A May 23-26, 2020 • La WEEKEND aSIaN JOURNaL
Dateline PhiliPPines
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$300-M infusion saves PAL from bankruptcy for now by miguel
r. camus
Inquirer.net
TAIPAN Lucio Tan has pumped into Philippine Airlines (PAL) some $300 million (P15.2 billion) in capital, saving the airline from immediate bankruptcy while it waits for emergency loans that will help it survive the coronavirus pandemic. PAL president Gilbert Santa Maria told the ABS-CBN News Channel on Thursday that a third of the advances, or about P5 billion, were deployed this year alone to keep the airline afloat as the virus grounds carriers around the world. “Without that liquidity, Philippine Airlines would probably not be here anymore,” Santa Maria said. Santa Maria said prospects remained shaky as the carrier was expected to exit the lockdown by the end of this month with rev-
enue losses of about $1 billion while recovery for the industry could take a few years.For now, he said PAL “is not in immediate danger of bankruptcy.” “We are dealing with a situation that is unprecedented. Our shareholders continue to support us and the government appears to be willing to support us as well,” Santa Maria said, referring to appeals for government support in securing emergency credit lines. “We are hanging on. We are waiting to fulfill our mission as the flag carrier,” he added. Santa Maria said PAL was not considering any near-term job cuts after laying off 300 employees, or 5 percent of its workforce, in February. “At this point in time, it will be extremely inhuman of us to drop our employees on the streets while a pandemic is raging,” Santa Maria said.
Inquirer.net file photo
“The reality is that demand is probably not going to recover for about two years so we will have an excess of employees. The question is going to be what the trajectory of the recovery will be,” he added. Those challenges are mirrored across airlines around the world. Dubai-based Emirates is reportedly planning to cut 30,000 jobs while Air Canada plans to lay off 20,000 workers. PAL had survived past crises before and it was prepared to do the same this time around. “Philippine Airlines is almost 80 years old. We have a great deal of muscle memory, a great deal of experience embedded in our employees,” Santa Maria said. The lifting of strict quarantine measures by the end of this month will allow PAL and other local carriers to restore some flights. Santa Maria said they expected to reopen with 5-10 percent of their international network and 20-30 percent of local flights by June. “We will slowly ramp up as demand picks up,” he said, noting that destinations would include transpacific flights to Los Angeles and San Francisco apart from regional flights to Japan and Singapore. PAL’s listed operator, PAL Holdings Inc., on Wednesday said losses in 2019 ballooned to P10.3 billion, marking its third consecutive year in the red. Japan’s ANA Holdings, which owns a minority stake in PAL Holdings, said it would continue to support the flag carrier. n
Let Duque do his job, says Palace amid quit call by catherine
valente ManilaTimes.net
HEALTH Secretary Francisco Duque III should be allowed to perform his job, as the government needs him in its fight against COVID-19, Malacañang said on Friday, May 22. Palace spokesman Harry Roque Jr. made the statement after militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) has called for Duque’s resignation following the health chief’s
supposedly alarming claim that the country was already experiencing a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite Duque’s recent remarks, Roque said he should remain in his post to help the government in addressing the COVID-19 crisis. “Secretary Duque will answer allegations in the proper forum but for now let us allow him to do his job during this global health emergency,” he added. Duque, in a hybrid Senate
hearing on Wednesday, bared that the Philippines was “actually” on the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, several cabinet members contradicted his statement, with the Palace finally declaring it was just his opinion, and that the country was still in the first wave. On Thursday, Duque backtracked on his earlier pronouncement, saying that the Philippines was still in its “first major wave of sustained transmission” of Covid-19. n
PH to use contact tracing tech from Google, Apple by Janvic
mateo Philstar.com
MANILA — The Philippines will request for access to the new software jointly developed by Google and Apple that aims to help in contact tracing efforts to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). StaySafe.ph would incorporate the newly launched Exposure Notification technology once it is made available to the Department of Health, a representative confirmed to The STAR. Developed by PLDTbacked Multisys Technologies Corporation, StaySafe.ph was previously adopted by the Interagency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases as the official social distancing, health condition reporting and contact tracing system to assist the government in responding to the pandemic. On Thursday, Google and Apple released the software it jointly developed to support contact tracing apps developed by or for public health authorities. In a joint statement, the two companies said the Exposure Notification technology would enable contact tracing apps to work more accurately, reliably and effectively across both Android phones and iPhones. “What we’ve built is not an app – rather public health agencies will incorporate the API (Application Programming Interface) into their own apps that people install,” read the statement. “Our technology is designed to make these apps work better.” Representatives said the two companies worked together to respond to challenges in using technology for contact tracing, such as interoperability between devices, battery life and privacy. Various governments have turned to technology in responding to the pandemic, such as through Bluetooth-supported contact tracing apps that inform users if they have come in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19. In the Philippines, StaySafe. ph was developed to create a community-driven contact tracing, health condition reporting and social distancing system. It enables users to report their health conditions without disclosing sensitive information, with the data added to a dashboard that visually shows the areas with increasing or improving
rate of COVID-19 cases. In addition to the StaySafe. ph website, a mobile app has been developed for Android users, with an iOS version soon to be made available. Details on how Exposure Notification would work on StaySafe.ph have yet to be released. According to Google and Apple, the technology-based exposure notification will augment but not substitute traditional contact tracing efforts. They also said that the technology could expand reach and rapidly notify unknown contacts of a COVID19 patient. The new system will not collect or use location from the device and would allow users to decide whether or not to opt-in to exposure notifications, they added. “User adoption is key to success and we believe that these strong privacy protections are also the best way to encourage use of these apps,” said the two companies. “Today, this technology is in the hands of public health agencies across the world who will take the lead and we will continue to support their efforts.” Meanwhile, Albay Rep. Joey Salceda revealed that social media platforms, search engines, live-streaming and online shopping apps have been raking in billions of pesos from Filipino netizens and it would be fair and best for the government to tax them. “Facebook and Google earn P50 billion from ads catering to and paid by Filipinos and they don’t pay VAT (value added tax) and income tax. Is that fair?” asked Salceda, chairman of the ways and means committee of the House of Representatives. As per records culled from government, he added, the popular online shopping app Lazada pays a hefty P15 billion in taxes on a yearly basis, but that “the other half (sales of sellers) do not pay.” “So we make Lazada a withholding agent. Is that a new tax or a tax increase? No, we just make their overseas sellers pay VAT,” Salceda said, saying his House Bill 6765 (Digital Economy Taxation Bill) is “clear and simple.” “Make Lazada or e-commerce platforms as withholding agents for VAT on imports from its sellers, mostly overseas. Require digital service providers
like Facebook Google and Netflix to be domiciled before offering their services so they are subject to VAT and CIT,” he said referring to the corporate income tax. As for the very popular livestreaming app Netflix, Salceda also disclosed that the internetbased TV films and shows app earns P5 billion “from subscriptions paid by Filipinos.” “OK fine, but why do Filipino firms like DCTV (local cable TV providers) and Skycable pay VAT and income taxes? And Netflix does not, but it does in other countries like India, Indonesia and Europe,” he argued. Salceda’s HB 6765 aims to raise about P29.1 billion in new revenues to help the country cope with the pandemic. “No new taxes here, we just want them to pay their fair share. Assuming you’re a company that sets up in the Philippines and you do video-streaming or music-streaming services, you will definitely pay taxes. But companies like Netflix and Spotify don’t,” he pointed out. Salceda said the measure “will capture the value created by the digital economy better in the country’s tax system, plugging loopholes due to ambiguities in what kind of taxes digital services are liable to.” “That’s obviously not fair. When you’re a network in the Philippines, advertising services paid to you will be subject to VAT. But Google and Facebook are not subject to VAT for advertising. They have been raking in millions, if not billions, in behalf of the Filipinos, but not a single cent from the value added tax. Zero,” Salceda insisted. He emphasized that these are not new taxes but are mere tax administration measures “that we hope will capture the value more fairly.” “Internet marketplaces like Lazada and Shopee are growing very rapidly due to COVID-19, but there may be issues of tax compliance among its partners too,” he added. “These companies are making a killing because of isolation, but are not paying enough taxes.” “And we are not able to capture that because our current definitions do not include them as withholding agents even if they already have the money,” Salceda lamented. (Delon Porcalla/Philstar.com)
ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION. A teenager uses an electric scooter at the sidewalk of Rizal Park in Manila on Wednesday, May 20. The Department of Transportation is promoting the use of two-wheeled vehicles such as motorcycles and bicycles, to enable commuters to follow physical distancing measures amid the COVID-19 pandemic. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan
PH to gain from US-China feud – official by Bernadette
tamayo ManilaTimes.net
THE Philippines would benefit from the decision of some foreign businesses in China to relocate to other Asian countries following criticisms about Beijing’s perceived failure to immediately check the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, a top United States official said. Keith Krach, U.S. Undersecretary of State for Economics, aired his views during the telephone briefing hosted by the U.S. AsiaPacific Media Hub. Other speakers at the briefing were Cordell Hull, acting undersecretary of Commerce for Industry and Security; Dr. Christopher Ford, assistant secretary of State for International Security and Nonproliferation; and Ian Steff, assistant secretary of Commerce for Global Markets. Krach and Steff discussed the plan of the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) to invest $12 billion in the U.S. Hull and Ford talked extensively about the expansion of the Foreign Direct Product Rule to prevent China from circumventing U.S. export controls. Hull said the measure would prevent Huawei, a Chinese multinational technology company, “from using U.S. equipment against U.S. interests.” The Trump administration banned Huawei in the U.S., accusing the Chinese firm of espionage and intellectual property theft. The ban centered on any technology related to 5G technology. Asked what would happen to thousands of Filipinos who work in semiconductor plants in the Philippines as a result of the trust issues between the U.S. and China, Krach said, “I think this will
create a great opportunity [for the Philippines].” “Because we know a number of nations are pulling supply chains out of China and I think it’s being turbocharged by the pandemic,” he added. “So, I think it bodes well for the Philippines. And they are also a great ally and great trusted partner with the United States. So, I think we’re looking forward to seeing that relationship get stronger as well,” Krach said on Wednesday. He added that the global coronavirus crisis “presents an opportunity for freedom-loving nations everywhere to come together under the banner of common values such as trust, transparency and the rule of law.” He said the Chinese Communist Party was guided by the three-pronged strategy of concealment, coercion, cooption in handling the coronavirus crisis. “On this call, we’ll highlight several recent accomplishments of the Trump administration that together make for the 5G national security and global economic security trifecta,” Krach continued. He said TSMC announced on May 15 that it would transfer its supply chain companies to the U.S. such as a 5-nanometer chip fabrication facility in Arizona, a $12-billion investment, between 2021 and 2029. “This represents a quantum leap in 5G security for the United States and our partners. TSMC is the world’s leading producer of the chips that power everything from smartphones to 5G base stations to fighter jets to advanced artificial intelligence,” Krach bared. He said the Trump administration would fully implement its
“5G Clean Path initiative,” which requires all 5G data entering or exiting U.S. diplomatic facilities to transit only through trusted equipment and never through equipment from untrusted vendors such as Huawei and ZTE. It was said that 5G data entering or exiting U.S. diplomatic facilities, like all embassies, must be routed through that trusted equipment, he stressed. “The Clean Path embodies the highest standards of security against untrusted, high-risk vendors by blocking their ability to siphon sensitive information into the hands of the PRC (People’s Republic of China). Today I call on all of our allies and partners to join us in requiring a 5G clean path for your own diplomatic facilities,” Krach said. He added that the final part of the trifecta is the expansion of the Foreign Direct Product Rule to prevent Huawei from dodging U.S. exports. “The U.S. closed the loophole with Huawei, who was exploiting technology and threatened global economic security.” Ford expressed concern about Huawei’s alleged role in supporting the Chinese Communist Party’s “technologically facilitated, authoritarian police state.” “Huawei’s technology is integral to efforts to create what the Communist Party calls ‘social order’ in China, but which everyone else in the rest of the world understands is authoritarian repression,” Krach said. Steff noted that based on industry figures, less than 12 percent of global semiconductor manufacturing capacity is in the U.S. “The trend of offshoring critical manufacturing capacity in this sector must change now.” n
DOST proposes creation of virology institute in PH
MANILA — Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato dela Peña on Friday, May 22, announced that his agency submitted a proposal for the possible legislation in order to create a virology institute in the country that will serve as the premier research institute in the field of virology. Dela Peña said the proposed research institute will be called Virology Science and Technology Institute of the Philippines or VIP. “The institute is envisioned to be the premier research institute in the field of virology encompassing all areas in viruses and viral diseases in humans, plants, and animals,” the DOST said in a release. “It will conduct innovative scientific research on viral agents requiring high or maximum containment (biosafety level-2 to biosafety level-4) following the World Health Organization (WHO)’s guidelines on the es-
tablishment of a virology laboratory in developing countries,” it added. The DOST said the VIP’s primary goal is also “to develop diagnostics, vaccines and therapeutics.” The agency said the institute will give scientists in the country and abroad to work collaboratively to study viruses of agricultural, industrial, clinical and environmental importance. “Through strategic partnerships with some of the world’s leading scientists, virology centers, and institutes, the institute hopes to do groundbreaking and pioneering virology researches in the country that will advance the frontiers of virology in the country,” it said. The Philippines currently has Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, the COVID-19 testing facility based in Muntinlupa City, initially “tasked to plan and implement research programs for infectious and tropical diseases.”
This institute established in the 1980s now seeks to protect Filipinos against infectious diseases through “globally competitive research, training, clinical and diagnostic services and production of biologicals.” The RITM was merged with the vaccine laboratory of the country, the Biologicals Production Service of the Department of Health in November 2000. It was later expanded “to produce other vaccines and anti-sera.” In the same year, RITM was also designated as the National Reference Laboratory for dengue, influenza, enteroviruses, measles and other viral exanthems, polio, tuberculosis and other mycobacteria, bacterial enteric diseases, mycology, emerging diseases, malaria and other parasites. It also serves as confirmatory testing laboratory of blood donor units for the National Voluntary Blood Services Program, among others. (Rosette Adel/Philstar. com)
Return of dine-in pushed MANILA — Restaurant owners are urging the government to lift the ban on dine-in operations. With the future of dine-ins bleak due to the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-2019), over half of the 16,000 restaurants in the country are likely to close shop. Restaurateurs have sounded the alarm over the devastating effect of the public health emergency on the food and dining industry that is now struggling to cope with the new normal. “The situation is very tricky. Existential crisis, we are taking it day by day and it is very difficult. There has not been any substantial revenues while obligations are continuous,” said Andrew Masigan in an interview with The Chiefs on One News/TV5 on
Wednesday night. He noted that the country would be “lucky” if it is left with around 8,000 restaurants at the end of the pandemic, as most would be forced to close. “I think government should really think about not disallowing the dine-in aspect of our business,” said Masigan, CEO of Advent Manila Hospitality Group Inc., which owns a chain of 31 fine and casual dining restaurants. Only three are currently open, with 10 more set to reopen by June 1. To cushion the negative impact of the pandemic, Masigan said most of the players in the food industry have begun downsizing operations and their labor force, some by more than 50 percent. “The painful truth is we have
been laying off people. How severe the cuts are, I know of certain chains who have reduced by more than 50 percent,” he said. The restaurateur appealed that the government should rethink its ban on dine-ins, saying that it could still be feasible with proper health measures. Around 70 to 80 percent of restaurant operations previously relied on dine-in operations, but establishments have now been forced to shift to carry out or delivery services to adapt to the “new normal.” Rommel Ng, founder of the Resto Coach and owner of Buffalo’s Wings N’ Things, said it is now up to the industry to shift from competition to more collaboration to help save the industry. (Romina Cabrera/Philstar.com)
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US soldiers donate P10-M PPE, medical supplies to hospitals in 10 provinces by Bernadette
tamayo ManilaTimes.net
AMERICAN soldiers in the Philippines donated over P10 million or about $203,000 worth of personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical supplies to hospitals in 10 provinces nationwide. The United States Embassy in Manila said servicemen from the U.S. Army, Marines, and Air Force delivered the PPE sets and medical supplies to the hospitals in partnership with the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Army, Philippine Marines, and Philippine Air Force. This new donation brings to over P780 million or nearly $15.5 million the U.S. government’s assistance to the Philippines’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Embassy said in a statement. Medical clinics from Luzon to Mindanao will be provided with the much-needed PPE and other
essential equipment to support frontline workers battling COVID-19. The supplies include disposable gloves, masks, medical clothing, various types of face protection, and tools such as infrared thermometers. “With this effort, we are trying to do our part to provide the heroes of this fight, the medical professionals, with the necessary tools that they need to protect their fellow workers and citizens,” said Capt. Tim Johnson, Civil Military Support Element – Philippine team leader. “Times like these show the strength of our friendship, partnership, and alliance as we work together to combat this virus,” said Johnson. Lt. General Ramiro Manuel Rey, AFP Northern Luzon Commander, thanked U.S. soldiers for their donation. “Indeed, there is strength in unity. We would like to express our gratitude for the aid given by the U.S. Embassy.”
“These items will greatly benefit the Bataan General Hospital and Medical Center in Bataan and Talon General Hospital in Tarlac City for a better COVID-19 response. With the world in unison, we truly will heal as one,” Rey said. The medical equipment will be distributed in June to 14 medical clinics, hospitals, and local Department of Health (DoH) offices in Palawan, Isabela, Tarlac, Laguna, Bataan, Bulacan, Sulu, Zamboanga del Sur, Maguindanao, and Basilan. The U.S. has provided more than P228 billion ($4.5 billion) in development assistance to the Philippines over the past 20 years, including over P29 billion ($582 million) in health assistance This joint U.S.-Philippine operation builds on decades of bilateral military cooperation in counterterrorism, humanitarian relief, maritime security, and many other fields. n
NBI files more complaints against internet personality ‘Francis Leo Marcos’ MANILA — The National Bureau of Investigation filed more criminal complaints against online personality “Francis Leo Marcos.” The Star reported that Marcos, whose real name is Norman Mangusin, is facing additional complaints on violation of the passport law and anti-alias law, and inciting to sedition. NBI Cybercrime Division chief Vic Lorenzo confirmed this in a text message to reporters. Lorenzo said that they are filing violation of the passport law and the anti-alias law because he was using two names, “Norman Mangusin” and “Francis Leo Marcos.” He is also accused of possessing a passport using his alias. “What is the truth? At the same time, in [violation of] the passport law, because if you falsified documents in procuring passport under a different name, that is not allowed,” Lorenzo explained in Filipino. The CCD chief said that Mangusin is also facing a complaint of Article 142 or inciting to se-
dition, in relation to paragraph 4 of Article 39 that reads “to commit, for any political or social end, any act of hate or revenge against private persons or any social class.” Central to the inciting to sedition complaint is one of the viral videos on his “Mayaman Challenge” where he urged wealthy people to help the poor during the period of enhanced community quarantine. Article 142 of the Revised Penal Code states that inciting to sedition can be done through speeches, proclamations, writings, emblems, cartoons, banners or other representations “that tend to disturb or obstruct any lawful officer in executing the functions of his office, or instigate others to cabal and meet together for unlawful purposes, or which suggest or incite rebellious conspiracies or riots, or which lead or tend to stir up the people against the lawful authorities or to disturb the peace of the community, the safety and order of the government, or who shall knowingly conceal
such evil practices.”’ It is not immediately clear which video the NBI was pertaining to, but Lorenzo said the bureau saw “elements” of the crime of inciting to sedition in one of his uploaded videos. Lorenzo said that in one of the videos, Mangusin said that residents of an affluent subdivision are not helping others, where “his manner of speaking incite to inflict hatred to the rich.” The bureau arrested Mangusin on Tuesday over a charge of violation of the optometry law, filed by the Optometrist Association of the Philippines. A Baguio City court issued the warrant against the online personality. Lorenzo also said that there is also a standing warrant of arrest over a violation of the Violence against Women and their Children law from a Nueva Ecija court against the internet personality. Mangusin remains detained at the NBI, Lorenzo confirmed. (Kristine Joy Patag with report from Rey Galupo/Philstar.com)
FRONT-LINERS ONLY. Authorities monitor those entering East Avenue from the Elliptical Road to BIR road in Quezon City due to several major hospitals in the area on Thursday, May 21. Only doctors, medical personnel, and patients are given the priority to access the area. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler
DOJ: 117 inmates granted parole, to go home after mandatory quarantine by Kristine Joy
Philstar.com
Patag
MANILA — More than a hundred convicts may soon walk free under simplified guidelines for parole — crafted in response to the COVID-19 crisis — the Department of Justice said. Justice Undersecretary Markk Perete said the Board of Pardons and Parole (BPP) reported that 117 Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) have been confirmed eligible for parole as of Wednesday, May 20. They are set for release, “subject to completion of mandatory quarantine,” Perete, who is also DOJ’s spokesperson, explained. There are 424 other PDLs “deemed possibly eligible for parole” but are awaiting clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation, he added. These PDLs confirmed eligible for parole under the Interim Guidelines for Parole and Executive Clemency which took effect on May 15. These guidelines, effective while the state of national emergency is in place, were crafted as part of the department’s study “for release of prisoners on humanitarian considerations.” Under the new guidelines, the minimum age of executive clemency application is reduced to
Elderly inmates are seen holding their certificates of commutation of sentence during a ceremonial turnover at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City in this photo taken on March 7, 2017. Philstar.com photo by Edd Gumban
65 years old from 70, and documentary requirements for parole review have also been trimmed down. Convicts of heinous crimes and illegal drugs-related crimes are excluded from the relaxed rules. Perete said that the BPP is set to receive a new batch of applications for evaluation this week. Penal and detention facilities across the country are known to
be overcrowded, where social distancing and proper hygiene— practices meant to deter spread of the novel coronavirus—are practically impossible for inmates. The Supreme Court has likewise issued guidelines that may help decongestion detention facilities in the country as the country implements measures to curb the spread of COVID-19. n
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The Asian Journal
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June 2020 priority dates Immigration Corner
The Priority dates for the Philippines are as follows:
EACH month, the Visa Office of the State Department publishes, in the Visa Bulletin, the priority dates for that particular month, for the various family and employment-based categories. A priority date is a person’s “place in line” for a v isa, mea n i ng i m m ig ra nt visas (or green cards) would be available for persons whose pr ior it y date is earlier t han the cut-off date listed below. If your priority date was “current,” but later retrogressed (or “moved backwards” and became unavai lable) before your immigrant visa was issued (or before you adjusted status in the U.S.), you would have to wait until it becomes current again. Beginning in October 2015, t he for mat of t he Visa Bu lletin changed, in that a new column was added, called the “Application Filing Date.” If a person’s priority date is earlier t han t he Appl icat ion Fi l i ng Date, they can already file for adjustment of status and work authorization (provided they a r e ot her w i se el ig ible a nd USCIS indicates on its website it will use the Application Filing Date for t hat mont h). This could allow people to obtain work authorization much sooner t h a n befor e, wher e they had to wait for the priority date to be current (in the Visa Issuance or Final Action Date column) in order to both file for adjustment and be eligible for a green card.
Unmarried sons and daughters of US citizens (over 21 years of age)
Visa Issuance Date
Angel Locsin, Anne Curtis raise funds for COVID-19 mass testing by Ritchel
Mendiola AJPress
ABS-CBN actresses Angel Locsin and Anne Curtis on Monday, May 18, revived an old fundraising project to purchase (2A) Spouse and test kits for COVID-19. Current Second Preference minor children (below May 01, 2020 “Shop and Share” was 21 years old) of green card holders launched in 2009 to help those who were affected by Typhoon (2B) Unmarried sons Ondoy. Actors, singers, and and daughters (21 May 01, 2011 September 01, even basketball players donated years old or older) 2010 personal items ranging from of green card holders designer bags, clothes, jerseys, and jewelry, which were then Married sons and November 15, April 15, 2001 auctioned off on Ebay, with all daughters of US Third Preference 2001 the proceeds going to the PhilipCitizens pine Red Cross. “Now, we humbly reach out Brothers and September 01, February 01, again. These are hard times, Fourth Preference sisters of US 2001 2001 truly frightening times for the Citizens Filipino people, especially with Application Visa Issuance LABOR CERTIFICATION: coronavirus cases still on the Filing Date Date rise. Many have been doing their part in trying to give hope Advanced Degree Second Preference Current Current or just to make each day easier (Masters) for those who are in need. And the hard truth is they will remain November 08, Professional/ Third Preference April 01, 2019 2017 in need as COVID-19 remains Skilled Workers the invisible enemy amongst us changing our lives and sadly Non-Skilled November 08, Other Workers April 01, 2019 disrupting livelihoods,” Locsin Workers 2017 posted on Instagram. “This time, with the funds we guarantee or legal advice regarding *** raise, we would like to purchase Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an the outcome of your legal matter. test kits and allow testing opattorney for over 35 years and is No attorney-client relationship is, portunities for the poorer seclicensed, and an active member of or shall be, established with any tors in the hopes of helping out the State Bars of California and New reader. in the efforts to provide mass WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com York. All immigration services are testing in the country. Yes, in Fo l l ow u s o n Fa ce b o o k .co m / provided by, or under the supervision support of mass testing. Beof, an active member of the State Bar GurfinkelLaw, Twitter @GurfinkelLaw cause in this way we can make of California. Each case is different and YouTube: US Immigration TV a higher impact, by pushing the C a l l To l l f re e to s c h e d u l e a and results may depend on the TEST-TRACE-ISOLATE/TREAT facts of the particular case. The consultation for anywhere in the formula that is the only proven information and opinions contained US: way to defeat the virus,” she 1-866-487-3465 h e rei n ( i n cl u d i n g tes ti m o n ia ls , added. (866) – GURFINKEL “Success Stories”, endorsements Locsin invited those who are Four offices to serve you: and re-enactments) are of a general keen to participate so they can LOS ANGELES ∙ SAN FRANCISCO ∙ nature, and are not intended to apply help flatten the curve in the to any particular case, and do not NEW YORK country. (Advertising Supplement) constitute a prediction, warranty, “We do hope you can join us First Preference
Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ
Application Filing Date
FAMILY CATEGORY:
LifestyLe Consumer Guide Community marketpLaCe
September 01, 2011
February 01, 2011
Angel Locsin, Bea Alonzo, Angelica Panganiban and Anne Curtis
Photos from Instagram/@therealangellocsin
as we all work together to help flatten the curve in the Philippines in our own little way,” she said. Curtis also posted the announcement on her Instagram, urging fellow actors to join their initiative. “To our fellow artists and colleagues, if you would like to be part of this, please don’t hesitate
to reach out to us. We do hope you can join us as we all work together to help flatten the curve in the Philippines in our own little way,” she wrote. Actresses Dimples Romana and Bea Alonzo have since shown support for the initiative by reposting Locsin’s announcement on their own Instagram pages.
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What quarantine taught Kisses, Baron, Isabella and Teejay by
Maridol ranoa-BisMark Philstar.com
AS we know by now, prolonged lockdowns can test someone even with the patience of Job. Our celebrities, human as they are, are no exceptions. They feel the pain of isolation, the crunch of inactivity, the agony of waiting. But as our roster of interviewed celebrities show, they do not wallow in what ifs and what-might-have-beens. They go proactive, and rise above the desolation. They make the most of the situation, and turn the trials into learning experiences. Let’s get it straight from them. Kisses Delavin I follow precautionary measures for everyone’s safety. I stay home, where I frequently wash my hands, I boost my immune system by eating fruits and vegetables, taking vitamins and working out. I also get eight hours of sleep a day.” Baron Geisler “I learned to be more grateful about the little things that I usually take for granted when we all had freedom to do things outside like errand runs, going to the grocery, going to work, attending meetings, etc. I noticed that I tend to pray more about a lot of people, even those I don’t know, but who, I feel are having it worse. I’ve been away from my family for months because of this ECQ. That’s been keeping me sad most of the time. But at the same time, they’re also the reason why I have to be strong and keep my faith that all will be well very soon.” Isabella de Leon
Alex Gonzaga got engaged to her boyfriend Mikee Morada last January 16.
Baron Geisler Photo from Instagram/@baron.geisler
Isabella De Leon Photo from Instagram/@isabelladeleontv
time, parang very selfish daw. Ang panget na magpaplano Philstar.com ka at gagastos ka ng ganitong ACTRESS Alex Gonzaga re- amount sa alam mo ngayon na vealed that the wedding prepa- ang daming nahihirapan,” Alex rations with her fiancé Mikee explained. “Parang napakaselfish daw Morada is on hold. In an interview with Tim Yap na iniintindi mo pa rin yung for his online show “Tim Yap mga gagastusin mo in the fuLive!,” Alex said that Mikee ture na technically is not reafelt that it is selfish to plan the sonable right now... So ang wedding during this time of the gusto niya ‘pag naguusap kami novel coronavirus disease 2019 ngayon, batuhan kami ng plano (COVID-19) pandemic because to help other people,” she added. a lot of people are struggling. Teejay Marquez Alex, however, revealed that “Ayaw niya munang magPhoto from Instagram/@teejaymarquez plano kami ng wedding in this she already picked a wedding time kasi una sa lahat hindi gown even before she met Teejay Marquez “I have learned and appre- pa rin natin alam kung hang- Mikee. “Wala pa si Mikee sa buhay ciated the importance of our gang kailan ‘to. At the same main core value as a Filipino which is RESILIENCY. We’ve been through a lot! Filipinos have the ability to always adapt and bounce back when things don’t go as planned and I appreciate that RESILIENCY truly runs in our Filipino blood.”
“I learned the importance of staying in touch with families and friends even just through video calls. This is the perfect time to have deep and meaningful conversations with them. I learned how to resonate with myself. Our body and mind is our home and we have to learn how to love it and live with it.”
by Cha lino Inquirer.net
ACTRESS Maxene Magalona disclosed that she was diagnosed with complex post traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) to raise awareness and end the stigma associated with mental health issues. Magalona recalled how a few years ago, she found herself under a lot of stress, anxiety and at times having rage episodes, according to her Instagram post last Wednesday, May 20. Determined to find the root cause of her problem, the actress found the courage to talk to a therapist. “I’ve always wondered why it’s socially acceptable for Maxene Magalona
Milo severo
ko, noong nakita ko ‘yung gown na ‘yon, talagang sinabi ko na ‘Ito ang gown ko.’ So no’ng naging engaged kami ni Mikee, sinearch ko na agad kasi lumang ano yan eh. So chineck ko na agad,” she said. For her and Mikee, the most important of all is that their wedding will still happen in the future. “‘Di talaga kami nag-uusap about the wedding. Ang sabi ni Mikee, kahit anong wedding basta ang importante ay ikasal kami. Ayaw niya munang pagusapan. Which is ako, okay lang naman sa akin. Ang importante naman talaga is the marriage,” she said.
Marjorie enjoys ‘quiet, priceless’ 46th birthday with children
Maxene reveals she had complex PTSD, appeals to end mental health stigma
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Alex shares wedding updates amid COVID-19 pandemic By Jan
Kisses Delavin Photo from Instagram/@kissesdelavin
Photo from Instagram/@cathygonzaga
Photo from Instagram/@maxenemagalona
by Cha lino Inquirer.net
ACTRESS and former politician Marjorie Barretto marked her recent birthday with the simple joy of spending it with her family. Barretto turned 46 last Tuesday, May 19. Despite the quarantine, the mom said her kids did what they could to make her day special, as per her Instagram post on Wednesday, May 20. “[My] kids went all out to make me feel EXTRA special in every way,” she said, “[From] treating me to all the food that [I’ve] been craving for, and gathering video greetings from my family and close friends that made me laugh and cry so much.” Barretto declared that this year’s birthday celebration was “different, quiet and intimate,” which made it “priceless” for her. She also expressed her gratitude towards those who went out of their way to greet her and send her gifts and messages. The actress said she “felt so loved.” “It is during these times that
Marjorie Barretto marked her 46th birthday on Wednesday, May 20 in a simple celebration with her family. Photos from Instagram/@marjbarretto
one realizes who and what really matters in our lives. I will remember each one of you, [I] will keep you in my heart,” she added. The actress also showed some snippets of her birthday celebration through a series of photos. Barretto posed between two giant white balloons while donning a white dress and carrying a bouquet of white roses. She also bonded with her five children Dani, Julia, Claudia, Leon and Erich. Dani’s husband, Xavi Panlilio, was also present. Majorie’s kids expressed their love for their mom through their separate birthday greetings on Instagram. “Happy Birthday to my mom, my confidant, my voice of reason, my hero,” Dani wrote on May 19. “I love you endlessly.” “You are strongest when you have to pretend you are strong for the people who could not
imagine themselves enduring what you’ve endured,” Claudia said on her own page. She also appreciated her mom’s vulnerable side and commended her for always putting the people she cares about at the forefront of her life. “Happiest birthday, mom. I know we don’t always see eye to eye… But amongst all our differences are the smallest of similarities that have a much more profound impact on who I am as a person,” Claudia added. “I love you.” Last year, the Barretto clan was involved in some public feuds. This came after the death of Miguel, the father of the Barretto sisters Claudine, Marjorie and Gretchen, in October. During this time, Marjorie admitted that former Caloocan City mayor Enrico “Recom” Echiverri is the father of her youngest child. Marjorie was previously married to fellow actor Dennis Padilla.
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAy 23-26, 2020
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National Fil-Am Lawyers Association launches $5,000 scholarship for law students
THE NFALA Foundation, a charitable arm of the National Filipino American Lawyers Association (NFALA), announced the establishment of the Raymond L. Ocampo, Jr. Family Scholarship. A grant in the amount of $5,000 will be awarded to a law student who demonstrates exceptional aptitude for the study of law and a strong commitment to serve or contribute to the Filipino American community as a future leader of the legal profession. Applications for the Ocampo Family Scholarship are available at nfala.com/nfala-foundation and should be submitted no later than 5 p.m. PST on May 31. The Ocampo Family Scholar-
ship will be presented on June 12, 2020 during the NFALA MidYear Virtual Conference. For general inquiries about the NFALA Foundation, including opportunities to help expand its scholarship offerings, please email scholarships@nfalafoundation.org. In addition to creating further scholarships in the future, the NFALA Foundation also plans to explore a law student relief program related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The scholarship is named after Ray Ocampo, Jr., the principal founder of the Filipino Bar Association of Northern California (FBANC), one of the largest NFALA regional affiliates. He is President and CEO of Samurai
Surfer LLC, a private investment company. He retired in 1996 as Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary of Oracle Corporation, where he served as its chief counsel for more than a decade after the company’s initial public offering. In 1997, he co-founded and served for two years as Executive Director of the Berkeley Center for Law & Technology, which led to the school’s ranking by U.S. News & World Report as the country’s top intellectual property law program for 20 of the past 22 years. Ocampo received his undergraduate degree from UCLA in 1973 and his law degree from Boalt Hall School of Law at UC Berkeley in 1976.
NASA picks Filipina’s song as new space campaign theme by Ratziel
San Juan Philstar.com
FILIPINO singer-songwriter Reese Lansangan wrote her “open letter to the universe” and NASA could read. The 29-year-old musician’s “A Song About Space” — released back in 2013 when she was only 22 — has been featured by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to draw hype for its new space campaign. “When a song you wrote about space & exploration 7 years ago makes it to NASA... I am OVER the moon (pun intended) and I don’t think I’ll ever get over it,” she posted, sharing the #LaunchAmerica promotional video where her song ran for nearly a minute. Reese said that she “almost choked” on her water upon finding the 57 million followerstrong NASA in her direct messages. “They said they loved my super old and embarrassing ‘A Song About Space’ video from my channel and asked if they could possibly use it for a promo vid. Nothing was set in stone so after I got over the immediate shock of the NASA DM, I just silently hoped for the best. Then I got an email back with the video link, and in my pride I took all the screencaps!” The singer then revealed that her cosmic moment almost never happened, narrowly avoiding several close calls where she contemplated deleting the video. “I always get teased for that old Space video of mine because 1) I still had braces & 2) I lisped (lithped) - but each time I thought about taking it down, I couldn’t bring myself to. I figured it’s part of my history & it’s fun to make fun of yourself every now and then! Little did I know, it would be the video that NASA would notice and end up watching... it just blows my mind!” she celebrated.
Filipino singer-songwriter Reese Lansangan
Photo from Instagram/@reeseypeasy
“I guess there’s a lesson in there somewhere - to honor yourself always - your lovable, bewildering, sometimes even embarrassing self! So from the bottom of NENE REESE’s heart - a sincere thank you to the universe for this tiny, tiny victory.” The NASA project will see the first astronauts launched to the International Space Station from the United States since 2011. “This new era of human spaceflight will kick off when NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley fly on SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft, lifting off on a Falcon 9 rocket at 4:32 p.m. EDT May 27, from Launch Complex 39A in Florida, for an
extended stay at the space station for the Demo-2 mission,” NASA said on its website. The four and a half minutelong track is included in Reese’s 2016 debut album “Arigato, Internet!” “’A Song About Space’ is my open letter to the universe,” the artist said in a video from her 12-part YouTube mini-series “Dissecting the Song,” where she explained the songwriting process behind her album. “I feel like a lot of us have that innate fascination for space and what’s beyond us, what’s beyond Earth, and I just wanted to translate my curiosity into a simple but catchy song.”
Rhian recalls her first foray into drama by JeRRy
Donato Philstar.com
“WELL, back then, I was a teen actress. All of my roles were very bubbly,” replied Rhian Ramos when asked how the Philippine remake of Stairway to Heaven, a hit Korean TV drama series, advanced her career then on GMA 7, in a recent interview facilitated by the network’s corporate communications group. Yes, she was tapped to portray Jodi, the childhood friend of Cholo (played by Dingdong Dantes), almost 11 years ago. “Tapos ginawa ko ‘yung LaLola (a fantasy-comedy) and I did comedy acting from there,” added the actress. “Perhaps it (doing Stairway to Heaven) was my first experience when it came to dramatic acting, and all the challenges that came with it.” Early this week, the Kapuso network started re-airing Stairway to Heaven, which has given viewers a second chance at reliving Cholo and Jodi’s romance and their unique journey to love. Catch it weekdays at 3:25 p.m. on GMA Afternoon Prime. “Thankfully, direk Joyce Bernal is an actor’s director,” recalled Rhian of her first foray into drama, “so she was very specific when giving instructions. We also had an acting coach, who is one of my favorite people in the world, Jay Cruz. I just really learned a lot from making that series.” St airw a y to H eav en was Rhian and Dingdong’s first team-up. To be attuned to their
Rhian Ramos
roles, shared Rhian, “We had a workshop because the story was very heavy and dapat may connection talaga si Jodi and Cholo. We had vulnerability and intimacy workshops. We stayed pretty true to the original character (Jodi), but I think I (my take on my role) was perkier, a bit more bubbly, very slight, but not a lot.” From then on, Rhian is known as the Pinay Jodi, while Dingdong is the Pinoy Cholo. What were Rhian’s fondest memories on the set of Stairway to Heaven? “I remember yung mga times when my mommy
Photo from Instagram/@whianwamos
would send us food,” answered Rhian, “nung time na ‘yun nagte-taping kami sa Enchanted Kingdom. We shared (the food) to everybody and we ate together. (At that time,) we were the only people inside the theme park, pero ‘pag sinabi namin na gusto naming mag-rides, pumapayag sila. Siyempre bagets pa ko nun, that’s why I wanted to try the rides.” As for her community quarantine-lockdown experience, Rhian said, “It would be improper kung may irereklamo ako because I have a roof over PAGE B4
PETITION APPROVED ALMOST 15 YEARS AFTER DENIAL: SEE THIS STORY UNFOLD ON CITIZEN PINOY THIS SUNDAY. Marvin was petitioned by his father as a single adult child of an immigrant in 2001. However, his father moved and did not notify the USCIS of the new address. When the USCIS served a request for evidence, the family never got the notice, and did not reply. The petition was therefore denied due to abandonment in 2005, and the family almost gave up. Finally, Marvin’s family consulted with the Law Offices of Michael J. Gurfinkel who, in 2015, fought for the family, arguing the case should not have been denied. But victory did not come easy. Each time a motion to reopen/reconsider was filed, it was denied as untimely and that the denial was proper. But the Law Office did not give up and finally, after the 4th motion, the case was approved in 2019! Watch how the team of Atty. Gurfinkel was able to get Marvin to enter the U.S. as an immigrant after 18 grueling years, on an encore episode of CITIZEN PINOY – on Sunday at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)
B4 MAY 23-26, 2020 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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Solenn, Nico mark wedding anniversary Glorious moments of grandmothering by NIÑA
V. GUNO
SOLENN Heussaff and husband Nico Bolzico celebrated their wedding anniversary on Thursday, May 21, with short but sweet tributes to each other. “Today marks 4 crazy years married. [Nine] amazing years with more ups than downs,” Solenn said on Instagram. “A little more gray hair than the last. A miracle that is me and you but still way better than the two of us. A bat to stir some [sh*t] up. But [I] know soon we will see the world through our [child’s] eyes. I love you.” Bolzico, meanwhile, said their anniversary was “more special” with their firstborn Thylane, whom they welcomed on New Year’s Day this year. ”It has been 4 years since we agreed that #ForeverMakesSense, but this year is so much more special, it is not just us 2, but us 3 (7 if we include the animals); you gave us a new purpose in life, you gave us #TiliBolz!” He also injected his trademark sense of humor: “We are far from a perfect couple, but as someone pretty smart once said: ‘If you are going to buy
Together we learned names of plants, ever y t ree, ever y bird, and insect and oddities. We drew cats and dogs and fathers and mothers and f lowers. Her acts of kindness were what my mot her taught me. The eldest had become a close con f idante and best f r iend, and like grown-ups, she has started asking questions that can be answered. But a grandson is a pintsi zed bolt of light ning w it h such skinny eyes, who has her wrapped around his fingers a bewitching creature sprinkled w it h st a r du st , heaven-sent bathed in moonglow. He is purity in dirty sneakers, chivalry on a c a r ou s e l h o r s e. A quick study in perpetual motion, a magnificent litt le t y r a nt I c a l l “Pr incipito,” t he captor who holds t he key to her grandmother’s heart. When I take him for a stroll, he stops to talk to a dog or a cat and to look at butterf lies. When I am away, his mother lets him breathe on the phone, and in a totally unexpected language, he is able to say he loves me. This New Year’s Day, he turned 16, in a blast of a birthday party where he gives me a chance to sing, play and dance. So what is grandmothering all about? It may feel like a second chance, but it is not a second chance to get parenting right. Rather, it is another chance to love and nurture a child, a relationship between one hea r t a nd a not her love that kind that f lows through connected spirits. The years will go by and my grandchildren may grow, even older. I will no longer be in demand to babysit, read fairy tales, ride the merry go round, and play their piano favorite pieces. Heavens how I dread that day! But if I am lucky there will be another time, another place and other children. For someday, I’ll be a great grandmother! ***
“If you want to civilize a man, begin with his grandmother.” -Victor Hugo
Solenn Heussaff with husband Nico Bolzico and their daughter Thylane Photo from Instagram/@nicobolzico
watermelons, make sure they fit in your fridge’. And that pretty much summarizes everything! (The Watermelons are Thylane and the animals; the fridge is our house. Wow I love poetry).”
Heussaff and Bolzico were in a relationship for five years before tying the knot in 2016 in France. Earlier, their civil union was held in Nico’s Argentinian hometown in December 2015.
Maxene reveals she had...
PAGE B2 people with physical illnesses to go to the hospital for treatment while those with mental health conditions have to hide and pretend like they don’t have it?” she said. “I was an adult having embarrassing tantrums but I couldn’t really understand where all the anger was coming from,” Magalona added. She remembered drunken episodes during which she would punch and kick doors, cry uncontrollably and scream. Magalona said this was the reason she stopped drinking. She also began seeking psychiatric help last year after overcoming some hesitation. “I’ll admit that I was hesitant to go at first because I thought that psychiatric therapy was for people who were ‘insane,’” Magalona said. C-PTSD, according to Magalona, “is a psychological disorder that can develop due to
your baby should be sitt ing with a baby of her own on her lap, like a sort of bonus. And you realize, all that joy of becoming a mother was simply BY MYLAH a prelude to the elation of beDE LEON coming a grandmother. W h i le t here, I stood one sweet Sunday, cradling in my arms seven pounds, 15 ounces SO, one moment you’re just baby girl named Eliana Mia mother, and before you can laina, aged 26 hours and four blink and t hink you can re- minutes, my new granddaughlax and take it easy, having ter. She was wrapped so tightly escaped the ties of children, so nothing else in this world t heir t roubles and t heir de- could get at her. How I prayed she could stay mands, you feel a little tug. In the next moment, you’re pr otec ted t hat way. W her e all-wise and prehistoric, where there is love, there is usually ever y t h i ng has started to sag and double, past that cer tain age, and you’re ready for t he scrap ya rd. T hen t he grandchi ldren came a long, hand i ng back you r yout h in a fancy box. You’re starting a little granddaughter nearby. all over again and find yourself She is independence parading bound once more by the needs around in her mother’s shoes of you r g r a ndc h i ld r en a nd and slippers and alluring in a bandana, dark glasses and their love. I t hought I had forgotten yards of beads, who relishes to hold a baby, but my arms in tur ning my dai ly rout ine remembered as I gazed into topsy turvy with her ardor and the sweet, innocent face. Just curiosity. She is the biggest above the size of a hug, grasp- thrill, whose laughter is like a ing tiny soft hands, so small concert of little bells, shatterand warm, like a kitten in the ing the morning sun, a present shelter of your clasp. Those joy a promise of the future. T h r oug h t h e ye a r s , I ’ve gasps of aston i sh ment a nd shrieks of pleasure, sighs of learned that there are 147 difdelight, lost a long time ago ferent ways to hold a baby, all when my four girls grew wise of them right. Used to asking a nd world ly. T hey a re sud- t he q uest ions by my t rade, den ly back to you, by you r I fou nd mysel f g ropi ng for grandchildren, in what seems words, through the years when to be t he same small hands confronted by puer ile quest hat clutched you, dragging tions that defied logic or whose you from one excitement to answers required other questions: Why is God not married? another. Rocking a tiny bundle of joy Did Jesus shave or did he go to who is a loving extension of a barbershop? Is the sun hot? you is called midlife ecstasy. Do f lowers go to sleep? Why is Just like that, it is the evidence the sky blue? Does the Easter of love in its most uncompli- bunny lay eggs? W hich cow cated and t r ust wor t hy state gives chocolate milk? How do birds f ly? She is amusing and blush-inducing love affair. The moment a baby is born, enchanting whether 3-6 or 13, a grandmot her is bor n too. now even older, she has the Suddenly, by no act of yours, power to raise spir its when you’ve become biolog ica l ly it is how, she can expand my related to a human being. It u n iver se, i n t he t w i n k le of really seems quite crazy that her eye.
MOONLIGHTING
Inquirer.net
prolonged and repeated interpersonal trauma.” After she found out about the problem, Magalona took the necessary steps to heal, including regular therapy sessions, daily yoga, meditation, and prayer. The actress also stressed how important it is to take care of one’s mental health, especially during this time of pandemic. “I remember going to The Medical City wearing a hoodie and baseball cap because I was ashamed to be seen at a psychiatrist’s clinic,” she said. “[But now,] especially with what’s going on in the world today, I believe it’s time we #endthestigma of mental health and start talking about it so that those who need help won’t be afraid to seek it.” Magalona advised those who are going through their own mental health struggles: “Remember that #youarenotyourmind and although thoughts
can be overwhelming, trust that you have the power to heal your past traumas and pain.” Magalona is staying in Bali, Indonesia, with her husband, Rob Mananquil, during this quarantine period. “Here in Bali, there are some stores and restaurants that are open and we are allowed to go out at our own risk,” Magalona said on April 21. “ONLY if and when we need to go out, we ALWAYS wear our washable masks which we were able to purchase in Japan a while back.” Magalona, who is a certified yoga instructor, is also conducting online yoga classes while people are advised to stay at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The actress has also clarified on several occasions that she does not have an eating disorder, attributing her lean figure to her vegan diet and her regular yoga and meditation.
E-mail Mylah at moonlightingmdl@ aol.com.
Yassi defends Coco, appeals for empathy on ABS-CBN shutdown issue by CHA LINO Inquirer.net
“ANG Probinsyano” star Coco Martin has been in hot water for the past few days for voicing out his opposition of TV network ABS-CBN’s shutdown. His co-star Yassi Pressman finally broke her silence to join those who defend him. Pressman addressed the public and stressed that Martin is a good man. She also apologized to those who might have been offended by Martin’s words, she stated on an Instagram post on Wednesday, May 20. “Pasensya na po kayo, kung sa pagkarinig po ninyo ay nadadala po siya sa kanyang emosyon, at yun po ay dahil mahal na mahal niya po ang mga ‘kapamilya’ niya,” Pressman said. (Apologies if what you heard is he got carried away by emotions, it is only because he really loves his colleagues in the network.) Martin took part in an online protest against ABS-CBN’s shutdown on May 8. It was participated in by the TV network’s biggest stars, such as Kim Chiu, Judy Ann Santos and more. Martin and Chiu were some of the stars who were subjected to harsh criticism for their statements. During the protest, Martin addressed those who were in favor of ABS-CBN’s shutdown, stating that the issue has gone beyond diplomatic discourse. He stressed that the shutdown affected him and the rest of the 11,000 employees of the TV network. “Katulad po ng pagtatanggol po ninyo sa mga kaibigan, kapatid, mga magulang, at anak…. ganun rin po ang tingin niya [sa
Yassi Pressman with Coco Martin
amin],” Pressman said. “Sana po maintindihan po ninyo.” (Like how you would defend your friends, family, parents and child, that is how Martin sees us. I hope you would understand.) Pressman thanked Martin for everything that he has done for the rest of their Kapamilya in the TV network. Pressman is among the celebrities who have stood up to defend Martin, namely Angel Locsin and Korina Sanchez. Incidentally, she has also been romantically linked with Martin on several occasions for the past few years. Pressman has consistently denied
Photo from Instagram/@yassipressman
her alleged involvement in a “love triangle” with Martin and actress Julia Montes. While ABS-CBN’s legislative franchise renewal is pending in Congress, the TV network’s chief executive officer Carlo Katigbak revealed that the company might have to start retrenching its employees by August due to financial constraints, if it fails to get a new or provisional franchise soon. The media company was forced to stop operating on May 5 in compliance with National Telecommunications Commission’s (NTC) cease and desist order after the network’s franchise expired on May 4.
Rhian recalls her first foray into... PAGE B3 my head, nakakakain naman ako nang maayos, kumpleto (ang) tulog ko... but sometimes I miss going out (with family and friends), and this (community quarantine) is a big change in my usual life, which is showbiz, where I see hundreds of people every taping day, and I get to meet and know new people every day. (The community quarantine is a) very different (experience), but I have already adjusted to it. I also miss attending workout classes.” Aside from acting, Rhian is
also into creating vlogs, which she considers fun to do for she has reached a point, “where my audience is starting to tell me what to do. (At) ‘pag ginagawa ko, masaya, ‘yung mga challenge nila for me. (My followers) are very active in giving feedback. I saw a video (and the person in it) asked me, ‘Bakit po hindi kayo nagta-Tagalog?’ And I thought, ‘Oo nga ‘no.’ Kaya gumawa ako ng vlog na wala akong ibang pwedeng sabihin other than Tagalog words.” In February, Rhian showcased again her acting mettle
by playing Kelly, a former lover of Tom Rodriguez’s character Stefano in Love of My Life. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the taping of the said drama series, which also stars Carla Abellana, Coney Reyes and Mikael Daez, is temporarily suspended. Perhaps production will soon resume once the “new normal” is established. According to Rhian, she was also supposed to do a romance-comedy that she was very excited about “because I studied comedy in New York. Hindi kami nakapag-start, kahit screen test.”
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Tax Tips Victor Sy, cPA, MBA & roger L. orieL ALASKA •Retirement income: No state tax on your 401(k), IRA or pension income. • Social security benefits: No state income tax on your Social Security benefits. • Income tax: No state income tax. • Inheritance and Estate taxes: No state inheritance tax or an estate tax. Florida • Retirement income: No state tax on your 401(k), IRA or pension income. • Social security benefits: No state income tax on your Social Security benefits. • Income tax: No state income tax. • Inheritance and Estate taxes: No state inheritance tax or an estate tax. Illinois • Retirement income: No state tax on your 401(k), IRA or pension income. • Social security benefits: No state income tax on your
12 states that don’t tax retirement income Part 1 of 2
Social Security benefits. • Income tax: Low income tax rate - flat 4.95%. • Inheritance and Estate taxes: Has estate tax for estates worth more than $4 million. Mississippi • Retirement income: No state tax on your 401(k), IRA or pension income if you’re at least 59 ½ years old. • Social security benefits: No state income tax on your Social Security benefits. • Income tax: Rates of 3% To 5%. • Inheritance and Estate taxes: No state inheritance tax or an estate tax. Nevada • Retirement income: No state tax on your 401(k), IRA or pension income. • Social security benefits: No state income tax on your Social Security benefits. • Income tax: No state income tax. • Inheritance and Estate taxes: No state inheritance tax or an estate tax. • Instead, you pay at the
poker and blackjack tables. New Hampshire • Retirement income: No state tax on your 401(k), IRA or pension income. • Social security benefits: No state income tax on your Social Security benefits. • Income tax: A flat 5% tax on interest and dividends only. • Inheritance and Estate taxes: No state inheritance tax or an estate tax. *** Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State University with an MBA. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV - Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young before establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation in Pasadena, California. *** He has 50 years of experience in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS, FTB, EDD, BOE and other governmental agencies. He is publishing a book on his expertise - “HOW TO AVOID OR SURVIVE IRS AUDITS.” Our readers may inquire about the book or email tax questions at vicsy@live.com.
Termination of F1 student status Tapat Sa Batas Atty. rheA SAMSon ANG F1 international student ay kailangang mag-maintain ng kanyang student status sa pamamagitan ng full-time enrollment. Kapag ang F1 international student ay hindi nakapag-maintain ng kanyang status at ang Designated School Official (DSO) ay nagterminate ng kanyang SEVIS Record (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System Record), ang F1 student ay kailangang umalis kaagad ng US upang hindi mag-ipon ng panahon ng unlawful presence sa US. Maaari ring ang F1 student ay magfile ng reinstatement ng kanyang F1 status sa USCIS.
EMPLOYMENT
Kung ang F1 student ay gustong manatili sa loob ng US ngunit ang kanyang SEVIS Record ay terminated na, siya ay maaaring humiling sa DSO na magbigay ng rekomendasyon para sa kanyang reinstatement sa SEVIS. Kung ang DSO ay magbibigay ng hinihinging rekomendasyon, ang DSO ay mag-iisyu ng panibagong Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status” sa F1 student. Pagkatapos nito, ang F1 student ay kailangang mag-file sa USCIS ng Form I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, kasama ng filing fee at biometrics fee, at supporting documents para sa F1 reinstatement. Mainam na ang application for reinstatement of F1 status ay mai-file sa USCIS sa loob ng 5 buwan mula sa termination ng SEVIS Record. Ang F1 student ay kailangang magpaliwanag kung bakit ang kanyang SEVIS
Record ay terminated, kung paano niya mapapanatili ang kanyang F1 student status, at kung paano siya ay mag-aaral ng full-time. Kailangan ding ipakita ng F1 student na wala siyang record ng paulit-ulit at sinasadyang paglabag sa mga regulasyon ng USCIS, na wala siyang unauthorized employment, at ang kanyang paglabag sa kanyang status ay dahil sa mga pangyayaring hindi niya mapigilan, katulad ng malubhang sakit o pagkakapinsala, pagsarado ng school, o mga natural na sakuna. Ang USCIS ay magbibigay ng desisyon sa application for F1 reinstatement. Kung ito ay aprubado para sa bagong program, ang F1 student ay kailangang mag-enroll para sa bagong program ayon sa nakasaad sa I-20. Kung ito ay aprubado para sa continuing program, ang F1 student ay kailangang bumalik sa full PAGE B6
EMPLOYMENT
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAy 23-26, 2020
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What is the difference between an annulment and a divorce?
WHAT is the difference between a divorce and an annulment? Many people think these concepts are the same and interchangeable. There are many differences between the two concepts. A divorce ends a valid existing marriage. In a nullity, a determination is made about the validity of the marriage itself. When a marriage is annulled, it has the same effect as if the marriage never existed. A nullity results in a void. In California, any spouse can obtain a divorce regardless of the reason. A common basis used is a catchall phrase “irreconcilable differences.” However, anyone who wants to end a marriage can end the marriage and there is nothing the other spouse can do to stop that. However in a petition for nullity, the court will not automatically grant you the nullity. There has to be a legal basis for seeking the nullity as outlined in the family code. Some of the basis are 1) entering into a bigamous marriage 2) incestuous marriage 3) fraud in
Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrSUA reyeS obtaining the other spouse’s consent to marriage 4) incurable physical incapacity 5) unsound mind among others. The petitioner would have to prove one of these grounds in court to be able to get a nullity. In a Nullity, there is a statute of limitations. That means you have to file your nullity within a certain time period depending on the basis for seeking the Nullity. Each ground has a different statute of limitation. For example, if you are filing the nullity based on fraud, you have to file within 4 years of discovering the fraud. If you blow the statute of limitation, this can be used as a defense to dismiss your case. On the other hand there is no stat-
ute of limitation in a divorce. You can file a divorce at any time regardless of how long you have been separated from your spouse. In a divorce, husband and wife are presumed to be the parents of children born during the marriage. In a Nullity, the marriage has no validity so it will affect the presumption of parentage of the children. The Court will have to make a finding of parentage for the children on a different basis before it can make orders relating to custody, visitation, and support. The treatment of spousal support (alimony) is different between the two. In a divorce, the spouse that has less earning capacity and access to resources may seek an award of spousal support. This is not available in a Nullity since the marriage is invalid and there is no spouse as a result. The division of property is also different. In a divorce, community property is divided equally between the spouses. In a nullity, since there is PAGE B6
Senior passes away right after Chapter 13 plan confirmation AT 90 years old, this senior was my oldest client. Everything came crashing down on him during his golden years unfortunately. He had a business, which looked like it never made money but he kept on doing the business just because it gave him something to do every day. So, he had $34,000 in credit cards, and $16,000 repo deficiency for the total unsecured debt of $50,000. That’s a significant amount of debt when you’re 90. He was receiving about $2,000 a month with social security a pension but had already sold his house with zero net proceeds two years ago. He has three adult children who are gainfully employed but he just wanted to live by himself, and I guess his three children pretty much left him alone. He was married twice and divorced
Debt Relief
Atty. LAwrence yAng twice and was already single. His ex-second wife offered to let him live with her in her house. She still loves him. For unknown reasons, ex-wife no. 2 put him on a title to her house! Oops. Her house already has a very large equity, more than $500,000. She has her own adult children with her first husband. She had no financial problems until he moved in with her. I won’t go into details but she ended up losing $300,000 of her 401K. The two of them believed a scammer that promised a $10
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million pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, if only they forked over $300,000. Wow, what a deal of deals — for $300K, you get $10 million! Let’s not get into that right now. Suffice it to say that if it’s too good to be true, then it’s not true. When someone gives you this kind of proposal where you have to give money upfront to get a big windfall, just walk away and just don’t think about it again. It’s a scam. For example, for the senior ladies, if you suddenly meet a guy overseas who wants to marry you and he says that he’s some white dude who is the second cousin of the queen of England, and he sends you a picture of a white dude who looks like Tom Cruise in full military uniform of the British Royal Air Force, better hold PAGE B6
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Are you harmed if your paystubs are incomplete? Why employees should look at their paystubs
JULIE Gunther started working as a flight attendant for Alaska Airlines in 2015. In 2017, she sued her employer in a class action, claiming that Alaska Airlines did not provide her with accurate itemized paystubs. This led her to question whether she was in fact paid properly for all the hours she worked. According to various news reports, Gunther became suspicious about her paystubs when she received differing wages for the same job. For example, Gunther claimed that she had flown one route and got paid a certain amount. The next month, she flew the same route but was paid a different amount. One would have thought that flights of the same route and duration would be paid the same amount. But apparently not. However, Gunther could not figure out whether the inconsistent payments was due to a mistake in computation because her paystubs did not specify exactly what she was being paid for. The employer apparently refused to provide any additional information to Gunther so that the confusion could be clarified or explained. Alaska Airplanes contended that it did nothing wrong, and that flight attendants, who did their work mostly in federal air space, were paid correctly according to federal laws and the flight attendants’ collective bargaining agreements. The employees countered that Alaska Airlines was bound by California law because it conducted a significant amount of its business in California and many of its flight attendants resided in California. Under California law, employers must provide all legally required information in an employee’s paystub. Otherwise, employees should be paid penalties, in addition to the wages. The following information are required to be in an employee’s pay stub: 1) The employer’s name and address
Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights atty. C. Joe sayas, JR. 2) The name of the employee and the employee’s Social Security or employee identification number (Per the law, only the last four digits of the employee’s Social Security or employee identification number may be shown on the itemized statement.) 3) The inclusive dates of the work period for which the employee is paid 4) The employee’s hourly rates in effect during the pay period. This will include the regular hourly rate and the overtime rate, if any. 5) The corresponding number of hours worked by the employee at each hourly rate. For example, if the employee worked 80 regular hours at $15 per hour and 10 overtime hours at $22 per hour, these should be reflected on the pay stub. 6) Total hours worked. In example number 5 above, the employee’s pay stub should reflect that the employee worked a total of 90 hours for the pay period. 7) Gross wages earned 8) All deductions. The employee may authorize the employer in writing that all deductions may be aggregated and shown as one item. 9) Net wages earned So what if the paystubs are missing a few items? What’s the harm to the employee? As can be seen in the case of Gunther, if paystubs are missing certain information, it will be hard to determine if the employee is being correctly paid. If the wage itemization is incomplete, and it turns out that the hours were in fact miscalculated, then the employee would have lost out on wages that were rightfully theirs. Employees are well served to study their paystubs a little more
closely and ask the following questions: 1) Can you tell how many hours are being paid? 2) Can you identify your hourly rate(s) and how the pay was calculated? 3) Do you recognize/understand all the deductions you see? 4) Do the work hours in the paystub match your time records? If you answered no to any of the above, then your wage statement might be incorrect or incomplete, and may violate California law. If this is the case, you may be able to recover penalties. In other instances, you may additionally recover back wages if it turns out that your wages were computed incorrectly. Statutory penalties are due to employees while civil penalties are due to the State agency enforcing labor laws. An accurate and complete pay stub ensures that the employee is provided all the information needed to determine that correct wages have been paid. The case against Alaska Airlines went to trial, where the judge ruled in favor of the employees, awarding them $25 million in damages. The award was to be split between the state of California and about one thousand flight attendants, including Gunther. However, Alaska Airlines has appealed the judge’s ruling. *** The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are confidential and at no-cost. You can contact the office at (818) 291-0088 or visit www. joesayaslaw.com. [C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. is an experienced trial attorney who has successfully recovered wages and other monetary damages for thousands of employees and consumers. He was named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is a past Presidential Awardee for Outstanding Filipino Overseas.] (Advertising Supplement)
K-1 fiancé(e) visa: Getting your significant other to the United States SEVERAL options exist for a U.S. citizen to bring his/her foreign-national fiancé(e) to the United States. One popular option is to marry the fiancé(e) in the country in which he/she resides, and file an I-130 immigrant petition, with the fiancé(e) to undergo consular processing for an immigrant visa when the I-130 petition is approved. However, this option often is not advisable because the U.S. citizen petitioner would have to learn and comply with complicated, country-specific marriage license requirements, or legal barriers to marriage may exist to the U.S.-citizen petitioner in the foreign country (as in the case of the Philippines, which in some circumstances will not recognize a foreign divorce judgment). In such cases, the best way to get your fiancé(e) to the US is via a K-1 fiancé(e) visa. The K-1 fiancé(e) visa allows a fiancé(e) to enter the U.S. for 90 days to allow marriage to take place. By having the marriage take place in the U.S., couples are able to bypass the foreign country’s license requirements and/or other impediments to marriage imposed by a foreign law. To be eligible for the K-1 fiancé(e) visa petition, the following are required: 1) the petitioner must be a U.S. citizen, 2) the petitioner must have an intent to marry the fiancé(e) within 90 days of his/her arrival in the U.S., 3) the petitioner
The Prophetic Voice ReveRend Rodel G. BalaGtas THEY were five strong Catholic women who shared with me their faith via conference. They prayed the Rosary fervently and revealed the boldness, tenacity, and joy of their faith. One of them remarked, “I feel that this difficult time has even made my faith in Jesus stronger. I feel a stirring joy in my heart to proclaim the Gospel to others.” Another said, “I refuse to succumb to fear, which this has caused in many people. I have Jesus with me.” And another one shared with conviction and confidence, “I will keep believing and teaching the Spirit of Truth in Jesus.” The other two shared their love for Jesus by following his commandments and their need to believe in his presence and power. These women’s faith encouraged me to lead the parish with the boldness, joy, and passion they have. Indeed, this is not the time to fear, but to trust in the power and presence of God in our Church and us. The foundation and strength of our Christian faith rest on
PAGE B5 course of study. Kung ang application ay denied, kailangang sundin ng F1 student ang mga tagubilin sa denial notice. An F1 international student has to maintain student status by full-time enrollment. If an F1 international student fails to maintain his status and the School’s Designated School Official (DSO) terminates the F1 international student’s SEVIS Record (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System Record), the student must immediately leave the US to prevent accumulating unlawful presence in the U.S. The student John to Samaria to strengthen may also file for reinstatement the faith of the people there of F1 status with the USCIS. If the student wishes to rewho had accepted the word of God and were impressed main in the U.S. in the F1 staby the of those possessed, tus and the SEVIS Record has paralyzed, and crippled. They already been terminated, the were baptized in the name of student can request the DSO to Jesus Christ, but Peter and recommend his reinstatement John had to see them and pray in SEVIS. If such recommenfor them so that they might dation is given, the DSO shall receive the Holy Spirit and issue a new Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimstrengthen their faith. In the Second Reading (1 migrant Student Status” to the Peter 3:15-18), Peter also re- student. The student must then minded the early Christians to sanctify Christ as Lord in their hearts so that they would always be ready to explain to anyone who asks for a PAGE B5 reason for their hope. on tight to your money in the In Gospel (John 14:15-21), bank! The fool and her money Jesus not only told his dis- will soon be parted. If you acciples to be faithful to him tually use up your credit cards by following his command- to send him $50,000, come see ments but also assured them me for a Chapter 7 or Chapter that he would not leave them 13, okay? You are never going orphaned. He will not aban- to see your prince charming, don them, for he will ask the and you are never going to see Father to give them another your $50,000 again, not in this Advocate to be with them al- lifetime. ways, that is the Holy Spirit. Putting the senior client on Friends, Jesus desires that the title to her house was a big we become steadfast in the mistake because instead of befaith, to know that he abides ing able to file for Chapter 7 in us. On our part, we must relief, he can only qualify for make every effort to grow in Chapter 13 to handle the $50K an intimate relationship with of debt. We could have done him. For as I said, this per- his Chapter 7 first and wiped sonal relationship with Jesus, out the $50,000, and then if the foundation of our Chris- she still wanted to, she could tian faith, makes us bear any put his name on the title six pain and overcome any crisis months after the Chapter 7 disin life. charge date. *** But she put him on the title as Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the soon as he moved in with her. pastor of Incarnation Church in That fact changes the whole Glendale, California. ball game in terms of getting
What is the difference between...
atty. daRRiCk tan and fiancé(e) must have the ability to marry (i.e. any previous marriages were terminated by divorce or death), and 4) the petitioner and fiancé(e) must have physically met each other within 2 years of filing the K-1 fiancé(e) visa petition (certain exceptions apply to this fourth requirement). Minor unmarried children of the fiancé(e) may also come to the US under a K-2 visa classification. Upon arrival in the U.S., the fiancé(e) can immediately apply for authorization to work in the US. He/she does not have to wait until marriage to apply for work authorization. The work authorization issued to the fiancé(e) is valid for 90 days after entry. This provides the fiancé(e) the ability to immediately seek lawful employment. Once married, the spouse of the U.S. citizen can file an I-485 application for adjustment of status (from K-1 to permanent resident), and remain in the U.S. while the application is pending. At the same time the I-485 application is filed, the fiancé(e) may apply for an extended work authorization. Upon approval of the I-485 application, the fiancé(e) is granted a conditional
Termination of F1 student status...
Where one’s Christian faith rests on our relationship with Jesus. It’s why it is crucial to have a strong bond with him. All our thoughts and actions should f low from our intimate relationship with him. If our relationship with Jesus is vigorous, then nothing in this world will put us down—not even this coronavirus that affected the whole world. It’s why I always remember the scripture passage comes from the Letter of Paul to the Romans, Chapter 8:35-39: What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or peril, or the sword? No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us. For I am convinced neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor heights, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus, our Lord. Here St. Paul is telling us to remain in the love of Christ. For it is Jesus’ desire to be continuously connected to him. Remember his words, “I am the vine, you are the branches. Apart from me, you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) Our Scripture readings this Sunday speak of the need to protect our relationship with Jesus, to keep it secure always. In our First Reading (Acts 8:5-8:14-17), the disciples saw the need to send Peter and
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green card that is valid for two years, after which he/she can apply to remove the conditions on the green card. The K-1 fiancé(e) status automatically expires after 90 days. If marriage with the U.S. citizen who petitioned the fiancé(e) does not occur within that time, the fiancé(e) begins to accrue unlawful presence. Also, the fiancé(e) will be precluded from adjusting to permanent resident status in the U.S. if he/she marries another U.S. citizen (however, he/she may be able to become a permanent resident through consular processing with a provisional waiver). If you are a U.S. citizen who is planning to marry your foreign national fiancé(e), or you are someone who arrived under a K-1 fiancé(e) visa whose marriage did not take place, it is recommended you consult with an experienced attorney. *** Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to practice law in California and Nevada. Mr. Tan is a graduate of UCLA and Southwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles. Previously, He was a member of the Board of Governors of the Philippine American Bar Association. *** LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: 323-6390277. Email: info@dtanlaw.com (Advertising Supplement)
complete and submit to the USCIS Form I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, together with filing fees and supporting documents. It is recommended that the student file the application for reinstatement of F1 status within 5 months of termination of SEVIS Record. The student must explain why his SEVIS Record was terminated, how he plans to maintain F1 status, and that he will resume fulltime study. The student must also show that he does not have a record of repeated or willful violations of USCIS regulations, that he is not engaged in unauthorized employment, and that the violation of status resulted from circumstances beyond the student’s control, such as serious injury or illness, closure of the school, or natural disaster. USCIS will then make a decision on the student’s application for reinstatement by accepting the application or rejecting the same. If the student is approved for reinstatement to a new program, the student
should enroll for the new program, as stated in Form I-20. If the student is approved for reinstatement to a continuing program, the student should resume full the full course of study. If the application for reinstatement is denied by USCIS, the student should follow the instructions in the denial notice. *** ATTY. RHEA SAMSON is the principal of SAMSON LAW FIRM, P.C. She has been a member of the State Bar of California for over 15 years and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines for over 20 years. Atty. Samson received her Legal Management degree from the Ateneo de Manila University and her Juris Doctor degree from the Ateneo Law School. She was a Professor for over 10 years, teaching Obligations and Contracts, Labor Laws and Social Legislation and Taxation Law. Atty Samson is the author of The Law on Obligations and Contracts (2016), Working with Labor Laws-Revised Edition (2014) and Working with Labor Laws (2005). SAMSON LAW FIRM, P.C., 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1710, Los Angeles, CA 90010; Phone: (213) 274-4561; Email: HYPERLINK info@samsonlawfirmpc.com.
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Senior passes away right after...
the appropriate bankruptcy relief. When he came to see me the first time, I knew the $50,000 really irritated him to no end, even complaining why status when the marriage is *** PAGE B5 no valid marriage, there is found to be invalid since it is Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is he would owe $16,000 of repo no community property cre- the basis for the greencard. It a Certified Family Law Specialist. deficiency when the car has ated and properties are not can jeopardize the immigra- He was President of the Philippine been returned to the creditor. divided between the spouse. tion status of the legal perma- American Bar Association. He is Sorry, that’s the way contract Similarly, neither party can nent resident spouse. a member of both the Family law law works. I can’t blame him receive survivorship benefits *** section and Immigration law section for being stressed out. Who and inheritance rights from Please note that this article is not of th e L os A n g eles C o u n t y B a r wants to have to pay $50,000 of the other party in a Nullity. legal advice and is not intended as Association. He is a graduate of debt at the age of 90? Nobody Finally, there are different legal advice. The article is intended Southwestern University Law School I know wants this kind of fiimmigration consequences to provide only general, non-specific in Los Angeles and California State nancial stress at any age; what between a divorce and a nulli- legal information. This article is University, San Bernardino School more when you’re already 90 ty when an immigrant spouse not intended to cover all the issues of Business Administration. He has and you don’t know how much is involved. In a divorce, the related to the topic discussed. The extensive CPA experience prior to law longer you have on this earth? The client then got sick with immigrant spouse who ob- specific facts that apply to your practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH tains a greencard from a US m a t te r m ay m a ke th e o u tco m e REYES, APLC. is located at 3699 liver cancer and was given only Citizen spouse stands a big- different than would be anticipated Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, a year to live. The court conger chance of keeping his or by you. This article does create any CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or firmed his Chapter 13 case last her greencard and ultimately attorney client relationship between e-mail kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com week. Right after his case was become a US Citizen. In a you and the Law Offices of Kenneth or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw. confirmed, the client passed away. Rest in peace and I am nullity, the immigrant spouse U. Reyes, APLC This article is not a com may lose their greencard solicitation. (Advertising Supplement) sure he is happy now in heaven
with God the Father, God the Son, Jesus Christ, and God the Holy Spirit. So what happens to his Chapter 13 case, and more interestingly, what happens to his ex-wife’s house that has his name on it? And what happens to all of the $50,000 unsecured debt that he was going to pay through Chapter 13? We will discuss this at a later date. It’s really better to get rid of your debts sooner than later. Don’t wait too long. If you can qualify now for Chapter 7, just do it now. It’s harder all around if you wait until you’re 80. The spirit is willing but the body is literally too weak at 80. I have another senior client who was only 74 but on dialysis. He also passed away late last year just when the virus began to rear its ugly head. In his case, his joint debtor widow continued the plan payments. She moved in with her son and just rented out their house. It had a default of about $30,000. That was the reason for Chapter 13: to save the house from foreclosure. It was the right move, because the equity is now about $200,000 and she now gets rental income from it, which is net positive after mortgage payment. For her, things worked out. Her son asked her to move in with him and his wife and family, and she was able to keep her house from foreclosure and benefit significantly from the increase in equity. But of course, although there was that risk of dying, her husband was on the waiting list for a kidney transplant. The husband had a major heart attack at night before they went to sleep. It was too late when the paramedics arrived, he was gone. My classmate is still in a coma two months after being infected with the virus. He is
still on a ventilator and has suffered multiple mini strokes. We are praying for a miracle to get him back fully recovered and conscious again. “Ask and it will be given.” “Knock and the door will open.” If it is God’s will, he will bless my friend with a miracle of full recovery. His wife and family still need him. Businessowner with several restaurants needs Chapter 7 relief The next client is only 50. Believe me, that is young. He owns three restaurants. He sold one recently, but one of his former employees filed a lawsuit for unpaid overtime of several years. He wants to close the 2nd restaurant that is no longer profitable because of the lockdown. The problem is that he personally is on the commercial lease at $7,000 a month for five more years. So he’s on the hook for $500,000 of unpaid rent. His third restaurant is still doing ok despite the lockdown. He wants to keep that restaurant. So, this is not unusual nowadays with the pandemic still untamed here in our beautiful country. This client needs Chapter 7 relief for a fresh start with no debt but with the ability to continue operating the third restaurant. *** Disclaimer: None of the foregoing is considered legal advice. Each case is different. *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in Bankruptcy, Business, Real Estate and Civil Litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 20274 Carrey Road, Walnut, CA 91789 or 1000 S. Fremont Ave., Mailstop 58, Building A-10 South, Suite 10042, Alhambra, CA 91803. (Advertising Supplement)
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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • MAy 23-26, 2020
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B May 23-26, 2020 • La WEEKEND aSIaN JOURNaL
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