May 27-29, 2020 Volume 30 - No. 41 • 2 Sections - 14 Pages
Newsom sets strict rules as California DATELINE USA DFA: No new fatalities churches, places of worship reopen among overseas Filipinos FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
infected with COVID-19
THE Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, May 26, announced that there were no new fatalities related to COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, recorded among Filipinos abroad. The death toll remained at 328. “Today, the DFA confirms no new fatalities due to COVID-19 reported by our foreign service posts among Filipinos abroad,” the agency said. However, it reported that 18 additional Filipinos abroad contracted the virus, bringing the total number of COVID-19 cases among overseas Filipinos to 2,635. Meanwhile, 16 Filipinos, most of whom are from Asia and the Pacific and Europe, recovered from COVID-19. This raises the total number of recoveries to 905. “Just as significant, the daily rate of confirmed cases decreased with only 18 new confirmed COVID-19 cases while the daily rate of recoveries increased with 16 new
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Beleaguered at home, ABS-CBN soldiers on in North America DALY CITY, California — As they say in the entertainment industry, “The show must go on.” And while for now beleaguered ABS-CBN has been muted by the Duterte administration—President Duterte himself had publicly vowed to “close it down”– the Philippines’ leading media network’s North America arm has continued operating. ABS-CBN’s North America carrier, The Filipino Channel (TFC), operates freely, unhampered by the shutdown of its mother station in the Philippines by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC). The NTC’s cease and desist order on May 5, 2020 applies only to the use of broadcast frequency in the Philippines, ABS-CBN International Managing Director Jun del Rosario, who oversees operations in North and Latin America, explained in an email. “It doesn’t prevent ABS-CBN from continuing to do business as a corporation. We continue to produce shows. Our other businesses such as Star Cinema and Star Music can con-
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Hair salons, barbershops and some in-store shopping also reopen with strict guidelines by KLARIZE
MEDENILLA AJPress
AS the collective anxiety over the inconveniences brought forth from shelter-in-place measures skyrockets across the Golden State, California is now moving forward in reopening churches, temples, mosques
and other places of worship. Governor Gavin Newsom on Monday, May 25 gave churches and other places of worship the green light to resume in-person services, providing strict physical distancing and screening measures to prevent disease transmission.
The decision comes after the governor faced weeks of pressure from more than 1,200 California pastors who threatened to resume services this coming Sunday, May 31 regardless of the state’s rules for reopening.
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LA County opens largest virus testing site at Dodger Stadium by CHRISTINA
M. ORIEL
AJPress
MORE Los Angeles County residents can get checked for the coronavirus as the area’s largest testing site opened on Tuesday, May 26 at Dodger Stadium. Up to 6,000 people are now able to go through the drive-thru process on a daily basis, allowing the county to test more individuals than it has in the past 10 weeks. “That’s three times larger than any testing site that we have. And we’ve designed the site to move as many people as quickly through that site as possible, alleviating long wait times and long lines,” Mayor Eric Garcetti said during a news conference on Tuesday morning ahead of the site’s opening. Around 450,000 people have been tested at drive-thru sites in the city since March, he added. Dodger Stadium is one of 10 testing locations in the city and 36 in the county. In partnership with the county, LA Fire Department, the Dodgers and Community Organized Relief Effort
(CORE), LA is able to continue providing free COVID-19 tests to anyone regardless if they are exhibiting symptoms. It previously became the first major city in the country to offer testing to all its residents. “This builds on our work we’ve been doing [over the] past weeks and months,” Garcetti said. “We want testing to be easy, accessible and free for everybody here in Los Angeles.” Testing is by appointment only on the city’s site, but priority for the same or next day testing is still given to those who have symptoms, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, headaches, sore throat, or a new loss of sense of smell. Additionally, front line workers are also prioritized. The Dodger Stadium site allows individuals to remain in their cars while large screens provide instructions on how to administer the mouth swab test. Results come back anywhere between three to five days via email or phone. The parking lot at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on Tuesday, May 26 was opened up as the largest testing site in the
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county, allowing up to 6,000 individuals to now be tested each day.
AJPress photo by Christina M. Oriel
Lawmaker: New franchise for ABS-CBN instead of renewal
“The 11 bills that were filed, which were on renewal, could be by the motu propio by the comTHE Philippine House of Rep- mittee could now be converted resentatives on Tuesday, May 26, into all a new grant because we began its hearing on the fran- can’t anymore talk about renewal chise renewal of broadcast giant when there’s already an expiration of the franchise,” he said. ABS-CBN. Rodriguez on May 6 filed During the hearing, Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Rep. Ru- House Bill 6694, which seeks to fus Rodriguez pushed for a new grant ABS-CBN a new franchise. The franchise should be grantEmployees and supporters light candles at the gate of the ABS-CBN compound 25-year franchise instead of a ed in the soonest possible time so in Quezon City last May 5. Philstar.com photo by Miguel de Guzman franchise renewal for ABS-CBN. by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
it could “continue to provide uninterrupted and improved delivery of its services to the Filipino people,” the lawmaker argued. Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Mikey Arroyo, however, pointed out that a new franchise might affect the use of ABS-CBN’s broadcast frequencies. “If it’s a renewal, do they still have a right to the frequencies they hold, they used to use?
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PH Airlines raring to restart WHO sounds alarm over ‘slow’ contact tracing efforts in PH flights with new safety rules by MIGUEL
CAMUS Inquirer.net
MANILA – Local airlines battered by the COVID-19 pandemic are raring to take the skies once more. The Air Carriers Association of the Philippines (Acap) said in a statement on Tuesday that member airlines have prepared a host of safety measures as they hope to win back flyers after strict quarantine measures are lifted potentially by the end of this month. Acap is comprised of the country’s major airline groups: Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific
and Air Asia Philippines. Regular flights have been grounded since the middle of March to help stop the spread of COVID-19. “The aviation industry has always been held to a higher standard for safety and risk management versus other forms of mass transportation, and as such, processes and procedures that uphold the welfare and safety of passengers and personnel have been put in place to prevent the risk of infection from viruses and other contaminants,” Roberto “Bobby” Lim, Acap vice chair and executive director, said in
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A REPRESENTATIVE of the World Health Organization warned the national government that its sluggish contact tracing efforts were hampering the country’s progress against COVID-19. Speaking at an online forum hosted by the Philippine College of Physicians, Dr. Socorro Escalante, WHO acting representative, said: “I would say we are slow.” “We need to push harder and we really need to work harder,” she added, urging the government to double down on its efforts with the looming end of modified enhanced community quarantine at the end of May. The WHO representative said that contact tracing should be-
gin once a suspect case visits a hospital instead of upon confirmation of lab results. “By that time, we have already spread the infection to many people and that’s really very, very late,” said Escalante. The Philippine National Police last said it was tasked with heading contact tracing efforts on the LGU level. Healthcare group Coalition for People’s Right to Health earlier told Philstar.com that this “may reflect the lack of manpower by the DOH to conduct contact tracing and quarantine.” “Delay in contact tracing needs to be addressed because other- RAPID TESTING. Employees of Pasay City Hall undergo rapid testing for COVID-19 at the Pasay wise, we are not going to catch up Sports Complex on Monday, May 25. The government continues to ramp up the country’s testing
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capacity as part of efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19.
PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan
A May 27-29, 2020 • SoCal aSIaN JOURNaL
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From the Front Page
DFA: No new fatalities among overseas...
PAGE A1 recoveries, mostly from Asia and the Pacific and Europe,” the DFA said. Overall by region, Europe — which comprises 16 countries with PH Foreign Service coverage — has recorded 795 Filipino cases, including 457 undergoing treatment, 248 recoveries and 90 deaths. The Middle East and Africa,
covering 12 countries, has reported 735 cases; of which, 539 are undergoing treatment, 86 deaths and 110 recoveries. The Asia Pacific region, which spans across 12 countries, has 473 cases, with 136 under treatment, 335 recoveries, and two deaths. The Americas — covering six countries like the United States — have 632 reported cases, with
270 undergoing treatment, 212 recoveries, and 150 deaths. “The DFA, through its embassies and consulates, remains committed to continuously monitoring the status of our nationals abroad and providing assistance whenever possible, to ensure their welfare as we continue to battle against COVID-19,” it said. (Ritchel Mendiola/AJPress)
DISTANCING IN PUV. This public utility vehicle (PUV) traveling along the Emilio Aguinaldo Highway in Imus, Cavite has adapted to the government’s physical distancing requirement. Buses, jeepneys, and other modes of transportation are required to halve their passengers so that physical distancing could be maintained to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among passengers. PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.
Newsom sets strict rules as...
RETURNING HOME. Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) heading to their hometowns after completing mandatory quarantine queue at the departure area of Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 during a send-off on Tuesday, May 26. President Rodrigo Duterte earlier ordered that the 24,000 OFWs stuck in quarantine centers in Metro Manila and already tested negative for Covid-19 be sent home within one week. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan
Lawmaker: New franchise for ABS-CBN...
PAGE A1 These are just small issues under this huge umbrella issue we have. So I believe we should have many more hearings to give an explanation to the experts of ABS-CBN’s side and the oppositors,” he said. House Majority Leader Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez suggested that the committee file a substitute bill to incorporate the proposed measures. Allegations vs ABS-CBN raised once again Deputy Speaker Rodante Marcoleta dug the allegations against ABS-CBN during the hearing, claiming that the network failed to comply with the terms and conditions of its franchise, as well as with existing laws and the country’s Constitution. “In fact, they will show in the succeeding hearings in the committee of legislative franchises that ABS-CBN deliberately and with impunity violated the conditions of its legislative franchise, and more so of our laws and our Constitution,” he said.
“These allegations have been around for so long. They weren’t given attention. Why is that? Because people were scared of an influential network,” he added. Marcoleta pointed out that the network’s former president, Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III was an American citizen when he took over ABS-CBN, thus violating the Constitution, which requires 100-percent Filipino ownership and management of mass media companies. He also accused ABS-CBN of committing unfair labor practices, which consequently denied its employees the benefits required by law. “ABS-CBN has not regularized its contractual workers and talents despite performing the functions of regular workers,” Marcoleta said. “It is not a secret that ABSCBN is and will be facing numerous labor cases. What makes it worse is that ABS-CBN is not giving a contribution to the benefits [it is reaping],” he added. The Deputy speaker also brought up the use of multiple
channels on ABS-CBN’s now-expired franchise as well as the network’s “tax evasion” schemes. ABS-CBN, for its part, maintained that the network did not violate any laws. “We agree. The law is the law. And under the law, we are innocent under proven guilty. Up to now, there is no court that has determined we have broken any laws,” said ABS-CBN president and CEO Carlo Katigbak during the hearing. “The BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue) said we paid our taxes. It came from the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) that it approved the PDR issued [to us]. The Department of Justice said that the KBO (Kapamilya Box Office) is not a violation of the franchise. Meanwhile, the DOLE (Department of Labor and Employment) said we complied with the compliance orders from them,” he added in Filipino. The hearing was jointly conducted by the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability and the Committee on Legislative Franchises. n
PAGE A1 One church in San Diego even went as far as filing a lawsuit against the state for its ban on church gatherings; on Friday, May 22, a federal appeals court upheld Newsom’s ban. But Newsom’s decision on Monday also came after President Donald Trump threatened to “override” states, including California, that continued to prohibit in-person worship services. The new guidelines for churches provide caution in regards to the closeness of congregants and staff members during service, especially around the choir and church singing, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) advised. “Together our actions have helped bend the curve and reduce infections in our state,” State Public Health Officer Sonia Angell said in a statement. “As sectors continue to open with changes that aim to lower risk, remember that COVID-19 is still present in our communities.” Choir singing and group recitations are of particular concern as these spaces reopen, the CDPH said adding that these places of worship should “strongly consider discontinuing singing, group recitation, and other practices and performances where there is an increased likelihood for transmission from contaminated exhaled droplets.” The guidelines are as follows: • Religious services and funerals may host a maximum of a hundred guests or 25% of the building’s capacity (whichever is lower) • All congregants and staff are “strongly recommended” to wear face coverings over their noses and mouths when around others • Congregants should be screened for temperature and other COVID-19 symptoms as should
staff before they begin their shifts • Offering plates should not be passed around; congregants should not share items like prayer books, cushions and prayer rugs • Pews and lobbies, as well as microphones and instruments on the pulpit and podiums, should be frequently disinfected • The possibility of shortened services to reduce the time people are congregated • Seating and podium areas should be rearranged and positioned to follow physical distancing rules and keep people 6 feet apart Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, whose COVID-19 response has been among the most stringent in the country due to the virus’ significant impact on the city, said that churches should not be reopened prematurely. “Churches are among the most dangerous,” Garcetti said, referring to the close quarters in which churchgoers congregate. “I was talking to my rabbi and a bishop I’m very close to and they said even if we opened up tomorrow we would not open up. It is not responsible.” Per the state’s roadmap for reopening, the slow reopening of the state is dependent on each county’s progress in mitigating the COVID-19 crisis. As previously reported in the Asian Journal, counties that have significantly lowered the rate of infection and decreased the number of cases and deaths are allowed to move forward in the reopening plan. In addition to churches, on Tuesday, May 26, Newsom announced that some in-store shopping as well as hair salons and barbershops are allowed to resume in 47 of the 58 counties, which have been approved to move to Stage 3 of the state’s roadmap. As with the public health and safety guidelines for religious
spaces, these businesses must follow their own set of hygiene and sanitation rules: • Face coverings must be worn by all staff and customers • Remove high-touch services like magazines, coffee makers, etc • Frequently disinfect booths, stations and tools • Contact with customers before appointments to ensure they aren’t showing symptoms • Stagger out appointments to prevent crowding The 11 counties that are not moving forward to Stage 3 include the counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Imperial, Los Angeles, Marin, Monterey, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz and Tulare, either by choice or because they haven’t met the state’s criteria to advance. Newsom said in a Tuesday press briefing that nail salons would not be allowed to reopen, referencing the first known case of community spread of the COVID-19 virus was traced back to a nail salon. Other businesses listed in Stage 3 include gyms, cinemas and professional sports, but those have not been allowed to reopen as of press time. Newsom said that these changes to the roadmap are “giving you a sense that we’re making progress, that we’re moving forward and we’re not looking back.” But Newsom cautioned those who are eager to return to these public spaces and services, adding, “But we are walking into the unknown and untested, literally and figuratively. And we have to be guided by the data that brought us to this place and that is guided by these principles of openness and transparency where all of us are required to do a little more and a little better to make sure we’re protecting the spread of this virus.” n
PH Airlines raring to restart flights with...
PAGE A1 the statement. Specific measures will vary per airline but he said these will include minimized contact between passengers and airline staff, increased use of online and digital check-in and boarding and intensified cleaning and disinfection of all aircraft and facilities. Modern aircraft also come equipped with High Efficiency Particulate Air filters that capture viruses, bacteria and other contaminants with 99.99 percent efficiency, Acap noted. It said this is the same technology used in operating rooms of major tertiary hospitals. Lim said they will also follow standards set by the Department of Health, Department of Transportation and the International
Air Transport Association, the International Civil Aviation Organization, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, and the World Health Organization. Acap has also been working with government agencies on implementing other measures. These include limiting passengers inside the airport terminals to those with confirmed flights, temperature checks and mandatory use of face masks. The industry reiterated its call for financial assistance as members are bleeding billions of pesos in lost revenues and expenses. Acap has been appealing for assistance under the proposed Philippine Economic Stimulus Act via long term credit facility, working capital credit lines,
credit guarantee arrangements, and temporary relief from navigational and airport charges. “To be clear, we are not asking for a bail-out or dole-out from government,” Lim said. “The liquidity problems faced by the Philippine aviation industry are very similar to the challenges that airlines all over the world are dealing with. Airlines all over the world are already in talks with their respective governments for relief packages and inclusion in stimuli programs, many of which have already been granted,” he added. The International Air Transport Association earlier estimated losses from Philippine carriers and tourism at $4.48 billion, while job losses could reach 548,300 this year alone. n
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Dateline USa
Large screens at Dodger Stadium provide instructions on how to administer the COVID-19 test while sitting in your car . AJPress photo by Christina M. Oriel
LA County opens largest virus testing site...
PAGE A1 The county on Tuesday reported 1,843 new cases of COVID-19 and 27 additional deaths, bringing the total confirmed cases to 47,822 and 2,143 fatalities. The county’s Public Health Department said that the latest tally comprises the highest number of cases reported in a day as some of the cases are from a backlog of test results. Of the new deaths, 20 individuals were over the age of 65 years old; six people were between the ages of 41 and 65; and one person was between 18 to 40 years old. Further, 17 people had underlying health conditions in-
cluding 11 people over the age of 65 years old and six people between the ages of 41 to 65 years old. Information about race and ethnicity has been made available for 99% of cases: 39% of deaths occurred among Latino residents; 29% among White residents, 17% among Asians; 12% among African Americans and 1% among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders. Nearly 50% of the county’s deaths took place in skilled nursing facilities (47%). To date, the residents and staff at 157 facilities have been tested for the virus, while 68 more are being
scheduled. “As improved infection control practices and testing have increased over the last month, deaths among residents in nursing homes have dropped from 174 deaths for the week ending May 2, to 60 deaths for the week ending May 23. We continue to work with our partners to ensure that all facilities protect employees and residents,” county health director Barbara Ferrer said. Meanwhile down in Orange County, the total number of positive cases rose to 5,578 as 110 new incidences were reported. The death toll remains at 131. n
WHO sounds alarm over ‘slow’ contact...
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with the transmission the virus,” Escalante said. “Bottomline is we have the capacity and the system but we need to make that system function well. A half-functional system is not going to help us beat COVID-19,” she added. Despite clear and pronounced lapses in both mass testing and contact tracing, the chief implementer of the government’s re-
sponse to the pandemic went as far as saying the country was winning its fight against the new pathogen. Researchers from the University of the Philippines have warned that prematurely reopening the economy—especially without mass testing, a task the Palace said it would instead leave to the private sector—would lead to as many as 24,000 new COVID-19 cases and 1,700 deaths
by June. On Monday, the Metro Manila council revealed that all but three of the region’s mayors were in favor of graduating the National Capital Region to general community quarantine. The Philippines has so far reported 14,319 cases, with 873 deaths as of the health department’s latest tally on Monday afternoon. (Franco Luna/Philstar. com)
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A May 27-29, 2020 • SoCal aSIaN JOURNaL
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Dateline PhiliPPines
Duterte names new anti-drug chief by Catherine
S. Valente ManilaTimes.net
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has appointed a new director general of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, in a text message to The Manila Times,
said Wilkins Villanueva would replace Aaron Aquino who, in a Facebook post, thanked Duterte for the trust and confidence given to him to lead the government’s drug war for two years The president signed Villanueva’s appointment papers on May 22.
Villanueva, the seventh director general, was a retired police official who served as regional director of PDEA- Region 10 (Northern Mindanao) and was in the field of drug law enforcement for almost two decades, according to PDEA spokesman Derrick Carreon. (Darwin Pesco/ManilaTimes.net)
Duterte to local officials: Accept returning OFWs by ChriStina
Mendez
to accept them, open the gates of your territories and allow the people to travel wherever they MANILA — Saying the right want,” Duterte said. to travel is protected by the ConGomez said he has no issue stitution, President Duterte has accepting returning residents urged local officials to accept as long as they are documented the more than 24,000 returnand properly tested. Ormoc has ing overseas Filipino workers no cases of coronavirus disease (OFWs) who have completed 2019 (COVID-19) since the lockquarantine in Metro Manila. down started on March 15. Duterte appealed for compasWithout naming any local offision for fellow Filipinos, particucial, Duterte reminded local govlarly the OFWs who have been ernment units to abide by the diregarded as modern-day heroes. rectives of the Inter-Agency Task “One, in the name of humanForce on Emerging Infectious ity. Two it’s a constitutional right Diseases. and this is what weighs the most. Duterte said the national govIt is the constitutional right of ernment lays down the guidepeople to travel and go home,” lines, which should be followed Duterte said on Monday night. down to cities and municipalities After a long journey home in order to have a unified apfaced with uncertainties, these proach in the fight against COOFWs just want to be reunited VID-19. Otherwise, there will be with their families and loved confusion. ones, he said, warning of crimi“It would be difficult if you imnal offenses if the right to travel plement your own rules. There is impeded. will be chaos. If you want a mea“Do not obstruct the movesure to be implemented in your ment of people because you run local government unit, ask perthe risk of getting sued criminalmission from the Task Force because it involves many issues,” he said. Accountable Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said local chief executives who would prevent OFWs from returning home would be held accountable. Año said he would file charges against officials who would give OFWs a hard time in returning to their community. “I will make sure you will be held accountable as your refusal is not according to the orders of the President and Bayanihan Act,” Año said during the Laging Handa press briefing yesterday. He said local officials should Government personnel assist returning OFWs yesterday, as they register their personal details stop whining about the governupon arrival at the Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental. Philstar.com
ly. Because it is the national government who declared a national emergency involving a pandemic, an issue of health,” he said. Citing reports from the Overseas Welfare Workers Administration (OWWA), presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said a total of 8,922 OFWs have returned to their hometowns, bringing to 11,848 the total number who have returned to their localities. Duterte said only the national government could restrict travel in the wake of a public health emergency. “And that power to declare is not shared by anybody. It’s the national government,” he said. Duterte rebuked some local officials who opposed the return of OFWs. Ormoc Mayor Richard Gomez earlier appealed for better coordination between local governments and agencies facilitating the return of residents. “For cities that refuse to accept the OFWs, I’m ordering you
Philstar.com photo by Gerry Lee Gorit
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‘NEW NORMAL’. A customer (left) waits for her vehicle undergoing maintenance check at an auto mechanic shop along Aurora Boulevard in Quezon City on Monday, May 25. Signage reminding safe physical distancing and wearing of face masks, as well as alcohol sprayers, are put up at the shop in compliance with health protocols in business establishments set by the local governments. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler
COVID-19 cases in Philippines climb to 14,669, deaths at 886 by Gaea
Katreena Philstar.com
CabiCo
MANILA — The number of confirmed coronavirus infections in the Philippines soared to 14,669 after the Department of Health reported a huge increase in the number of new cases on Tuesday, May 26. The DOH reported 350 additional cases more than a week since the national government began easing restrictions on movement nationwide. This is the highest single-day tally since April 6 when the country recorded 414 additional cases. In a DOH briefing, Dr. Takeshi Nishijima, World Health Organization Western Pacific regional office technical officer, said the number of newly-reported cases
in the Philippines “is not rapidly decreasing even after the strict implementation of community quarantine.” “In the Philippines, we are seeing the new number of cases, which is kind of stabilized a bit. We are hoping that it will decrease in the future. But for that, I think we need to be prepared to continue what we do right now,” Nishijima said as he urged Filipinos to stay home, observe physical distancing and practice cough etiquette and frequent handwashing. Eighty-nine more people recovered from COVID-19, pushing the number of people who have survived the respiratory disease to 3,412. But the DOH recorded 13 additional deaths related to CO-
VID-19. This brought to 886 the country’s fatality count. The number of number of active cases stood at 10,371 Tuesday, the agency added. Currently, there are 42 licensed laboratories capable of processing samples for COVID19 nationwide. As of May 24, a total of 301,677 tests have been conducted in the country. President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to make a decision this week on whether or not Metro Manila and other high-risk areas of COVID-19 transmission will shift to more relaxed general community quarantine. The coronavirus pandemic has killed 346,269 people worldwide with the global caseload approaching 5.5 million. n
Go pushes bills that will boost healthcare system by JaVier
J. iSMael ManilaTimes.net
AS the country continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic, Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go batted for legislation that will further strengthen the country’s healthcare system. The chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography filed Senate Bill (SB) 1226, or the proposed “DoH Hospital Bed Capacity and Service Capability Rationalization Act,” which aims to authorize the Department of Health (DoH) to increase the bed capacity and service capability of its retained hospitals and to allow it to draw up evaluation and approval guidelines. “We will help the DoH to improve its hospitals so it could provide better medical services for the Filipinos,” Go said. If SB 1226 is enacted, the DoH must come up with the Philippine Health Facility Development Plan to guide the modernization and development plans of all government health facilities. Go also filed SB 1259 or the “Mandatory Quarantine Facilities Act of 2020,” which mandates the establishment of quarantine facilities in every region in the country, as well as a bill seeking to strengthen efforts in disease surveillance and epidemiologic investigation. SB 1528 aims to amend Republic Act 11332 or the “Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act.”
Sen. Bong Go
The same bill also establishes subnational laboratories in all DoH-run regional hospitals so they can undertake testing, diagnosis, control and prevention of infectious diseases. Local government units may also establish their own laboratories and/or partner with private hospitals and laboratories in the conduct of infectious disease surveillance provided that the laboratories shall be duly accredited and approved by the DoH. Go also filed SB 1451, or the “Medical Reserve Corps Act of 2020,” which seeks to establish a medical reserve corps (MRC) composed of all persons who have degrees in medicine, nursing, medical technology and other health-related fields but have yet to earn their licenses to
ManilaTimes.net photo
practice. The members of the MRC can be mobilized to assist the government during national emergencies. The four measures seek to complement the implementation of the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Program, which envisions equitable economic development in all regions by ensuring that Filipinos in both urban and rural areas are provided adequate healthcare. “Once we have well-equipped hospitals with increased bed capacities in the provinces, sufficient medical workers, and proper protocols in place for future health emergencies, we can assure Filipinos that a better life is waiting for them wherever they are in the country,” the senator said. n
Beleaguered at home, ABS-CBN soldiers on in... PAGE A1
tinue to produce content. Skycable continues to operate. The CDO has no bearing on the continued distribution of TFC around the world,” del Rosario clarified. Del Rosario expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support TFC is receiving from subscribers who were initially worried TFC’s operations would stop. The network’s North America employees are still on the job, their morale remaining “hopeful that (the Philippine) Congress will move forward with the renewal,” del Rosario added. In the Philippines, Carlo Katigbak, the network’s Chief Executive Officer assured the continued payment of salaries for its 11,000 workers in the next three months, but recently warned that “retrenchment” may begin in August if the franchise renewal is delayed. The company is reportedly losing P30-35 million in daily revenues since the shutdown. Del Rosario said they were surprised and dismayed by the NTC’s immediate shutdown order because the commission had told the House of Representatives that it would issue “a provisional authority to operate at least until
June 2022.” Del Rosario cited an NTC March 16 memo stating that the network would be granted a provisional permit to operate beyond the franchise’s May 4 expiration. The memo included telecommunications as one of the basic necessities during the quarantine period. ABS-CBN’s management has publicly responded to the Duterte administration’s allegations, including in recent congressional hearings. Nonetheless, the network’s leadership, del Rosario said, had prepared contingency plans as part of risk management. “It is true that a franchise is a privilege and not a right. And ABS-CBN, in its 65 years of existence, has proven time and again that it takes that privilege seriously. The reason for our existence is to serve Filipinos wherever they may be. That is a privilege that we take to heart,” del Rosario stated. But he said the shutdown was an affront to press freedom. “All voices need to be heard in a healthy democracy as any forced closure of any media organization is not only a blow to press free-
dom but a threat to democracy.” US State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus expressed the same concern: “An independent media plays a critical role in facilitating the open exchange of information and ideas which is vital to free, prosperous and secure democratic societies.” In a related development, San Mateo County Supervisor David Canepa of District 5, where TFC offices in Daly City are located, wrote President Duterte and furnished the Philippine House of Representatives a letter dated May 22, 2020 urging the granting of a 25-year franchise to ABSCBN. Canepa said that the shutdown cuts off the most marginalized and poorest communities are from critical information that is essential to their survival especially in the face of the current pandemic. In a subsequent email, Canepa said: “Outside of the Philippines my district has one of the highest concentrations of Filipinos in the United States. I heard from many that they thought ABS-CBN is being treated poorly. I agree.” (Jun Nucum/Inquirer.net)
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PNP: Anti-drug operations ‘will be unrelenting as ever’ MANILA — Anti-narcotics operations will continue even as the country deals with the COVID-19 pandemic and the police are in the lead of enforcing quarantine, the chief of the Philippine National Police said on Tuesday, May 26. Joint Task Force COVID Shield, the police and military body in charge of making sure that health measures like a ban on non-essential travel and curfews, previously said that more police officers would be deployed as most of the country shifts to a General Community Quarantine. “Even with the ongoing health crisis, police anti-illegal drugs operations will continue without let-up and will be unrelenting as ever,” Police Gen. Archie Gamboa said. A VERA Files report that Philstar.com carried on Sunday tallied 53 drug-related killings since Metro Manila was put under an Enhanced Community Quarantine on March 15. The ECQ was expanded to cover Luzon and local governments in Visayas and Mindanao announced their own quarantine restrictions. VERA Files noted that not all of the killings were the result of police operations. “Of the 53 drug-related killings we have recorded, 42 were committed by state agents, often those from the police force.
But there were five instances when soldiers from the Armed Forces of the Philippines or officials from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency were with the police during operations. Buy-bust operations account for 39 deaths. Three of the suspects were killed in unplanned operations,” the report reads. Tokhang suspended Earlier in mid-March, though, Police Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas, Metro Manila police chief, said that Oplan Tokhang would be suspended amid the quarantine of Manila. “Oplan Tokhang is out for now. We [are] momentarily silent on that because the focus right now is on quarantine,” Sinas said in Filipino at a press conference. “We’ll let them be for now. If you’re inside, you won’t get any supply. Supposedly they’ll be in their houses. We don’t want to contribute to the outrage of the people first,” he added. Oplan Tokhang, which directly translates to “plan to knock and appeal” is the national police’s strategy of visiting suspected “drug personalities” in their homes to ask them to surrender. The term has since been associated to the thousands of killings linked to the anti-drug campaign. The government has repeatedly said that extrajudicial killings are not state policy and that those killed in law enforce-
ment operations gave authorities no choice but to shoot them dead. A human rights situationer published by the Philippine Human Rights Information Center in 2019 referred to the country as “the killing state” with a tendency to “test the extremes of violence and impunity.” Gamboa made the statement on what would have been the birthday of the young boy murdered in the course of a law enforcement operation and who authorities initially accused of being a “runner” for drug syndicates. In November 2018, Caloocan Regional Trial Court Branch 125 sentenced PO3 Arnel Oares, PO1 Jeremias Pereda and PO1 Jerwin Cruz to reclusion perpetua or up to 40 years in prison with no possibility of parole. Closed-circuit television camera footage used as evidence in the trial showed that Delos Santos was dragged by the police officers towards Tullahan River, where he was later found dead in a kneeling position. The court said there was no chance for Delos Santos, a minor, to defend himself. “He was in a sitting position, covering his head with his hands and pleading, ‘sir, huwag po (sir, please don’t),’” the decision read. (Franco Luna/Philstar. com)
Duterte to local officials: Accept...
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ment’s decision to send OFWs home. Año admitted that the protocol of informing local officials three days prior to the arrival of stranded people was not followed in the case of OFWs. He said local officials should not use this as a reason to complain, but instead impose health and safety measures like placing in quarantine OFWs with symptoms of the disease. Meanwhile, displaced OFWs who have returned home may start planning their business venture or other alternative source of livelihood. The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said it is ready to resume its livelihood program for displaced OFWs. “OWWA will resume the Balik-Pilipinas, Balik-Hanapbuhay (BPBH) livelihood program
for OFWs who are OWWA members,” OWWA chief Hans Cacdac said. Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, who chairs the OWWA board, ordered the resumption of the livelihood program. Bello earlier ordered the enhancement of the BPBH to make it more responsive to OWWA members. Beneficiaries of the livelihood assistance will be provided P20,000 in cash assistance, including entrepreneurial training and provision of a starter kit. Under the program, OWWA offers additional assistance to its member-beneficiaries by referring potential marketing linkages and partnering with other government institutions. Bello said if the cash grant will not be sufficient, the government is ready to provide interest-free loans to displaced OFWs. Legal action
A group of OFWs is preparing to take legal action against the government for posting online the names of returning migrants who tested negative for COVID. Migrante International demanded the immediate dismissal from government of people behind the release of the names of OFWs. “While we support the use of digital means to expedite the process, it should never be at the cost of breaking the rights to privacy of the OFWs,” Migrante said. “Worst, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has been publishing on its social media account Google Drive Link, which has no online security to safeguard sensitive data,” the group said. (With reports from Edith Regalado, Emmanuel Tupas, Mayen Jaymalin, Cecille Suerte Felipe/Philstar.com)
SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • MAy 27-29, 2020
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OpiniOn & Features
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Remember Marawi MUSLIMS celebrated Eid’l Fitr, marking the end of the monthlong Ramadan fast, from Saturday night until Sunday, May 24. The event coincided with the third anniversary of the start of the five-month siege of Marawi, which was launched by extremist Maute militants. In September 2017, the military confirmed that Abdullah Maute had been killed in an airstrike in August. His brother Omar was shot dead together with Abu Sayyaf commander Isnilon Hapilon in the battle to liberate Marawi on Oct. 16. While the three leaders were neutralized, the siege that involved airstrikes and heavy artillery shelling as well as close-quarters combat flattened nearly the entire city. When the smoke finally cleared and the damage to the city assessed, there was general agreement that rebuilding would be a tough undertaking. Even with low expectations, however, those displaced by the conflict have expressed disappointment over the pace of rehabilitation of Marawi.
Last March, less than two weeks before the government imposed a Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine due to the coronavirus pandemic, Malacañang received complaints about the slow reconstruction effort. This prompted President Duterte to designate new housing chief Eduardo del Rosario as pointman for Task Force Bangon Marawi. Del Rosario’s mission is not merely to provide decent housing for approximately 40,000 families displaced by the siege, but also to coordinate efforts to ensure the viability of the reconstructed areas. There are no more people housed in evacuation centers, but projects meant to help residents get back on their feet were delayed “by circuitous approval process in the bureaucracy,” according to a Malacañang statement. That was before the pandemic. Now that much Philstar.com photo of the activities across the country have been paralyzed by the coronavirus crisis, what will happen to the Marawi reconstruction effort? tion moves at snail’s pace, the biggest concern is Extremism thrives in a crisis. If the reconstruc- that the militants inspired by the terrorist Islamic
Editorial
State will be able to rebuild their ranks faster than devastated Marawi. (Philstar.com)
Christian leaders call out Trump for putting politics over public health: We don’t need to open churches to practice our faith. We will wait.
The Fil-Am Perspective Gel SantoS-ReloS WITHOUT the constitutional authority to do so, President Donald Trump on Friday, May 22 “ordered” state leaders to allow churches and places of worship to open immediately, starting last Sunday. This came after asking the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to hold off the publication of guidelines that will help them safely re-open. White House officials told the Washington Post that Trump did not want to displease the evangelical ministers who have been supporting him, and so the CDC was made to modify the guidelines without consultation with church leaders on the real health and safety concerns. “If they don’t do it, I will override the governors,” Trump threatened. After Trump’s bizarre announcement, church leaders have been sharing their perspectives on the issue as the world continues to fight the war against COVID-19, which, has infected more than 5.495 million people and killed 346,232 and counting, as of press time on Tuesday, May 26. Let me share with you some of these perspectives and may they help you in your discernment on what to do as true Christians. “Bishops from the Washington State Catholic Conference: “We will wait.” ”We want to let you know the public celebration of Mass was suspended, not out of fear, but out of our deepest respect for human life and health,” reads a Friday statement signed by several bishops in a “unified response.” “While we share the desire to bring people back to Mass as quickly as possible, we will wait to schedule our public worship when
it is safe and we are prepared to do so,” the statement read. The bishops’ statement added that the state conference follows guidance from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Thomistic Institute, along with public health experts, and that is working to develop a plan with Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D) for a safe reopening. “Parishes must create an environment that is not only safe, but is liturgically reverent,” the bishops said, adding that there is no current date established for Mass gatherings resuming in the state.” (As reported by The Hill) “Mr. President, we don’t need to open churches to practice our faith...” “Who says that religious organizations haven’t already been providing ‘essential’ services without this presidential ‘blessing?’ I am a Roman Catholic priest in the Passionist Community serving, at the moment, in New York. During this pandemic I have buried the dead at cemeteries — with limited family members present. I have prayed with people via FaceTime and Zoom. I even heard a confession in a supermarket parking lot. “Priests with whom I live have blessed the sick and dying in hospitals and nursing homes. We have also celebrated virtual Masses and prayer services for countless of the faithful. “The churches in my area have been open for individual prayer, Benediction services and Stations of the Cross, and social distancing is strongly encouraged. Priests have even paraded in processions in neighborhoods with the Blessed Sacrament in order to bring elements of the church service out to the faithful. Similarly, rabbis and imams whom I know have been doing the equivalent with their respec-
tive religious congregations. That is all ‘religious service.’ “What most of us have not done is put ourselves and our parishioners in danger by gathering in large groups for Mass or other religious services ‘as usual.’ That would have been — and would continue to be, in this time of contagion — irresponsible and sinful. It would also violate the right to life of many. Yes, responsible action with regard to religious organizations during this pandemic is a right-to-life issue. This is a right that needs to apply to those who live after birth, too.” - Fr. Edward Beck, interviewed on CNN “Dear Trump, your call to allow all churches to reopen was dangerous. Sincerely, two evangelicals.” “Before any church opens its doors, leaders must spend time setting up policies and guidelines that protect those who will be in attendance using the best science and guidance available. “As leaders who have navigated pastors through natural disasters in the past, we provided a checklist for reopening churches. For instance, we recommend churches reach out to their insurance company to make sure they aren’t putting their congregation financially at risk. Churches also need to be able to secure proper sanitation supplies that would help prevent the possible spread of the coronavirus. “Leaders need to recruit and train volunteers to guide the reopening process, such as helping with social distance measures. Leaders especially need to communicate to attendees about possible policy or procedural changes, such as how Communion might look different. “We encourage faith leaders to look to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which
Returning heroes
Demand and Supply Boo ChanCo THOUSANDS of OFWs are returning home as the economies of their host countries suffer serious downturns due to the coronavirus pandemic, and it is a sad homecoming. They lost their jobs, no job prospects here. They are also having a tough time getting to their home provinces due to bureaucratic delays in processing their quarantine paperwork. No way to treat returning modern day heroes. Good thing the President gave the bureaucrats an ultimatum to get them home in three days. The OFWs are coming home in droves, straining the quarantine facilities of the government. Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Sarah Lou Arriola reported that 28,589 OFWs have returned to the country as of May 21. More OFWs are expected to be back because they have been laid off by their employers as lockdown closed many businesses. Some 300,000 OFWs are expected to
return to the Philippines this year, DILG Secretary Eduardo Año told ABS-CBN’s TeleRadyo. Particularly hard hit are Filipinos working in cruise ships. Many of them are waiting for their cruise ship companies to fly them back to Manila from various ports worldwide. Philippine Airlines had been kept busy flying to exotic ports like Barbados and Miami to bring the Pinoy seamen home. Because jobless OFWs abroad need help, close to 86,000 of them have been extended assistance by the labor department through the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs) in 40 posts across the globe. Those qualified were granted the one-time P10,000 cash assistance from the P1.5-billion emergency aid program for OFWs who were displaced from their jobs due to lockdowns in their host countries or stranded by the community quarantine in the Philippines. OFWs who are stranded in their job sites and/or experience “no work, no pay” due to the pandemic since March 1, are also eligible for the cash aid. According to the World Bank,
money sent home by Filipinos working abroad reached a record $30.1 billion last year, equal to about 10 percent of the country’s gross domestic product. The BSP’s baseline assumption is that remittances will grow three percent this year, BSP assistant governor Iluminada Sicat was quoted in a Bloomberg story. However, she added that with some OFWs being sent home, the bank now is “seeing some contraction in remittances by about 0.2 to 0.8 percentage point,” with further declines possible as the pandemic continues. The World Bank predicts remittances to the Philippines will fall about 13 percent this year, Dilip Ratha, senior financial economist in Washington, said in an e-mailed reply to questions from Bloomberg. Remittances from OFWs have saved our economy for years. What was supposed to be a temporary strategy of sending workers abroad started during the Marcos years became a permanent part of our economy. OFWs provided a steady stream of foreign exchange, helping offset the widening trade gap and
has new guidance, for how best to respond. We have also regularly encouraged church leaders to look to local officials and authorities, including public health agencies, for direction. “Unfortunately, public health guidance from the federal government has been confusing. Early draft guidelines for houses of worship that were direct and concrete ultimately were shelved after much debate in the White House and replaced with less concrete guidelines on Friday. For example, the new guidelines do not make recommendations about important questions pastors are navigating, such as whether singing is safe or logistics of how people should gather in the building. “Friday’s announcement makes it harder for leaders to look to federal agencies as trusted resources based on how Trump already has used his executive authority. He has minimized voices who hold differing views (such as suppressing earlier CDC guidelines for faith communities), he goes against current medical knowledge by saying he would take malaria medication that scientists have warned against using to treat the virus, and he refuses to wear face masks in public. “Trump’s pronouncement corrupts our country’s ability to respond justly to this pandemic by putting politics over public health. The purpose appeared to be aimed at reaching evangelicals and Catholics, who will be valuable voters in the coming election. “Several faith leaders we have spoken with say people in their congregations, who already are under emotional strain, express a range of opinions about wanting to come back to church buildings. Some will stay away until there is a vaccine, and
some want to be (or have been) back the minute it’s possible. “If we gather and cause community outbreaks, as happened in a large church in South Korea, and this week here in the United States in Georgia, Texas and Arkansas, it risks people’s lives. We must care for others in how we reopen. “In some places in the country, starting to gather in person can be done cautiously, wisely and with joy. Those of us who live in areas where caution remains high can continue to be creative in worship, in supporting each other, and in serving our community. If we choose to emphasize the impact on our rights over the public health impact of our gathering, we diminish our love for our neighbor. “As the Apostle Paul once wrote, ‘I have the right to do anything,’ you say — but not everything is beneficial. ‘I have the right to do anything’ — but not everything is constructive.’ “During the states’ lockdowns, many Christians expressed frustration at seeing liquor stores remain open and categorized as “essential” while houses of worship had to close their doors. Of course houses of worship remain crucial to the lives of many people and provide key resources to their communities. Churches are absolutely essential, but gathering in person is not yet.” -Kent Annan and Jamie Aten in the Washington Post (Kent Annan is director of Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership at Wheaton College. Jamie Aten is founder and executive director of the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton.) “All these preventive actions are ways of caring for the other person--that is, ways of loving.” “Churches are indeed essential for Christians and the desire to worship together is a holy desire.
But holy though your desire may be, it’s not just about you and your desire. It’s about protecting the other person, especially if you are, like many people, asymptomatic. Wearing masks, maintaining social distance, and even not gathering in churches, protects the other person. “There have already been confirmed cases in Texas and Minnesota where Catholic churches have opened and the priests were found to have been unknowingly infected. Coming into contact with their parishioners, and exposing them to infection, may end up causing death...... especially among the most vulnerable--the elderly, who are in many denominations the majority of churchgoers. “I’m not sure why this is so hard to understand. If you have the measles and a doctor tells you, “Don’t go to church because you might infect a woman who is pregnant,” you don’t rail at your doctor for “impinging on your freedom. What does the loving person do? You listen to the doctor, and stay home, even though it’s a sacrifice, as a way of protecting the other person. All these preventive actions are ways of caring for the other person — that is, ways of loving.” -James Martin, SJ on Twitter (Jesuit priest, editor at large @ Americamag, author of ‘Jesus: A Pilgrimage’ and ‘Building a Bridge,’ consultor to the Dicastery for Communication @VaticanNews) ***
limit the current account deficit. Remittances also provided the strong purchasing power that fueled a boom in our economy. Due to the worldwide pandemic, Manny Geslani, an old hand in the manpower export business, said only the Balik-Mangagawa medical personnel have been deployed for new hires since last March. Even before the pandemic, Geslani said, re-hires last year had taken a 50 percent drop due to poor economies in the Middle East. Only Taiwan and Hong Kong markets were not affected. With the resurgence of protests in Hong Kong, the future of that market for our workers is in doubt. We will be severely challenged by a serious unemployment problem with returning OFWs, local businesses closing due to the lockdowns and new graduates joining the labor force. If this government knows what’s good for us, it will move faster in improving our investment climate. There had been long pending proposals to amend laws to better attract investors. But nothing much has moved in Congress. We are also losing the contest to attract companies leaving China to Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia. An economic emergency with serious social stability implications
is in the offing. The economic managers have good proposals, but the politicians tend to water those down for their self-interest. Hopefully there is more patriotism among the legislators as they tackle the well thought out proposals from DOF and NEDA. Otherwise, we have big problems ahead. Crony bailout? With the government desperately trying to scrape up money from its various agencies to beef up the coronavirus fund, guess what the Department of Energy is planning to do? It wants to buy 10 percent of the Malampaya shares acquired by Dennis Uy from Chevron. That will cost the taxpayers some $56 million or some P2.8 billion. That’s also equivalent to the premium over book value Uy paid when he bought the shares. PNOC-EC already has a 10 percent share in Malampaya that was acquired years ago. That enables government access to inside knowledge of what’s going on with the project. Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi doesn’t need the additional shares now. It is obviously to help a crony who could use some cash these days. Didn’t Cusi sell his Starlight logistics/shipping company to
Dennis Uy some years ago? Actually, Cusi earlier announced the plan to buy Malampaya shares from Uy was a done deal. He later retracted that, saying the COVID crisis prevented completion of the deal. But he said he would find ways to advance the planned transaction. That purchase is not without risk. We are talking here of a nearly exhausted gas reserve. While technology can squeeze out some more gas from it, that’s not a guarantee. Drilling new wells in the hope Malampaya can be productive beyond 2024 is a speculative and expensive venture specially with the collapse in world oil prices. Probably that’s why Uy wanted to minimize his exposure. If Cusi is protecting the interest of the people, he would have asked Uy and Shell for a carried interest, meaning additional free shares in exchange for an extension of the concession agreement. Finance Secretary Sonny Dominguez should have a say on “investments” like this. Sweetheart deal, if we ever saw one and at the worst possible time. (Philstar.com)
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.
*** Boo Chanco’s e-mail address is bchanco@gmail. com. Follow him on Twitter @boochancov
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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SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • MAy 27-29, 2020
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CLASS OF 2020: Fil-Am students across the country share what it’s like to graduate during a pandemic
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rADUATION season is upon us but it’s not what students had anticipated. For graduates of the Class of 2020, this step in their academic journey is unprecedented as the pandemic forced them to shift their last semester online and leave campus abruptly without proper closure and spending the final weeks counting down with their peers. Walking across the commencement stage is symbolic of the years of hard work they put in to obtain their degrees. It’s also a moment of pride to be witnessed by and shared with their family and friends. However, instead of the senior week traditions, caps and gowns, and large-scale ceremonies, students across the country are marking their milestones during this extraordinary time at home or will have to wait longer for a physical celebration at a later date. From virtual commencements to car parades, the Asian Journal interviewed Filipino and Filipino American students about how they spent their big day and what’s next for them. Jose Alaras, 22 | University of Southern California Hometown: Topeka, Kansas Degree: B.S. in Biochemistry & B.A. in Spanish “Although the festivities were relocated to a livestream, it was quite difficult for me and my peers to gain any sense of closure during our virtual celebration. All of us worked years to succeed in our classes and all of that hard work culminated into a recorded livestream where the celebration felt distant and removed. The pandemic is obviously of higher priority, and the health risks simply would be too severe to warrant our in-person commencement in May. Nevertheless, I wish we had experienced the celebration as a USC community, surrounded by friends and family before receiving our diplomas. Instead, my parents threw a celebration at home for my graduation. Although this graduation season was far from what I envisioned, I am thankful to have been able to celebrate with my family — they truly are my motivation and I was honestly more excited to show my parents how thankful I was for all their sacrifices for sending me to USC.” Future plans: Attend University of Kansas School of Medicine in the fall to begin journey toward becoming a doctor Monica Chernoff, 22 | Occidental College Hometown: Palos Verdes, CA Degree: B.A. in Psychology (Minor in Sociology and Gender, Women and Sexualities Studies) “Occidental College sent a survey to the current seniors on different options for the graduation ceremony. As a result, Occidental is having one virtual ceremony where they are sending graduation boxes in June and planning to have another in-person graduation ceremony sometime next year for those who want to attend. Even though we have these options, it does not make up the experience of graduating with your entire college class and receiving the diploma in front of your family. Graduating college is a significant milestone for all students and their families. In addition, not having the traditional celebration is heartbreaking and makes us feel not recognized for all of our hard work and efforts. What I feel like I missed out on the most is the last few weeks hanging out with your college friends. We were not able to have senior celebration banquets, go on senior trips, and say proper goodbyes to other peers and teachers. I am a college athlete and my water polo season was cut short. I was heartbroken to miss out on many exciting things as a senior captain: senior day, the opening of our new pool, and just playing more water polo. Despite missing out on so many things, my family and friends have been so supportive. For my graduation day, my family and I did a little ceremony at home and had different zoom calls. I learned to still be proud and grateful for my college education, family, and health.” Future plans: Start the marriage and family therapy graduate program at the University of Southern California this July Marcelle Cruzado, 21 | University of Nevada, Las Vegas Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada Degree: B.S. in Business Administration - International Business “The Lee Business School handled the transition to virtual learning very well, in my opinion. In this time of uncertainty, the professors and faculty made sure to communicate with their students and be direct about any potential next steps for the future. While I did not have the senior year that I expected, the Lee Business School, the Honors College, and the student organizations I am involved with all celebrated their students through a YouTube video, social media, or Zoom! In addition, the Lee Business School has postponed their graduation, to be determined.” Future plans: Pursue an MBA with a concentration in management information systems at UNLV Elvelyn Fernandez, 22 | Georgetown University Hometown: Honolulu, HI Degree: B.S. in Biology “Since my freshman year, I performed at the annual l’au and bayanihan showcase for my university’s Hawaii Club and Club Filipino, so I was looking forward to performing for the last time as a senior. My university is postponing our in-person graduation to a currently unknown date. During the day graduation was scheduled to happen, they streamed a virtual graduation ceremony, which felt pretty anticlimactic especially because I am not physically on campus with my friends. Fortunately, I was able to celebrate with my family back home as they gave me leis and hosted a large Filipino lunch for everyone in our house.” Future plans: Perform research or work in a clinical setting before applying to medical school; ultimate goal is to become an oncologist Michelle Gutierrez, 21 | University of California, Santa Barbara Hometown: Cerritos, California Degree: B.A. in Political Science “I think the most heartbreaking part of it is that my mother, who helped me go to college, won’t be able to see me walk through that stage and get my degree. I’m sad I won’t be able to see all my friends in our cap and gowns and cry during our commencement. It was a moment of happiness that was abruptly taken away from us. I’m still trying to cope with the idea that we won’t have a graduation, but I know that it’s a necessity and it’s out of everyone’s control. I also truly wished I could have experienced my Pilipino Graduation ceremony. Our loved ones present our Filipino flag stoles to us and everyone gets a one minute speech dedicated to whoever they want. I was ready to dedicate the ceremony to my mom and to all my friends who were with me through my journey in college. My housemates and I still plan to dress up in our cap and gowns to take pictures in our house. We also plan to have our own little ceremony by handing out fake diplomas and playing the graduation music while video chatting our families.” Future plans: Move back to hometown and continue job search
Jared Ortaliza, 21 | University of California, Los Angeles Hometown: Glendale, CA Degree: B.S. in Human Biology and Society; Minor in Asian American Studies “Fortunately, UCLA was a bit more responsive to students’ critiques of transitioning to a solely digital ceremony and gave seniors a survey as to whether we would eventually want to hold an in real-life ceremony in the coming months after the COVID-19 crisis is over. Not being able to walk in a real-life ceremony is underwhelming, given that it’s the culmination of four years worth of hard work and an opportunity to celebrate that with the people who have supported me along the way. However, I ultimately know that sense of accomplishment does not come from a piece of paper and that regardless of the events, I still find satisfaction that I was able to graduate from university. I feel like the experience I missed out on most was getting to say goodbye to my friends — there were many last meetings I didn’t know I had that when news of a virtual spring quarter broke out. I keep in touch with many of my friends, but having a proper in person send off for all of us would have prevented our last time seeing each other from feeling so abrupt. My graduation is the same week as my birthday…I may hold a family dinner at home with my mom and dad! We can’t do too much because of quarantine but it’s the best we can do for now.” Future plans: Apply for a Fulbright Scholarship to do research on the Southeast Asian governmental response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and eventually a graduate degree in public policy to help support progressive policymaking Nathaniel Padre, 28 | Columbia University Hometown: Seattle, WA/Pasadena, CA Degree: B.A. in Evolutionary Biology of the Human Species “I didn’t think much of it until I experienced it. I attended graduation at Columbia last year, and I remember the proud feeling I experienced of my friends walking across the stage. I really wanted my parents to feel that for me. While I don’t particularly feel robbed or upset, because I find it necessary, but I do feel like I’ve missed out. Hopefully this will be remedied soon with the possible in-person graduation ceremony. My family thought it was appropriate to have a kamayan feast, but in my absence. ‘Kamayan’ is ‘eating with the hands’ in the Philippines and also refers to a type of feast in which large portions of various Filipino foods are served on top of banana leaves that you eat with your hands. Unfortunately, I’ve been quarantining on my own on campus in NYC so that I don’t possibly bring the virus to my family. I watched them eat and celebrate my graduation on my behalf through Facetime.” Future plans: Take a gap year and search for medical-related positions for experience before applying to medical schools next year Roderick Perez, 22 | Fordham University Hometown: East Brunswick, NJ Degree: B.S. in Marketing “I think Fordham handled our graduation well. Instead of outright canceling the ceremony, our achievements were celebrated virtually through a livestream while our in-person graduation was postponed. Knowing that some other colleges canceled formal graduation ceremonies altogether, I’m grateful for how my university handled the situation with how meaningful in-person graduation would be for many of us…I think the feeling of graduating occurs when we walk across the stage alongside our peers and receive our diplomas. Since my time at college ended abruptly, alongside not experiencing Senior Week events or an in-person graduation, part of me still feels like I’ll return to my regular college life after the pandemic. The lack of a transition made the end of my college career feel incomplete.” Future plans: Seek employment at a marketing agency Alicia Gabrielle Puzon, 21 | California State University, Northridge Hometown: Makati City, Philippines Degree: B.A. in Journalism & Public relations (Minor in Communication Studies); Dean Scholar for Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication “CSUN postponed the ceremony until further notice. Depending on the situation, they might move it to December of this year or spring next year. Thankfully, CSUN and all the individual colleges within the university held their own ‘virtual’ celebration of sorts. The university prepared a celebration video with messages from school officials, while the journalism department sent out congratulatory email blasts. I admit, it’s a bit disheartening to have all the festivities cancelled. While I understand the reasons behind all the postponements, it’s still a bit disappointing. Originally, my family was supposed to come here from the Philippines and we were all supposed to celebrate together, but because of the travel risks, that had to be cancelled. I know that the ceremony is just a formality, but knowing that the class of 2020 ended their studies at home while entering a scary economy makes the whole situation all the more discouraging. Nevertheless, I was still able to celebrate in my own little way — my sister, her boyfriend, and I ordered takeout and ate together during graduation day, and we Facetimed my relatives.” Future plans: Look for a job in public relations or journalism before student visa expires Jacqueline Rafael, 23 | St. John’s University Hometown: New Hyde Park, NY Degree: Doctor of Pharmacy “We will have an online virtual slideshow graduation on May 30. But it was devastating since I was in school for six years! I wish I experienced pharmacy ‘formal’ with all my classmates. I will celebrate with a party with my family.” Future plans: Take the three New York state board exams to become a registered pharmacist and continue to work for CVS Caroline Raquel, 21 | University of Pennsylvania Hometown: Los Angeles, CA Degree: B.S. in Economics with a concentration in finance and B.S.E. in Bioengineering “Penn rescheduled our in-person commencement to May 22 and 23, 2021, a week after the Class of 2021’s commencement. During graduation weekend, they posted pre-recorded graduation videos of the deans’ speeches and awards. It is a disappointing way to end such a momentous occasion. However, with the current state of the world, there are much worse things happening and I feel lucky to be home and safe with my family. Penn does Senior Week, the week between finals and graduation, with tons of fun activities and parties. I wish my friends and I got a proper goodbye since most of us left campus during spring break thinking we would be coming back in a few weeks. My family surprised me with a surprise parade outside my house. It was wonderful to be able to celebrate with family and friends even if through car windows and masks.” Future plans: Start first job as an associate at Innovation Lab at KPMG U.S. in New York this September; working remotely in LA until NYC reopens, most likely until 2021 Continued on Page 3
From Page 2
CLASS OF 2020...
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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - May 27, 2020
Julio Sabangan, 26 | Rutgers University - Newark Hometown: Little Ferry, NJ Degree: B.A. in Video Production “Since I graduated at the end of the fall semester, I was fortunate enough to receive my diploma in the mail around April. I wished they had the ‘pre-graduation’ festival in the quad. I would have attended that. I sat at home with a plate of food, a cup of coffee, and had my family surrounding the television while we waited many, many hours for my name to appear on the screen. As you can see, my name starts with an ‘S.’” Future plans: Venture into voice acting and video editing for television/films and advertising agencies Stephanie Sison, 22 | New York University Hometown: Lancaster, Pennsylvania Degree: B.A. in Economics (Minor in Business of Entertainment, Media, and Technology) “I felt cheated to not graduate in Yankee Stadium alongside my fellow Class of 2020. I have looked forward to walking across the stage these past four years, and have dreamt of throwing my cap in the air with family, friends, and professors by my side. Aside from commencement in Yankee Stadium, I wish I could have experienced our Senior Cruise, NYU’s Grad Alley, and our annual Strawberries and Champagne. All of these events would have given me lasting memories to end my four years on campus. Instead of riding the subway to graduation, I walked downstairs and graduated on my couch. However, I felt grateful to be surrounded by family and felt thankful for my school and its efforts. We watched both graduation videos together followed by a brunch and dinner in our home. My family decorated our home for the festivities and surprised me with a Zoom celebration with all of my family back in Manila. Though I am looking forward to an in-person commencement, I had an unforgettable graduation day with family.” Future plans: Working in New York City for AlphaSights as an associate in their consulting segment Ferdinand Gerard Suba, Jr., 25 | Cornell Law School Hometown: New York, NY Degree: Juris Doctor (J.D.) “While an in-person convocation will take place in the future, the law school hosted a virtual convocation ceremony on May 9, in which graduates, family, and friends were able to watch the dean, the dean of students, and an alumnus offer words of celebration and encouragement. Although it was disappointing that I could not celebrate in person with my peers, family, and faculty on the original convocation date, I nonetheless felt proud of what I had accomplished in the past three years and thankful for the many lessons learned and friendships formed. I wish I had experienced many end-of-the-year traditions with my peers, namely Barristers’ Ball, the banquets of the law school journals, and the 3L class dinner in the Reading Room of the Cornell University Law Library. While quarantined, I celebrated my graduation day by video chatting with my family and friends.” Future plans: Litigation associate in the New York office of Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP
Eleanora Velez, 22 | Seton Hall University Hometown: Summit, NJ Degree: B.S. in Diplomacy and International Relations and a B.A. in Economics (Minor in French) “Not being able to experience the big ceremony and receive my diploma on stage is upsetting and makes me feel like I lost out on an experience I longed for since starting college. I also wish I experienced the Senior Toast Ceremony where the dean of our school and our president host an intimate event just for seniors to toast and celebrate our accomplishments. While in quarantine, I celebrated my graduation with my mom, sister, and plenty of FaceTime calls with other family members and friends.” Future plans: Pursue another internship while going back to school for a master’s degree in foreign security; goal is to become an international security advisor for the State Department or the Defense Department Tiffany Ashley De Guzman Viray, 23 | D’Youville College Hometown: Freehold, NJ Degree: Dual B.S. and M.S. in Occupational Therapy (Cum Laude) “Although graduating from my living room couch was not the ideal situation, it does not change the fact that I’ve worked the hardest I ever had these past five years to earn both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in occupational therapy. Traditionally, the Occupational Therapy Department will throw a White Coat ceremony before graduation, so it’s unfortunate that I didn’t get to experience that with my classmates and professors. To make up for this, my entire program celebrated our accomplishments through a virtual happy hour on Zoom, which was nice and special. For the most part, I think not being able to spend and celebrate my last semester of college with my friends and professors hurt the most. I met life long friends in Buffalo, NY and I had the most amazing college experience, so to be pulled away from that so abruptly was really hard to face.” Future plans: Take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy exam later this summer; eyeing a specialty in pediatric or traveling occupational therapy Monica Zafra, 26 | University of the Pacific - McGeorge School of Law Hometown: Fullerton, CA Degree: J.D. (Concentration in International Law) “I wish I was able to experience our school’s graduate luncheon and commencement. In addition, serving as the Asian Pacific American Law Students’ Association co-president, I also wish I was able to have our end of the year spring celebration. My co-president and I put so much work into the event and it was unfortunate for us to have to cancel an event that would’ve had such esteemed members of the Asian American legal community in attendance. Right after my last day of finals (via my computer screen), my family surprised me with a mini celebration in our backyard and ordered my favorite meal from the location I had my debut at. As for June 6th, we will watch the virtual commencement and I hope to have family and friends on Zoom to celebrate as well. I’ll also be watching the Youtube Virtual Graduation Ceremony the Obamas are hosting that same day.” Future plans: Take the bar exam in September; long-term goal is to be an international human rights law attorney
Catching up with Donna
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By Ricky
The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - May 27, 2020
Should you wait to file bankruptcy until later?
out the hard way that it is not and ultimately end up filing bankruptcy anyway. Of course, no one has a crystal ball that can predict the future but unless you miraculously come up with the Atty. RAymond money you need when you’re BulAon already drowning in debt, chances are that things will A LOT of people in debt just continue to get worse often already know what and this can put you at an they need to do once they extreme disadvantage, makrealize that bankruptcy is ing financial recovery more their only way out. But they difficult than it should be. usually delay the decision When you are depleting to file because they try their assets while facing debt colbest to avoid it if at all poslections lawsuits, it may be sible and will only rush to act difficult to cover even basic when they face an immediate living expenses such as rent threat from creditors such as or mortgage, food, utilities, a lawsuit or wage garnishcar payments, etc. Sure, you ment. However, sometimes may be avoiding bankruptcy the decision to delay can hurt temporarily, but all you’re you. Let me explain. doing is putting a band-aid If you wait too long and on a big, gaping wound. continue to use all your This is especially true if your financial resources to tempowages are being garnished rarily keep you afloat, in the and you have other creditors end you might be sorry that who are just waiting to do you did this. For example, the same. If you completely I have seen a lot of people use up all your assets so that go through all their savings, you have zero at the time retirement plans, kid’s college of filing bankruptcy, you funds, etc. in the hopes that may find it more difficult to doing this will fix their finanregain your financial footing cial situation. They often find and start your new life after
Minding Your Finances
bankruptcy. Most retirement plans are also exempt in bankruptcy and had you not used all your retirement money to pay debts before filing, you would have been able to protect what little you have and still have some type of savings after bankruptcy. I have clients whose debt payments are more than 3040% of their monthly income and they wonder why they’re broke every payday. Keep in mind that if you are in that situation, you are only living on 60-70% of your actual income level and that is why you feel that there is never enough money to go around no matter how hard you work. What this means is that you are on “survival mode” and as long as you stay there, you’re never going to be able to plan for your financial future. And remember that if you “fail to plan, you plan to fail”. I am sure this is not what you want for yourself and your family, is it? If bankruptcy is your best solution, please don’t be too hard on yourself by looking at your filing as a sign of personal failure. Bankruptcy Continued on Page 5
caldeRon ManilaTimes.net
THE Times had an interesting phone conversation last week with Cebu-based singer Donna Cruz, who gave up her career after marrying Dr. Yong Larrazabal in 1998. She was at the height of her career but did not hesitate to turn her back from singing — which she very much loves — as well as acting in favor of marriage. Since getting married, Donna fully embraced her life as wife to Yong and mother to their kids – Belle, 21; Cian, 17; and Gio, 13. She rarely accepts singing engagements or acting assignments because she wants to spend as much time as possible with her family. “I’ve always dreamed of having a simple family life with my husband and kids even before. Of course, I also miss singing, my friends from showbiz and my cousins. But it’s OK since you can greet your friends and love ones on your cellphone. You can even chat with them. It’s hard langna may pandemic because you tend to worry. You can’t visit your friends even if you want too.”
In a special video tribute to frontliners, Donna invited Tom Rodriguez, Geneva Cruz, Christian Bautista, Morissette, Celeste Legaspi, Rachel Alejandro, Franco and Ayen Laurel, Robert Seña and Isay Alvarez, Raymond Lauchengco, JolinaMagdangal, Pops Fernandez, OgieAlcasid, Lovi Poe and Sharon Cuneta to join her. She was thrilled their all said yes to a project that can now be viewed on the Facebook page of Professional Artist Managers Inc. or PAMI. Donna sings her version of “Habang May Buhay” in the tribute. She related that it took her less than 30 minutes to finish writing the new lyrics for the Wency Cornejo original. Incidentally, the song is also the title of her previous movie with Ian de Leon under Viva Films. She said the work of the front-liners inspires her so much led by her husband who continues to treat patients despite the threat of COVID-19. “I know Yong has a hard job and we know he has to be extra careful when he goes out to work. When he comes home, he heads straight to our guest room to take a bath before he
Donna Cruz Photo from Instagram/@donnacruzylarrazabal
joins me and the kids for dinner. The front-liners are our real heroes,” said Donna. Meanwhile, noting that her youngest son Gio joined her in a TV commercial, The Times asked if she would allow him to join showbiz if he eventually wants to. “There is no problem with me as long as he won’t neglect his studies. I will support anything he wants to do. I will be happy for him in case he wants to do that. But the problem is mahirap siya pakiusapan kasi I think nahihiya kasi nagbibinatana. I am not the type of mom who’d force him to sing with me in an event or something. If he doesn’t like to sing I won’t push him,” she disclosed.
Sam and Catriona are dating By nika
Roque ManilaTimes.net
ACTOR and singer Sam Milby revealed on Saturday, May 23 he and Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray are dating. Posting a romantic photo with the beauty queen on his Instagram account, he wrote, “Worth every second of the wait. Most special birthday yet.” with her mom’s condition. “In The Filipino American celethe morning, we would tell her brated his 36th birthday the day what had happened and we’d before, May 22, via a livestream all laugh about it. Compared event where friends surprised to what others are experienchim with greetings online. ing, hers is just mild,” she Dubbed “Lunch with the Stars: declared. “Yes, the anxiety Sam Milby Birthday Special,” would be triggered by the the program was mounted by smallest things; but we could his talent management group, easily avoid them because we Cornerstone Entertainment, of already understand her. We which Gray is also part. know not to say words she Co-artists John Prats and codoesn’t want to hear. We’re median Pooh hosted the birthalready conscious of our facial day special and teased a visibly expressions—she doesn’t excited Milby when Gray’s video like seeing someone with a greeting came up. wrinkled forehead, or someone The beauty queen simply looking angry.” said, “Hey, Sam! Happy, happy Continued on Page 5 birthday. I hope that you have
Mental health issue brings Ritz’s challenging role too close to home By MaRinel
cRuz
Inquirer.net
IT takes tons of patience and understanding, as well as strength of character, to be able to effectively take care of a person with mental health problems. This was according to actress Ritz Azul, whose mom has been suffering from an anxiety disorder for years now. “I’ve witnessed the time it started for her and how it progressed. I was with her during the time her doctor first gave her medications, and saw how these affected her, especially
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when she falls asleep after taking them,” Ritz said in a recent interview with Inquirer Entertainment. When on medication, Ritz said her mom, Angie, would sometimes wake up with a start in the middle of the night. “Only the other day, she suddenly woke up and tried looking for her glasses. There were nights when she’d say she could see butterflies fluttering about. I realized that I should also watch over her, even while she’s sleeping,” the actress said. Ritz, however, doesn’t seem to feel too burdened
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In his post showing a photo of him with Catriona Gray, Sam Milby described this year as his most special birthday yet. Photo from Instagram/@samuelmilby
an amazing year ahead. More birthdays. More happiness. You are loved by so, so many,” but Milby’s reaction was a giveaway. “I’m kilig sa message, super kilig sa message. Hindi ko in-expect talaga na mag-message. Thank you. Yes, you are very special. Very special,” he effused. [“I’m thrilled by her message. I didn’t expect she’d give one.”] Milby and Gray first sparked dating rumors in late 2019 when some photos of them together
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circulated on social media. Gray denied them, however, in an interview on “Tonight with Boy Abunda” in January this year. She said they were spending a lot of time together only because they went to the same church and had the same management company. “Friend naman siya,” Gray said then. Milby’s post, however— though not an outright confirmation they are officially a couple—shows their friendship is indeed blossoming.
What’s the difference between an annulment and a divorce
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 Atty. Kenneth to file within 4 years of discovUrsUA reyes ering the fraud. If you blow the statute of limitation, this can be WHAT is the difference used as a defense to dismiss between a divorce and an anyour case. On the other hand nulment? Many people think there is no statute of limitathese concepts are the same tion in a divorce. You can file a and interchangeable. There are divorce at any time regardless many differences between the of how long you have been two concepts. A divorce ends separated from your spouse. a valid existing marriage. In a In a divorce, husband and nullity, a determination is made wife are presumed to be the about the validity of the marparents of children born during riage itself. When a marriage is the marriage. In a Nullity, the annulled, it has the same effect marriage has no validity so it as if the marriage never existed. will affect the presumption of A nullity results in a void. parentage of the children. The In California, any spouse can Court will have to make a findobtain a divorce regardless of ing of parentage for the chilthe reason. A common basis dren on a different basis before used is a catchall phrase “irrec- it can make orders relating to oncilable differences.” Howev- custody, visitation, and support. er, anyone who wants to end a The treatment of spousal marriage can end the marriage support (alimony) is different and there is nothing the other between the two. In a divorce, spouse can do to stop that. the spouse that has less earnHowever in a petition for nullity, ing capacity and access to the court will not automatically resources may seek an award grant you the nullity. There has of spousal support. This is not to be a legal basis for seeking available in a Nullity since the the nullity as outlined in the marriage is invalid and there is family code. Some of the basis no spouse as a result. are 1) entering into a bigaThe division of property mous marriage 2) incestuous is also different. In a divorce, marriage 3)fraud in obtaining community property is divided the other spouse’s consent to equally between the spouses. marriage 4) incurable physical In a nullity, since there is no incapacity 5) unsound mind valid marriage, there is no among others. The petitioner community property created would have to prove one of and properties are not divided these grounds in court to be between the spouse. Similarly, able to get a nullity. neither party can receive surviIn a Nullity, there is a statute vorship benefits and inheritance of limitations. That means you rights from the other party in a
Barrister’s Corner
Nullity. Finally, there are different immigration consequences between a divorce and a nullity when an immigrant spouse is involved. In a divorce, the immigrant spouse who obtains a greencard from a US Citizen spouse stands a bigger chance of keeping his or her greencard and ultimately become a US Citizen. In a nullity, the immigrant spouse may lose their greencard status when the marriage is found to be invalid since it is the basis for the greencard. It can jeopardize the immigration status of the legal permanent resident spouse.
*** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APLC This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APLC. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 3881611 or e-mail kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com (Advertising Supplement)
entertainment The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - May 27, 2020
Should you wait to file...
From Page 4 When asked what advice Ritz could give to others who might be experiencing the same thing, the actress said: “There’s a possibility that those of us who are left to take care of loved ones suffering from anxiety could be feeling anxious, too. “For example, I would worry about my mom, but won’t be able to tell anyone; and all these feelings get bottled up inside me. It’s possible that I won’t be able to sleep well at night, too,” she explained. “My advice is that you have to remain strong for your loved ones. If not, you won’t be able to take care of them well. You’ll just end up feeling angry with them all the time,” she added. Ritz, 26, has a 2-year-old sister named Rizpah. “It’s a very sensitive topic. I need to be careful with what I say to people and how I behave in front of them. Like my mom, different patients have different triggers. I feel that merely experiencing what it’s like to take care of someone with mental health issues isn’t enough; that I have to learn more about it before advocating it. I’m not sure if I could handle a responsibility that huge at the moment,” she pointed out. Ritz said that like her mom,
Should you wait to file...
From Page 4 is not the end of your financial life. But rather, it can be a useful tool to be able to rebuild your finances, your credit and your life if you are no longer able to solve your debt problems on your own. If you are in debt and don’t know what to do, let me help you understand your options. I will give you a free initial consultation so we can talk about your situation. Just
call 866-477-7772 and schedule an appointment. I have offices in Glendale, Cerritos and Valencia. For a free evaluation of your case, please call our office at Toll-Free 1-866477-7772 to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you. *** NOTE: Due to the virus lockdown, I am currently offering consultations via phone or video. Please call the office
to schedule your appointment with me. Questions? Email me at gethelp@rjb-lawoffices. com. ***
None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped thousands of clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call Ray Bulaon Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1 (866) 477-7772. (Advertising Supplement)
Ritz Azul
Photo from Instagram/@ritzazul
Iris was experiencing anxiety attacks, too. “She sees a psychiatrist regularly. It all started with an incident that happened to her sister. It didn’t help that her mother is also blaming her for what had happened—add to that the stress she is experiencing at work as an architect,”
Ritz explained. “A big part of the story is about her anxiety disorder. She never got OK in the film. She has always looked haggard. She also experiences hallucinations. Through Iris, I was able to sort of experience what my mom is actually going through—mahirap pala.”
The Asian Journal MDWK MAGAZINE - May 27, 2020
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