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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Volume 19 - No. 22 • 12 Pages
T H E F I L I P I N O A M E R I CA N C O M M U N I T Y N E WS PA P E R
Volume 18 - No. 17 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages
JUNE 5-11, 2020
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Senators welcome suspension of VFA termination DATELINE USA by JOSEPH
FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
Filipinos abroad infected with COVID-19 reach over 5,200 THE Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, June 2, reported 12 new cases of the novel coronavirus among overseas Filipinos, bringing the total number of infected individuals to 5,230. It also recorded five new deaths from the Middle East, raising the death toll to 347. “With only a few countries across three major geographical regions reporting on the status of our people abroad today, the DFA confirms 12 new cases bringing the total number of Filipinos afflicted by COVID-19 at 5,230,” the agency said. “The total number of Filipinos who have u PAGE 3
CA COVID-19 cases surpass 117k mark California now has 117,687 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 4,361 deaths, according to the state Department of Public Health. As of June 2, local health departments have reported 10,293 confirmed positive cases in health care workers and 63 deaths statewide. As testing capacity continues to increase across the state, the California Department of Public Health is working to expand access to COVID-19 testing. Testing should be used for medical evaluation of persons with symptoms of COVID-19 as well as for efforts by public health agencies and essential employu PAGE 3
AND
PERALTA RITCHEL MENDIOLA AJPress
SENATE President Vicente Sotto III and Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon on Wednesday, June 3 both welcomed the move of Malacañang to suspend the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the United States and the Philippines. The two senators reiterated that the petition filed by senators in the Supreme Court asking to affirm the chamber’s role in treaty termination will not be affected by the suspension of the VFA termination in separate interviews. Senate President Sotto, who stated that the majority of senators prefer the retention and improvement
of the VFA, told the Philippine Star that “the pending issue in the Supreme Court remains. We will still ask the SC whether or not the abrogation (of treaties) must have the concurrence of the Senate, the concurring body.” Sotto added he would still press for a review of the military pact between the two countries. Senator Drilon, who welcomed what he termed as the “sudden policy change” of the Philippine government, said to the Inquirer, “This turnaround does not affect the case we filed before the Supreme Court. The petition we filed is for declaratory relief and mandamus where we asked the Supreme Court to uphold the power of the Senate over treaty termination. The fact that the VFA is reinstated will not render our case moot and academic. The case stands.”
Anti-terror bill OK’d in PH House
“The unhampered implementation of the VFA will serve the interest of our country, particularly with the preservation of our rights over parts of the West Philippine Sea,” Drilon added. “The abrupt abrogation of the VFA last February as initiated by the President – which was done amid the increasing aggressiveness and the bullying of China – is disadvantageous to us. What the country truly needs is a stable foreign policy that promotes our interest,” the Senate Minority Leader further stated. It was on Tuesday, June 2 that Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. announced that the Philippines has suspended the termination of its Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States “in light of political and other developments in the region.” u PAGE 2
by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
THE Philippine House of Representatives on Wednesday, June 3, approved the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, on its third and final reading. A total of 173 lawmakers voted to pass House Bill 6875, while 31 voted against its passage; 29 others, on the other hand, abstained. “No need for bicameral conference committee since there are no disagreeing provisions. When approved on 3rd reading, it will be an enrolled bill for the action of the President. He may sign, veto any or all provisions, or not act on the measure for it to lapse into law,” said Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta Representative Jericho Nograles, who co-authored the bill. What does this mean for Filipinos? Once signed into Law, HB No. 6875 grants any law enforcer to arrest and detain without warrant “a person suspected of committing any of the acts” punishable under the measure for 14 calendar days, extendable by 10 days. The suspected “terrorist” can also be placed under surveillance for 60 days, extendable by up to 30 u PAGE 3
BIKE LANE. The Taguig City government launches its bike lane at the Mercado Del Lago, Lakeshore Area, C6 Road in Barangay Lower Bicutan on Wednesday, June 3. The national government is urging local government units to put up bike lanes in their respective localities. PNA photo by Avito Dalan
Gabby Lopez: I am a natural-born Filipino Why they protest: Filipinos express support for Black Lives Matter, call for structural police reform by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
ABS-CBN Corporation chair emeritus Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III ABS-CBN photo
ABS-CBN chairman emeritus Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez III on Wednesday, June 3, said he is a natural-born Filipino, explaining that both of his parents are Filipino citizens. “It was in recognition of being a natural born citizen that I took it upon myself to ask for recognition of my citizenship. My understanding of my lawyer was that I was a naturalborn Filipino citizen because both of my parents are Filipino
citizens,” he told the members of the House committees on legislative franchises and good government and public accountability as the hearing for ABS-CBN’s franchise resumed. “But because I was not born in the Philippines, I did not have a Filipino birth certificate. So it behooves me to have a recognition by the Department of Justice and the Bureau of Immigration for whatever legal purposes I may use of that recognition,” Lopez added. u PAGE 2
by KLARIZE
MEDENILLA AJPress
THE protest started out peacefully. Gathered on a breezy Saturday morning on May 30, tens of thousands of individuals far and wide gathered at Pan Pacific Park on the westside of Los Angeles for a Black Lives Matter rally. Standing 6-feet apart and donning face masks and wielding signs, the rally was meant to be a more muted yet equally as powerfully influential as the demonstration the previous night in Downtown LA. Filipino American filmmaker Jon Jon Augustavo was among the first of thousands who arrived at the demonstration and, like others, noticed an extraordinary sense of community and harmony as the speakers took turns at the podium and spoke from the heart about the need for systemic change in law enforcement across the country. “I’m from Seattle and that’s my heart, but [this protest] was the first time in 10 years that I was proud to call Los Angeles my home,” Augustavo told the Asian Journal. The rally brought forth speakers who voiced frustration with Released after Memorial Day by organization AF3IRM, Kanlungan.net is a memorial the pattern of police brutality website honoring Filipino health care workers around the world who lost their lives to the that have plagued cities across coronavirus pandemic. u PAGE 3
‘They’re not even naming our dead’: Digital memorial tracks deaths of transnational Filipino health care workers by CHRISTINA
M. ORIEL
AJPress
SINCE March, 74 health care workers of Filipino ancestry have died of COVID-19 in the United States. The number is nearly double the fatalities of individuals working in the same sector back in the Philippines. In the United Kingdom, where around 20,000 Filipinos are employed in the national health care system, 41 deaths have been reported. Despite the rate at which Filipino health care workers have been dying on the global front lines of
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A 5-year-old Filipina American hangs up a handmade sign in support of Black Lives Matter, a movement that advocates against violence and systemic racism towards the Black community. The sign joined several messages left at the Silver Lake Reservoir in Los Angeles as protests were organized throughout the city. Photos courtesy of Abigail Zelenski
June 5-11, 2020 • nORCAL ASIAn JOuRnAL
PAMPUBLIKONG PAGDINIG NG LUNGSOD NG ALAMEDA TUNGKOL SA LIMANG-TAONG ISTRATEHIKONG PLANO NG CDBG/HOME PARA SA TAON NG PANANALAPI 2020-25 AT PLANO PARA SA AKSYON SA TAON NG PANANALAPI 2020-21 Ang Lungsod ng Alameda (Lungsod) ay isang Lungsod ng Karapatan sa Programang Blokeng Gawad sa Pagpapaunlad ng Komunidad (Community Development Block Grant, CDBG) ng Kagawaran ng Pabahay at Pagpapaunlad ng Kalunsuran (Housing and Urban Development, HUD) ng U.S. Sa Hunyo 16, 2020, susuriin ng Konseho ng Lungsod ang iminumungkahing Limang-Taon Istratehikong Plano at Plano para sa Aksyon sa Taon ng Pananalapi 2020-21. Ang Limang-Taong Istratehikong Plano ay nagtatatag ng plano ng Lungsod para sa pagtugon sa Mga Pangangailangan ng Pabahay at Pagpapaunlad ng Komunidad, kabilang ang paggamit ng mga pondo ng CDBG at HOME. Ang mga ispesipikong layunin para sa parating na taon ay tatalakayin sa iminumungkahing Plano para sa Aksyon sa Taon ng Pananalapi 2020-21 na sasakop sa panahon na Hulyo 1, 2020 hanggang Hunyo 30, 2021. Ang iminumungkahing Planong Aksyon sa Taon ng Pananalapi 2020-21 ay maglalaan ng humigit-kumulang sa $1,161,287 milyon sa Mga Pondo ng Karapatan ng CDBG at tinatantiyang $120,000 na Kita ng Programa ng CDBG at humigit-kumulang $267,000 ng mga pondo ng HOME. MAKUKUHA PARA SA PAGSUSURI NG PUBLIKO Simula sa Hunyo 5, 2020, ang Limang-Taong Istratehikong Plano at Plano para sa Aksyon ng Taon ng Pananalapi 2020-21, kabilang ang mga detalye ng pagpopondo, ay makukuha para sa pampublikong pagsusuri sa Awtoridad ng Pabahay ng website ng Lungsod ng Alameda sa www.alamedahsg.org. PAGKAKATAON NA MARINIG Ang publiko ay hinihimok at iniimbitahan na lumahok sa proseso ng pagpopondo ng Aksyon para sa Plano ng CDBG/HOME at upang magkomento tungkol sa mga plano sa pabahay at pagpapaunlad ng komunidad, nang pabigkas o nakasulat, sa sumusunod na nakatakdang Pampublikong Pagdinig: 6/16/2020
Pulong ng Konseho ng Lungsod, 7:00 p.m. Pampublikong Pagdinig tungkol sa iminumungkahing Limang-Taong Istratehikong Plano (Taon ng Pananalapi 2020-25) at sa Plano para sa Aksyon sa Taon ng Pananalapi 2020-21 para sa mga Pederal na pondo ng CDBG at HOME. Upang tingnan ang pampulikong pagdinig, bisitahin ang website ng Lungsod ng Alameda sa: https://www.alamedaca.gov/GOVERNMENT/Agendas-Minutes-Announcements
Ang mga komento ay maaaring isumite kay Lisa Fitts sa (510) 747-4349, 711 (TYY/TRS) o OÂż WWV# alamedahsg.org (email). Mangyaring ibigay ang komento bago lumampas ang 4:00 p.m. sa Hunyo 15, 2020. Ang publiko ay hinihimok na dumalo at lumahok. MGA TADHANA PARA SA MGA TAONG MAY KAPANSANAN Kung ang sinumang taong may interes sa paglahok sa programang Blokeng Gawad sa Pagpapaunlad ng Komunidad (CDBG) / HOME ay isang taong may kapansanan gaya ng nilinaw ng Seksiyon 504 ng Batas ng 1974 sa Rehabilitasyon na nag-aatas ng isang kaluwagan upang lumahok o magkainteres, ang isang kahilingan para sa kaluwagan ay maaaring gawin kay Lisa Fitts sa (510) 747-4349 (Boses), 7<< 756 R PDJSDGDOD QJ HPDLO VD UD#DODPHGDKVJ RUJ $QJ QDWXUDQJ NDKLOLQJDQ D\ GDSDW kabilang ang isang paglalarawan ng kaluwagang hinahangad, kasama ang isang pahayag ng kapansanan na nangangailangan ng kaluwagan. Anumang kahilingan para sa kaluwagan ay dapat suriin at ang isang sagot ay ipagkaloob sa loob ng limang araw ng trabaho pagkatapos matanggap ang naturang kahilingan. Ang paunawa ng anumang kaluwagan na iginawad ay agad ipagkakaloob sa humiling. Ang tagapag-ugnay ng Seksiyon 504 ng CDBG/HOME ay si Tonya Schuler-Cummins. Ang isang kopya ng pamamaraan ng karaingan ng 504 ay matatagpuan online sa www.alamedahsg.org. MGA TADHANA PARA SA MGA RESIDENTENG HINDI NAGSASALITA NG INGLES Ang Lungsod ng Alameda ay may ugnayan ng mga empleyadong nagsasalita ng 45 wika na maaaring kumilos bilang mga tagasalin para sa mga residente na naghahangad ng impormasyon na nauukol sa mga programa ng CDBG/HOME. Kung binigyan ng paunawa nang maaga ng limang araw ng trabaho, makikipag-ayos ang Lungsod upang makakuha ng isang interpreter. Mangyaring makipag-ugnayan sa /XQJVRG VD %RVHV 7<< 756 R PDJSDGDOD QJ HPDLO VD OÂż WWV#DODPHGDKVJ RUJ PATAKARANG WALANG-DISKRIMINASYON Ang Lungsod ng Alameda ay hindi nagdidiskrimina laban sa sinumang mga tao dahil sa lahi, kulay, relihiyon, bansang pinagmulan, angkan, seks, kasarian, kinikilalang kasarian, pagpapahayag ng kasarian, oryentasyong sekswal, katayuang marital, katayuang pampamilya, pinagkukunan ng kita, henetikong impormasyon, kondisyong medikal, kapansanang pisikal o kapansanan ng isipan, o anumang ibang kategoryang protektado ng batas.
http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160
From the Front Page
Senators welcome suspension of...
PAGE 1 t
“I issued this diplomatic note to the U.S. ambassador. It has been received by Washington and well at that. The note is selfexplanatory and does not require comment except from me,� he said in a tweet. “The abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement has been suspended upon the President’s instruction,� Locsin added. In the diplomatic note attached to Locsin’s tweet, it said: “In light of the political and other developments in the region, the termination of the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the United States Regarding the Treatment of the United States Visiting Forces Visiting the Philippines... is hereby suspended.� The note also said that the suspension shall start on an even date and shall continue for six months — though it can be extended for another half a year. “After which, the tolling of the initial period in Note Verbale No. 20-0463 dated 11 February 2020 shall resume,� it added. On February 11, the Philippines sent a notice to Washington that terminated the defense agreement. The United States, for its part, welcomed the Philippines’ decision to suspend the abrogation of the VFA for now. “On June 1, the Government of the Philippines notified the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines of its decision to suspend termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement,� the embassy said Tuesday. “The United States welcomes
In this April 5, 2019 photo, U.S. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment currently attached to 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, hike with Philippine Marines on their way to conduct room clearing drills during Exercise Balikatan at the Navy Education Training Command in Zambales. Photo by Lance Cpl. Christian Ayers/U.S. Marine Corps
the Philippine government’s decision. Our long-standing alliance has benefited both countries, and we look forward to continued close security and defense cooperation with the Philippines,� it added. Meanwhile, political analysts see the turnaround by the Philippine government as a sign of wariness, even as China is seen as extending its military might in the South China Sea in an article published in The New York Times. They also see this as a strategic gain for the U.S., given that the South China Sea is a vital maritime shipping route. “In light of China’s continued assertion of its historic rights in Vietnamese and Malaysian waters over the last year, Manila may have concluded that its previous rapprochement with Beijing would not protect Philippine interests,� said M. Taylor Fravel, a political-science professor who
is director of the Security Studies Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in the same article. Bonnie Glaser, director of the China Power Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said it remained unclear how the move by the Philippines to at least temporarily prolong the pact, known as the Visiting Forces Agreement, would affect the country’s South China Sea policy. But she also saw it as a setback for China. “Beijing has long sought to weaken U.S. alliances, and has benefited from the friction in recent years in U.S.-Philippine relations,� she said. “So a decision by Manila to suspend plans to terminate the VFA will be seen as contrary to Chinese interests.� The Philippines is one of several territorial claimants in the South China Sea, which includes Vietnam, Malaysia and Taiwan. n
Gabby Lopez: I am a natural-born... PAGE 1 t The network chairman also denied that he took the United States pledge of allegiance. “I grew up in the Philippines and I went to grade school and high school in the Philippines. I only went to college and my Masters in America. When you go to college in America, it does not ask you to make an oath of allegiance,� Lopez said. He added that he never renounced his Filipino citizen-
ship, as well. According to his lawyer, Mario Bautista, Lopez is a dual citizen as he was born a Filipino citizen by Filipino parents, but was born in the U.S., so he is also an American citizen. “Without any overt act or choice, Mr. Lopez was automatically a Filipino citizen and an American citizen,� he said. Lopez admitted he has considered renouncing his U.S. citizenship.
“I will live, I will die in the Philippines... Frankly, the issue of being a dual citizen is not something I think about. I know in my heart that I am a Filipino and all my actions in the 35 years I’d been associated with ABS-CBN has been with the service of the Filipino in my mind,� he said. “If it came down to conflict of interest, I will give up my U.S. citizenship in a minute,� he added. n
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Dateline USa
NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNe 5-11, 2020
Anti-terror bill OK’d in PH...
Hundreds of individuals gathered at Pan Pacific Park in Los Angeles on Saturday, May 30 as part of nationwide protests following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis days prior. Photo courtesy of Godfrey Plata
Why they protest: Filipinos express support... PAGE 1 the United States and called for two specific courses of action: defund the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and hold police officers who kill unarmed individuals accountable. Godfrey Plata, former public school teacher and organizer and current California State Assembly candidate, also attended the protest and described the first half of it as peaceful and going forth as planned. After the gathering at the part, the organizers of the demonstration led the group to a march down toward West 3rd Street and right toward South Fairfax Avenue. “As more and more people joined in, it became more difficult to, you know, stay 6 feet apart, but people were really respectful and everyone I saw was wearing a mask,” Plata told the Asian Journal. Plata described residents of the affluent Fairfax District honking their horns and pumping their fists in support of the protest, which was planned to end at the Beverly Center. But when he made it to Third and Fairfax, Plata said the march stopped. He found out that police had divided the march at the intersection, but organizers tried to curve the march around the police blockade to continue on. That’s when police began firing rubber bullets. The protest itself was peaceful. And then the cops came. Following days of civil unrest across the country, Los Angeles was one of several major cities across the world to hold rallies and marches that brought together thousands of people protesting the pattern of police brutality and murders of unarmed Black individuals. The protests were sparked by the murder of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, by a white police officer in Minnesota on May 25 in which the police officer knelt on Floyd’s neck while apprehending him for allegedly paying with a counterfeit $20 bill at a corner market. A video, which has now gone viral, shows the officer forcing Floyd down despite Floyd’s screaming, “I can’t breathe” multiple times. The video documents the moment Floyd’s neck breaks and dies. The murder follows a string of other murders of Black individuals — Breonna Taylor on March 13, who was gunned down in her home and Ahmaud Arbery, who was killed by two white civilians while jogging — this year. Most recently, in Louisville, Kentucky,
a black business owner named David McAtee was fatally shot by police officers during a protest on Monday, June 1. But the core of the protest was much more than these recent incidents. Since the infamous Rodney King beating in 1992, Los Angeles has become the poster city for unlawful aggression by law enforcement toward individuals, especially Black Americans. The legacy of that murder lies in the ensuing riots from the Black community who were frustrated at the unmitigated violence inflicted on an unarmed man in their neighborhood. Augustavo saw firsthand when things started to unravel on Saturday, and saw what people on social media have described as provoking the commotion among the protesters. “My adrenaline was all over the place. I don’t think I normally would have walked up to a police officer holding a shotgun and taken a picture,” said Augustavo, who posted a moving collection of 10 photos from that day to his Instagram. He added, “In my normal work, I’m not gonna walk up to a cop while his cop car’s running behind him, but I just was like in the moment and thought we need to document these things because no one, at least people who are part of my life, believed it happened the way the media is telling you.” According to Augustavo, a blockade of police officers started pushing people and eventually began firing rubber bullets at nonviolent protesters. Video clips of these incidents widely spread throughout social media; credentialed journalists covering the protest were also among those who were hit. White protesters began standing in front of Black protesters to protect them from the bullets as the demonstration mounted into non-lethal, albeit brute force against protesters. Mainstream media coverage of the event placed most focus on the destruction on the scene, but what protesters like Augustavo saw was clear agitation from the police units toward an otherwise orderly march. “You know, we have people on our side yelling aggressive things, but they’re not physically doing anything, so it was like, ‘We’re not hurting anyone, so what are you protecting?” he said. Things spiraled further out of control when police cars were being lit up and people began vandalizing nearby storefronts
Filipinos abroad infected with... PAGE 1 recovered from the disease is 2,166 with new recoveries in Asia and the Pacific and Middle East. While [the] total number of fatalities is at 347 with 5 new deaths recorded in [the] Middle East as well,” it added. Overall by region, Europe — which comprises 16 countries with PH Foreign Service coverage — has recorded 821 Filipino cases, including 472 undergoing treatment, 259 recoveries and 90 deaths. The Middle East and Africa, covering 12 countries, has reported 3,258 cases; of which, 1,835 are undergoing treatment, 105 deaths and 1,318 recoveries. The Asia Pacific region, which spans across 12 countries, has 495 cases, with 134 under treat-
ment, 359 recoveries, and two deaths. The Americas — covering six countries like the United States — have 656 reported cases, with 276 undergoing treatment, 230 recoveries, and 150 deaths. “Based on the latest figures, [the] Middle East and Europe still have the highest number of recorded Filipinos infected with COVID-19,” the DFA noted. “Asia and the Pacific has [the] fewest number of cases and highest in recoveries followed by Europe, while the Americas still has the highest number of fatalities followed by [the] Middle East,” it added. Meanwhile, the Philippines has recorded 18,997 COVID-19 cases, with 966 fatalities and 4,063 recoveries.(Ritchel Mendiola//AJPress)
CA COVID-19 cases surpass... PAGE 1 ers to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19. Individuals prioritized for testing include: • Hospitalized patients • Symptomatic and asymptomatic healthcare workers, first responders, and other social service employees • Symptomatic individuals age 65 and older or symptomatic individuals of any age with chronic medical conditions that increase the risk of severe COVID-19 illness • Individuals who are tested as part of disease control efforts in high-risk settings • Asymptomatic residents and employees of congregate living facilities when needed to prevent disease transmission • Symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals in essential
occupations such as grocery store and food supply workers, utility workers and public employees • Other individuals with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 As of June 2, there have been 2,131,294 tests conducted in California and reported to the California Department of Public Health. This represents an increase of 59,703 tests over the prior 24-hour reporting period. These numbers include data from commercial, private and academic labs, including Quest, LabCorp, Kaiser, University of California and Stanford, and the 25 state and county health labs currently testing. The Department is now reporting all tests reported in California, rather than the total number of individuals tested.(AJPress)
and public spaces. (It is unclear whether or not these vandalizers were part of the original protest; those who were a part of the original protest said they were not as the protest’s organizers stressed the importance of maintaining a peaceful demonstration.) The culmination of the events that transpired in Fairfax mirrored the hundreds of protests across the country that began peacefully but escalated as soon as law enforcement got involved, like in Philadelphia, where peaceful protesters on an expressway were boxed in by police units, who were seen throwing tear gas on the protesters. “I’m not surprised that things escalated when police began to use force,” said Plata, who has participated in many peaceful demonstrations that have gone awry in the past. Across the U.S., thousands have been arrested, citywide curfews have been put in place, the National Guard has been deployed, and the core rallying
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PAGE 1 more days, by the police or the military. Acts punishable under HB No. 6875 include: • Engaging in acts intended to cause death or serious bodily injury to any person, or endangers a person’s life; • Engaging in acts intended to cause extensive damage or destruction to a government or public facility, public place, or private property; • Engaging in acts intended to cause extensive interference with, damage, or destruction to critical infrastructure; • Developing, manufacturing, possessing, acquiring, transporting, supplying or using weapons; and • Releasing of dangerous substances, or causing fire, floods or explosions. Any person who will propose, incite, conspire, participate in the planning, training, preparation, and facilitation of a terrorist act; as well as those who will provide material support to terrorists, and recruit members in a terrorist organization will also be penalized by life imprisonment without the benefit of parole. Meanwhile, anyone who will threaten to commit terrorism, and those who will propose any terroristic acts or incite others to commit terrorism will suffer imprisonment of 12 years. This goes the same for anyone who will voluntarily and knowingly join any organization, association or group of persons knowing that such is a terrorist organization.
Philippine Senate President Vicente Aquino III
House Minority Leader and Manila 6th District Rep. Benny Abante, who voted against the bill, said: “Under this bill, anyone suspected of being a terrorist can be detained without warrant for up to 24 days.” “Hindi po ‘yan ang aking ipinapangarap para sa aking mga anak at apo (This isn’t what I was wishing for my children and grandchildren). The questionable and unconstitutional provisions of this bill defeats the very purpose why we are enacting this bill in the first place,” he added. Quezon City 6th District Rep. Jose Christopher “Kit” Belmonte also voted no, saying the bill is “intended to widen the net on who can be considered as terrorists.” He added: “With this bill, in the guise of protecting our country, we are in fact undermining it. We are repressing our freedoms. We are, in fact, destroying our democracy.”
Inquirer.net photo
Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas also pointed out that the ordinary people who are angry at the government are the first ones who will be arrested if the bill is signed into law. “Kung di ka raw terorista, wala ka raw dapat ikatakot sa panukalang ito. Pero klaro sa mga probisyon ng anti-terror bill na kahit ordinaryong mamamayan ay puwedeng maakusahan na terorista by mere association of a terrorist act (They said if you are not a terrorist, there’s nothing to be afraid of. But it’s clear with the anti-terror bill’s provisions that ordinary men can also be accused of being a terrorist by mere association of a terrorist act),” she said. Meanwhile, Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers defended his vote to pass the measure, saying “For terrorists, this bill is laudable. Putting them in custody for long periods to extract valuable information from them is ideal.” n
June 5-11, 2020 • nORCAL ASIAn JOuRnAL
Dateline PhiliPPines
http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160
‘They’re not even naming our dead’: Digital... No province ready to reopen tourism yet, DOT chief says
PAGE A1 t the pandemic, there is no centralized place for tracking this data for Filipinos beyond separate sources that include news articles, online obituaries, fundraising pages and social media posts. A new digital project housed on Kanlungan.net — the Filipino word for shelter and resting place — was unveiled this week by transnational feminist organization AF3IRM, which seeks to memorialize all the health care worker deaths of Filipinos in and out of the Philippines. “Kanlungan has this tenderness to it. It’s a cradle, it’s where you are held,” Ninotchka Rosca, the organization’s co-founder, told the Asian Journal. “It’s a very good word to convey the idea that we maintain a home in these memories.” The website, made by a small volunteer team of activists, data analysts, artists and writers over the course of five weeks, contains a digital memorial wall highlighting the names and photos of the fallen workers. “We took so much time to choose the photos and it reminded me of the process of the funeral rights of our family members where you try to choose a photo they like of themselves, a photo that shows them in their joy,” Jollene Levid, a union organizer and member of AF3IRM’s transnational committee which spearheaded the project, told the Asian Journal. The information was pulled from at least two public sources, such as news sites or GoFundMe pages, that confirmed the passing and the individual’s Filipino ancestry. Social media accounts have also provided an added layer of confirmation. However, the team has been cautious to not assume ethnicity solely based on last name or physical appearance. “There are actually several names that are not on the list because we couldn’t verify whether or not they’re Filipino,” Levid said. Levid recalled how in late March, she lost two family friends who worked as nurses alongside her mother for 20 years at a hospital in Los Angeles. Yet, their names hadn’t been released or honored widely. She reached out to Rosca and aired frustrations about the lack of data, while Rosca offered the idea of a memorial, similar to a living altar. The ideas then spun into the website. “We had a discussion about the fact that our family members are dying around the world to COVID19, particularly those in the health care sector,” Levid said. “So it becomes not just a personal issue, but also a workers’ right issue, an immigration issue, and a dignity issue.” The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs provides daily updates on the number of overseas Filipinos who have been infected or have died, but does not provide further detail in terms of age, gender or occupation. To date, it has reported 340 deaths globally. Meanwhile, the Philippine Embassy in Washington in mid-May reported 137 Filipinos have died since the virus outbreak hit the U.S., and said 40 were health care workers. However, new evidence shows that the number of deaths among Filipinos employed in U.S. health care system is nearly double that. A global map on the Kanlungan website bears symbols marking where the deaths took place. By clicking each one, a visitor can see the individual’s name, location, profession and a link to a news article or obituary. A graph also tallies the total number of known deaths by country: the United States (74 deaths), United Kingdom (41 deaths), the Philippines (33 deaths), United Arab Emirates (4 deaths), Canada
by Rosette
Adel
Philstar.com
Graphic shows how individuals of Filipino ancestry are largely employed in the health care sector in North America. Photo courtesy of AF3IRM Transnational Committee
(3 deaths), Bahamas (1 death) and Kuwait (1 death). In the U.S., for example, the map shows that a large cluster of deaths occurred in the tri-state region, as 1 in 4 Filipinos in the New York and New Jersey area is employed in the health care sector. The nurses who have perished included Maria Guia Cabillon, head nurse of Kings County Hospital emergency department in Brooklyn, New York, and Imelda Tangonan, who worked at Blythedale Children’s Hospital in Valhalla, New York. But the fallen Filipinos are not only nurses. Deceased individuals include physicians, such as Dr. Tomas Pattugalan, 70, a primary care physician in Queens, New York; Dr. Alejandro Albano, 74, a doctor at Clove Lakes Healthcare and Rehabilitation in Staten Island, NY; Dr. Jessie Ariel Ferreras, 62, of New Jersey; and Dr. Leo Dela Cruz, 57, a geriatric psychiatrist at CarePoint Health in Jersey City, New Jersey. Or they held other positions at care facilities, such as Louis Torres, director of food services at a nursing home in Woodside, Queens and Lemuel Sison, a medical laboratory scientist who lived in Fresh Meadows, New York. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics started releasing the percentages of infections and deaths by race but only goes as far as clumping Asian groups together. Of the reported COVID19 deaths nationwide, 5.4% are Asian. In California — where nearly one-fifth of its registered nurse workforce is Filipino — the Department of Public Health also aggregates the data, finding 14.8% of the total deaths are among Asians, which comprise 15.4% of the total state population. The LA County Department of Public Health has the racial data available for 2,112 deaths and reported 17% are individuals of Asian descent. Going deeper into LA County’s numbers, however, 30 COVID-19 related deaths have been among health care workers — 74% in skilled nursing facility staff and 52% nurses — as of May 21. “We know those numbers must be Pinays,” Levid said. Among the county’s known deaths are Rosary Castro-Olega, the first health care worker in the region taken by the disease; Emily Gualberto Canonizado of Oxnard who spent 31 years as a nurse; Anabelle Soriano Lustina, an RN from Carson; Celia Lardizabal Marcos, who was only equipped with a surgical mask when she responded to a patient suspected to have COVID-19 at CHA-Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center; and Arlene Aquino, a single mom and nurse who died on May 24. “Data, anything from statistics to budgets, are not just political documents. They’re moral documents. What we’re seeing here in the United States, for example, is an unprecedented closure of hospital units and the displacement of health care workers who are already risking their lives every
day to treat potentially positive COVID-19 patients,” Levid said. As the health care profession has become part of the Filipino migration story, as well as as a career route for multi-generations of many families, the AF3IRM team noted that Filipinos moving abroad to deliver care and risk their lives is not a new phenomenon under COVID-19. However, decades later, higherpaying jobs overseas as well as a global demand for workers continue to fuel the Philippines as the largest exporter of nurses and other positions. “It’s both a global and national issue. If we’re going to change the situation, we have to go to the root of the problem of migration,” Rosca said. “There’s such a disparity in the recognition of the essential skills of health care work. That cannot happen unless medical workers in the Philippines themselves get organized and push.” Based on available sources that highlight the circumstances surrounding the worker’s death, several patterns have emerged, including: the disproportionate rate at which nurses have died at non-unionized facilities in the U.S.; higher mortality rates for those employed in long-term care facilities in Canada and the United Kingdom; and in the Philippines, the majority of fatalities have been among doctors. Another trend, Rosca noted, is the correlation between a country’s number of deaths and how its government acted and responded upon the onset of COVID-19. “With Boris Johnson in the UK and the high rate of deaths among Filipinos, it’s directly due to his unpreparedness and dismissal of the virus,” Rosca said. “Of course, that was until he got it. The irony is that the Filipino nurse who ended up in the same ward as him died.” The group envisions the website as a resource for journalists, educators and activists to help with news reporting or advocating for workers, whether it’s for adequate personal protective equipment, better working conditions, fair wages, or more transparent contracts before Filipinos migrate abroad for work. “How are we supposed to demand justice and talk about egregious working conditions when they’re not even naming our dead? Without data, your campaign will only go so far,” Levid said. “This data can be weaponized in a way that any data is weaponized, or in the way that Trump uses data against us every single day.” On the website, individuals are encouraged to submit information about a deceased loved one or colleague along with a photo and fond memory. “You don’t have to identify yourself so that you can remain anonymous if you choose to. But if you have a colleague, if you have a cousin, if you have someone else that has has died and their employer refuses to release their name, this is a place where you can go so that your loved one can be rightfully named and honored,” Levid said. n
MANILA — Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat on Tuesday, June 2 bared that some local government units now placed under Modified General Community quarantine are still not keen on reopening tourism in their jurisdictions. Under the rules of the InterAgency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases, tourism will only be allowed under modified GCQ. As of June 3, only the National Capital Region; Cagayan Valley Region; Central Luzon; CALABARZON; Central Visayas; Zamboanga City; Davao City; and Pangasinan are placed under GCQ, the rest of the country is under MGCQ. However, Puyat said that “there’s no province that’s ready to accept tourists” at the moment. “Like, of course, right now we are under GCQ, and even under GCQ-to-GCQ, a lot of provinces are hesitant to accept commercial flights. So I think that the DOTr (Department of Transportation) will be talking to the DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government) and will be discussing this with the LGUs when they are even ready to accept commercial flights,” Puyat said in a virtual press briefing on Tuesday. “So for us at the DOT (Department of Tourism), this also gives us time to process all the hotels for them to have their certificate to operate. So this gives us time and also to talk to the LGUs if they’re actually ready,” she added. Puyat also said that people ar-
eas under GCQ cannot travel to MGCQ places. “We have to be under Modified GCQ and we’re looking first for people to travel by land,” she added. The tourism chief said that the DOT is already coordinating with the local governments of Baguio, La Union, Baler, and Pampanga and Batangas provinces as they are eyeing to prioritize travel by land in MGCQto-MGCQ areas. “We see that the tourists, when under the Modified GCQ, they will go first around their municipality, then around their city, then later on inter-island,” Puyat said. Baguio to open in September, Bohol in July According to Puyat, Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong already said that although the City of Pines is already under MGCQ, he is only comfortable with opening it to tourists in September while Bohol Gov. Arthur Yap is eyeing to reopen tourism in July at the earliest. On the other hand, she said that the country’s top tourist destination, Boracay, is planning to build a COVID-19 test lab which will be coordinated with Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu and Interior Secretary Eduardo Año. Cimatu and Año are both members of the Boracay interagency task force in charge of the island rehabilitation. “What’s good about this is that all our tourist spots especially when I was talking to Mayor Magalong, when I asked him why September, he said, ‘better safe but sure. Because if there will be one outbreak, the whole Baguio will be affected’,” Puyat
said in English and Filipino “So I appreciate it that our LGUs are being very careful and when they are ready to have tourists it will be surely safe if someone will go there,” he added. The tourism chief said the DOT has yet to announce which tourist destination will reopen first. “As it is now they’re all preparing all their own safety protocols,” she added. Puyat has been advocating a slow but sure reopening, citing that there is a need to “restore the confidence of tourists for them to be able to travel.” The DOT chief is eyeing to make Baguio a model tourist spot for physical distancing, and what other tourist spots in the country can emulate. No DOT certificate, no business operations during MGCQ Meanwhile, the DOT reminded hotel owners and commercial establishments to secure certificate to operate and practice measures such as sanitation and physical distancing, among others. It said that the DOT accreditation is free. “All Accommodation Establishments that intend to commence commercial operations in Community Quarantine Zones, whether for the accommodation of guests or operations of inhouse food facilities for take–out or delivery, shall secure a DOT Certificate of Authority to Operate prior to any operations,” the DOT said, quoting Section 3 of the Administrative Order 2020002 otherwise known as the Guidelines on the Operations of Hotels and other Accommodation Establishments under a Community Quarantine. n
Why they protest: Filipinos express support... PAGE 1 cry of the protest is now getting lost amid the widespread coverage focusing on the mayhem and vandalism, harkening back to the Rodney King shooting, all of which most people remember the riots more than anything else. Intercultural solidarity and fighting anti-blackness in the Filipino community Bringing the focus back to the core matter in hand — police brutality and the ways in which systemic racism against the Black community feeds into the violation of due process — is a key objective of this current wave of protests. The violence, vandalism and looting of small businesses, which many people have suggested were instigated by folks outside of the Black Lives Matter movement, have taken up more broadcast and print space among media platforms, but what gets lost in sensationalistic reportage is the core focus of the movement itself. The emergence of digitally-native social justice campaigns like Black Lives Matter — founded in 2013 after the murder of 17year-old Trayvon Martin — have expanded the network and possibilities of intercultural solidarity for movements that are primarily dedicated to one cultural group in particular. Shortly after, when the 2014 shooting of the unarmed teenager Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, a new wave of protest erupted across the country, catalyzing social media campaigns and a newfound era of wokeness began to take shape, especially among younger Americans. But the root of anti-blackness within the Filipino community runs deep and can be traced to periods of colonialism that have cultivated internalized colorism and classicism that attributes whiteness — in appearance and in demeanor — as superior. Concepts like racism and discrimination are learned things, and it’s universally experienced among Filipinos that from a young age, we are taught a false dichotomy of white versus black; we’re often taught that having darker skin is undesirable, that black neighborhoods are always dangerous and other warnings that are rooted in internalized colorism. Twenty-four-year old Filipina American middle school teacher Lauren Mendoza shared that, growing up, other Filipinos have instilled those same messages within her, messages that have upheld the model minority myth. “It doesn’t make sense in a way that I would excuse it, but I think that a lot of [Filipinos] also really internalized the model minority myth, that Asians are better than other people of color because of these examples of success we’re seeing with a lot of Asian groups in America,” Mendoza shared in an interview with the Asian Journal. Mendoza didn’t attend the protest on Saturday, but as a science teacher at the Southeast Middle School where the student body is largely black and brown, she is keenly aware of the ways in
which institutions put black and brown individuals at a disadvantage. “As an Asian American it’s important to think about both how my experiences as a person of color can help me think about how race plays a really important factor in educating other people of color, and also how, because I’m not a black or brown person, I can see through parts of my privilege that may be blind to ways that I could be preventing my students from having an equitable educational experience,” she said. Understanding that Filipinos and Asian Americans do hold a relative degree of privilege in America — even during a pandemic in which anti-Asian sentiments continue to run rampant — is a tough pill to swallow given the history of Filipinos and Asians in the United States. But that, too, also presents a conundrum. The recent PBS docuseries Asian Americans details the complicated history of anti-Asian sentiments and legislation in the United States from the Chinese Exclusion Act to the exploitation of Filipino farmworkers. The history of unbridled racism against Asians is extensive, yet what emerged from the latter end of the 20th century was a boom in Asian American “success,” feeding into the model minority myth. “I think it’s really important to understand how much we subscribe to white supremacy and how white supremacy is not just the supremacy of white as in skin color, but it’s also supremacy in a form of life that has been built to lift up whiteness,” Plata said. The United States, a country that began based on a protest and speaking truth to power, was a nation literally built on slave labor and exploitation of Black folks as well as non-Black people of color. What emerged from centuries of exploitation was a concept of America as a searchlight towards economic stability based on rugged individualism. “When you immigrate here, the hope is survival and you learn the rules of what survival means, which is that in order to gain economic access, you follow the rules of the game as they’ve been painted for you,” Plata, who immigrated to the United States from the Philippines as a young boy, shared. Asian immigrants, especially Filipinos, often follow or seek to follow this paradigm of social and economic mobility, this concept of the American Dream. But Plata explained that by participating in this game and ignoring the systemic shortcomings that put other communities at a disadvantage, we inadvertently bolster the institutional pillars of anti-blackness. “As immigrants we are constantly eating up this myth that has been created for us, and that’s how we participate in antiblackness,” he added. Understanding the ways in which Asian Americans, especially Filipinos, participate in a system that upholds systemic discrimination is one of the first steps of standing in solidarity
with the Black community. The farce of assimilation in America among Asians has either unintentionally or intentionally upheld the model minority myth, a perceived white-adjacency cultivated among the Asian American community, Plata explained. For Filipino immigrants, the stakes are high when they migrate to the U.S. because the desire to prove oneself to those in the motherland that they can make it in America amplifies, and the thirst to follow the path that had been laid out for them, a path that instills a degree of latent antiblackness among those who follow. Given the historical treatment of Asians in America, it seems antithetical to be silent on other communities’ experiences with racism and discrimination. But the vastness of the Asian American community, which contributes to the diversity of experiences and ideas, creates distance within the community which makes the idea of coming together as one difficult. “As Asian Americans we’re so separated because culturally we’re just so different and we’re put under this umbrella and we don’t really have this camaraderie that I feel like Latinos and Black people have,” Augustavo shared. “But it’s really complicated with Asian Americans because we want so badly to be part of the conversation, but I don’t feel like we don’t really put the effort to put ourselves there.” Augustavo thinks that many Asian Americans “pick and choose conveniently when we want to be involved” in social justice. Recently, the COVID-19 pandemic has catalyzed many successful social media campaigns against anti-Asian racism, which urged people to stand in solidarity for the more than 1,500 Asians who have been victims of harassment, bullying and, in some cases, violence. In short, those campaigns were seeking empathy for the community and non-Asian allies to stand up for them. In turn, in a world based on equity, it would be incongruous to stay silent amid another community’s call for solidarity and action. Mendoza said that for many Filipinos, it may be difficult to empathize with the Black community and the cause that Black Lives Matter was built on because it’s not happening to them, directly. “Supporting the black community and Black Lives Matter means supporting anti-racism in our country,” Mendoza said. “If we don’t live in a world where black people aren’t protected, the next day it could be another group facing similar forms of oppression.” She brought up the popular analogy of Nazi Germany and the fact that one third of the population, Nazis, was persecuting another third of the population, Jews, while the other third stood idly by, watching the genocide in real time. “It’s important that we as Filipinos and Asians not be the one third of people who are just watching,” she said. n
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June 5-11, 2020 • nORCAL ASIAn JOuRnAL
Preparing to dine in GUIDELINES were released over the weekend by the Department of Trade and Industry for dine-in service in restaurants and fast-food chains. The DTI guidelines, issued on the eve of Metro Manila’s transition to general community quarantine, were approved on Monday, June 1, by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infection Diseases or IATF. The only question is when dine-in services can resume. The IATF has approved the reopening of barbershops and salons by June 7, although facials, manicure-pedicure and massage services remain prohibited. Dining in involves less direct physical contact than hairdressing, but food-handling hygiene is a concern. Industry players estimate that up to 490,000 Filipinos are employed in 16,300 dine-in restaurants nationwide. The players say they expect half of the establishments to permanently close shop as a result of pandemic restrictions, particularly physical distancing requirements that on average can cut the number of patrons by half at any given time. Such restrictions are seen to persist for months in the absence of a vaccine or cure for COVID-19. Even fast-food chains that have survived the
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pandemic through take-outs, drivethrough operations and deliveries are feeling the strain of reduced earnings due to the prohibition on dining in. Now, with dine-in establishments in certain countries serving as models, the DTI has recommended the guidelines for reopening. These include the use of suitable dividers to promote physical distancing as well as the use of singleuse menus per table or other ways of taking food orders without promoting the transmission of pathogens. Buffets and self-serve areas will remain banned. Health protocols that have become part of the pandemic normal will be required: temperature checks for all, well-equipped sanitation stations for hand washing and disinfection, and possibly footbaths at entrances. Reviving the dining industry could not only save jobs but also provide employment to the tens of thousands of overseas Filipino workers who have been forced to return home after losing their jobs amid the pandemic. For years, the food service industry has been one of the biggest employers of OFWs. In hotels, on cruise ships and commer- working in kitchens. If they lose their jobs and cial liners around the planet, there are Filipinos return home, they can be absorbed by the local
Editorial
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food service industry. But first the industry must reopen and thrive again. (Philstar.com)
Dear Filipinos in America, are we complicit in fanning the flame of racism and police brutality in America? The Fil-Am Perspective Gel SAntoS-reloS MGA KABABAYAN, we have seen the gruesome video and pictures recounting how Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin kneeled on African American George Floyd’s neck last week while Floyd pleaded with him, saying he couldn’t breathe. Multiple videos reveal the white police officer knelt on the 42-year-old black man for eight minutes and 46 seconds in total and two minutes and 53 seconds after Floyd was unresponsive, according to CNN. Police issued a statement earlier this week that they were responding to an alleged forgery that they got Monday evening and that “Floyd “physically resisted officers,” the network reported. Contrary to the police statement, surveillance video from outside Minneapolis restaurant Dragon Wok reveals that Floyd did NOT resist arrest before Chauvin knelt on his neck. According to an independent autopsy report ordered by Floyd’s family, Floyd died of “asphyxiation from sustained pressure” when his neck and back were compressed by Minneapolis police officers during his arrest last week. The pressure cut off blood flow to his brain, that autopsy determined. But Minneapolis’s medical examiner’s office, in its report, also released Monday, said that the cause of death is “cardiopulmonary arrest complicating law enforcement subdual, restraint, and neck compression.” Cardiopulmonary arrest means Floyd’s heart failed. CNN reported that the medical examiner made no mention of asphyxiation. “Many Americans are be-
ing killed by the police — more than 1,000 per year,” the New York Times reported. “So does a pandemic that’s disproportionately killing African-Americans. And so do the angry, racialized politics that President Trump encourages.” For these reasons, “the anger is different this time,” the Times reported. And so peaceful protests erupted in different cities in the United States, and even in different countries where people fight against racism and police brutality in solidarity with the American people. BUT for many people, even among us Filipinos, who are watching news reports showcasing the looting, property damage, lawlessness, violence, and chaos that ensued and even during protests, the focus has shifted away from what the protesters have peacefully been fighting against. Read the comments on social media posted by yourself or your family and friends, and you will see how many Filipinos in America think the protestors and the looters are one and the same. Their comments have now been denouncing the looting and the violence, understandably so, but without differentiating between the protesters and the looters. Many of us have once again echoed the usual undertone that the black people are to blame for the looting, that the police are, after all, justified to be suspicious of them and their actions without according them the due process that the Constitution mandates to be given to all people. They lose sight of the message the peaceful protests are demanding for: police accountability and how racism factors in the criminal justice system in the United States. Did you know that many of the chaos we are watching and hearing about in the news are initiated and perpetuated by non-black people? It is very important to read this report by Forbes: “But some of this anger has
been misguided, as individuals whose connection to the protests, communities, or reasons for joining the cause seem dubious. In some cases, non-Black protestors have moved peaceful gather “Take this video for instance, of a Black woman, Courtney Nichole, trying to stop two non-Black women from graffiting a Starbucks in Los Angeles with “Black Lives Matter.” They essentially “whitesplained” their justification — to which she responded, ”they don’t show your face when they show that, they show ours… do not let them come into your peaceful protest and make it something that it’s not. That man could not breathe on the street. It is not about them… If you are tagging on behalf of Black Lives Matter, ask someone Black.” “Across the country, it’s been widely reported that white supremacist and alt-right groups have taken advantage of protests for their own purposes. In Minnesota, city officials — after witnessing both in-person instigations and reviewing social media footage shared by attendees — extended a city-wide curfew on residents to help verify who the late-night looters are and where they’re coming from.” “The fact that we’ve seen so many of them in so many places now makes us believe that this is part of that pattern that shows that this is in fact an organised activity and not some random act of rage,” says Minnesota corrections department commissioner John Harrington. As one white activist experienced in solidarity actions noted, “Some of the folks are white and not following black leadership, the others are actively there to disrupt Black leadership” — both groups are dangerous, and distract from the true purpose of the protests.” Meanwhile, President Donald Trump tweeted, “When the looting starts, the shooting starts.” On Monday, June 1, he declared himself the “president
Hate unmasked in America Commentary
AnnA AlmendrAlA “YOU are the most selfish f— ing people on the planet.” I jerked my head to the left, where I saw a neighbor glaring at us from his driveway while unloading groceries from his trunk. “Where’s your f—ing mask?” he said. “Unbelievable.” My jaw dropped. I had just walked three blocks home with my toddler and my dad in our leafy, mostly empty Los Angeles neighborhood because my kid had thrown a tantrum in the car. And we had forgotten our masks. Four days earlier, Mayor Eric Garcetti had ordered protec-
tive face coverings anytime we left home, not just when we entered essential businesses. I pointed out my house to the neighbor to explain how close we were, just a few doors down from him. He cut me off. “I don’t give a f– where you live, and I don’t give a f– what your reason is.” Then my dad jumped in. “Sorry, sir, we forgot our masks. I’m sorry, sir.” Still, the man didn’t soften. “You should be sorry. And you should make her be sorry, too,” he gestured toward me. After a few more agonizing seconds, he dismissed us Our neighbor’s mask, by the way? It was off his face, hanging loosely around his neck. All the better to shout at us. As a health care reporter, I had covered America’s evolution on masks as the coronavirus spread across the globe. Back in Janu-
ary, I wrote an article about why Chinese immigrants insisted on wearing surgical and construction masks in the U.S., even though it went against official health recommendations at the time. In February, I wrote about Asian families in California clashing with schools over whether their children should be allowed to wear masks in class. At that time, Asian people wearing masks were targets for verbal and physical abuse. Attackers saw masks on Asian faces as signs of disease and invasion; people were punched and kicked, harassed on public transit, bullied at school and worse. Now, of course, masks are the norm. And they’ve become more than just personal protection; they are symbols of courtesy and scientific buy-in. They have, to some extent, also become political signifiers. In a new poll from the Kaiser Family Foundation,
of law and order” and in a brief statement delivered from the Rose Garden of the White House, he “ordered governors and mayors to establish “an overwhelming law enforcement presence” until the protests have been quelled, and he threatened to send in the U.S. military to “quickly solve the problem for them.” Trump made no mention of the reason why people were protesting, no mention about police brutality and racism, and no differentiation between the peaceful protests and the violent looting. His threats against protesters in general are in violation of the First Amendment of the Constitution: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” He claimed he supports peaceful protests but his action and true intention betray what he professed. At the time he was speaking “police also fired rubber bullets at protesters gathered peacefully on the edge of Lafayette Square directly in front of the White House. After his speech and with the square cleared, the president walked across the street for a photo-op in front of the historic St. John’s Episcopal Church, where he held up a Bible,” Politico reported. Trump has a history of discriminating against black people as a businessman, demonizing yet abusing immigrants of color for money, treating refugees inhumanely, obsessing over the legitimacy of the first Black president and erasing his legacy. Trump has also blamed the extreme left group “ANTIFA” (Antifascist) for the violence and designated the group a terrorist organization, while defending the Alt-Right, the far right, white nationalist movement based in
the United States, the Ku Klux Klan and other neo-Nazis, calling them “fine people” in their defense. You would recall the “Unite the Right” rally that sparked the violence in Charlottesville in August of 2017 featured several leading names in the white-nationalist alt-right movement, and also attracted people displaying Nazi symbols. As the Atlantic reported, “they walked down the street, the white-nationalist protesters chanted “blood and soil,” the English translation of a Nazi slogan. One of the men seen marching with the fascist group American Vanguard, James A. Fields, is charged with deliberately ramming a car into a crowd of counter-protesters, killing 32-yearold counter-protester Heather Heyer.” MGA KABABAYAN, where are we in this fight? We felt how it was to be discriminated against when Trump labeled undocumented immigrants as “stealing U.S. jobs, criminals, rapists, drug peddlers” and some Filipinos were even told to “Go home!” by white people who would not know who among the nonwhite are actually documented and undocumented. Filipino Americans have also become targets of “excessive use of force” by police officers over the years, as The Filipino Channel’s daily newscast “Balitang America” has been reporting for more than a decade. We felt how Asians were discriminated against with the COVID-19 pandemic when Trump labeled it as “Chinese virus.” Some kababayans who “look Chinese” had been subject to harassment and blame. Have we ever been bold and unambiguous in our support for black people in America who had been discriminated against and profiled for centuries, even after we elected the first African American president in Barack Obama?
Or have we assimilated and acculturated to the white culture, echo what they say and how they define “American”, so we can delude ourselves into thinking that they will accept us as they do caucasian looking people despite the color of our skin? Is this why some of us refuse to call out President Trump? Is this why some of us pretend all is well in America, thinking that saying otherwise makes us “walang utang na loob” (ungrateful), unless the target of criticism is a black president? Let me share an excerpt from an article written by Asian American Larry Lin, born and raised in San Jose, California. He serves as a pastor at The Village Church Hampden in Baltimore, MD. He has a BS from Cornell University and a MDiv from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary: “While the white officer was pinning down Floyd’s neck with his knee, an Asian officer was standing by in silence, and even at times preventing protestors from intervening. “To me, it was the perfect representation of Asian American complicity in racism. “I acknowledge that there have been Asian Americans throughout history who have fought alongside their African American neighbors against racism. However, they have been far outnumbered by Asian Americans who have chosen to be ignorant at best or complicit at worst in their racism.” FILIPINOS in America, have we been complicit in fanning the flame of racism and police brutality in America?
70% of Democrats said they wear a protective mask “every time” they leave their house, versus 37% of Republicans. (Kaiser Health News, which produces California Healthline, is an editorially independent program of KFF.) After our verbal beatdown, my dad and I walked home stonefaced, and then retreated to our separate rooms to nurse our wounds. I have no idea if the neighbor’s comments had a racist undertone. But it felt like the times in my childhood, first in New Zealand, then in a Bay Area suburb, when I had seen my Philippinesborn parents, stunned and silent, get dressed down or humiliated by angry, callous white people. Now it was my 3-year-old daughter’s turn to see me dumbstruck. As I began telling my husband the story, I started crying so hard that I got a headache. After my tears came reflection, and an attempt at empathy.
My neighbor was obviously scared. He was older, and potentially more medically vulnerable. His trunk had been packed with overstuffed shopping bags probably enough food for weeks, to avoid leaving his house. He had just come from the grocery store, an enclosed space full of things and people that could potentially infect him. I understand the stress that comes with shopping during the pandemic. Like many of us, my neighbor could be struggling with how to live in mortal fear of the coronavirus. And for him, at least that morning, that struggle got the better of him. Later that day, I wrote the neighbor a card introducing ourselves. I apologized for making him feel unsafe and acknowledged that he was right about the masks. But I also said he had unfairly used us as a target for his fear and frustration, and I told him I was shocked and sad-
dened he would treat a neighbor with so much hate. I haven’t heard back from him. My dad spent the rest of that morning praying that the man didn’t get the coronavirus — lest he blame us and all Asians, forever. Since that day, no one in my family has left the house without a mask on their face, and I’m anxious to train my daughter to wear one, although she resists it the way she has refused hats and headbands in the past. We can’t stop noticing that most other exercisers and dogwalkers in our neighborhood all white fly past us without them. They don’t seem to worry about getting caught on the wrong side of whatever America happens to believe about masks on any given day. But my family can’t risk it. This story was produced by Kaiser Health News, an editorially independent program of the Kaiser Family Foundation.
* * * Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, public service and educational broadcasting since 1989 with ABS-CBN and is now serving the Filipino audience using different platforms, including digital broadcasting, and print, and is working on a new public service program for the community. You may contact her through email at gelrelos@icloud.com, or send her a message via Facebook at Facebook.com/Gel. Santos.Relos.
The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.
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Community Journal
NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNe 5-11, 2020
Is your DAPA child now over 21?
Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ IN November 2014, Pres. Obama announced a program, Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA), which would have allowed parents of U.S. citizens (or lawful permanent residents) to remain in the U.S. and obtain work authorization without fear of deportation. Their child could have been of any age or marital status. Many people applied (or were eligible) for DAPA because they had a minor child who was a U.S. citizen. Unfortunately, there were legal challenges to the DAPA program and court injunctions, bringing that program to a halt. That was approximately six years ago. However, if your U.S. citizen child has now turned 21 years of age, or will soon celebrate his or her 21st birthday, there could be new hope for you, by having your child now petition you as an immediate relative parent. Just recently, I had a phone consultation with a person who had been eligible for DAPA (because he had a U.S. citizen minor child), but after the court injunctions, he could not go forward. Now, the U.S. citizen child on whom the DAPA case was based had just celebrated his 21st birthday. This happy parent would now be in a position to SAME-SEX MARRIAGE SUSPECTED OF FRAUD IS SAVED BY “ATTORNEY-OF-LAST-HOPE” ON CITIZEN PINOY. For Randa (left) and Phey (center), it was love at first sight when they met. They were in previous marriages that ended in divorce. U.S. citizen Randa petitioned Phey, but they were suspected of fraud. It did not help that Randa’s first marriage was also suspected of being a fixed one. After working with a paralegal and two other attorneys who told the couple their case was hopeless (and they could even go to jail, and/or get deported), Randa and Phey decided to consult with leading U.S. Immigration Attorney MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL. The couple admired the confidence and honesty of Atty. Gurfinkel. His thorough analysis and preparations for the case assured Randa and Phey that they were in good hands. Watch how true love wins the day on an encore episode of CITIZEN PINOY on Sunday at 6:15 pm (PST) on TFC. (Advertising Supplement)
PCGSF announces appointment system THE Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco announced recently that its appointment system is now open for people wishing to avail of some consular services beginning Monday, June 15. The services include passport renewal, passport releasing (for passports already available), dual citizen ship, legal/notarial services, civil registration and Social Security System (SSS)
services. Interested individuals can secure their appointment slots via the consulate’s website at www. philippinessanfrancisco.org. Only applicants with valid appointments shall be accommodated at the consulate. No services will be provided to walk-in applicants. Appointments, however, may still be cancelled depending on the pronouncements and public
health directives issued by concerned authorities of the City and County of San Francisco. If this happens, applicants whose appointments are cancelled will need to secure new appointments. The Filipino American community is advised to monitor the consulate’s website or visit its Facebook page for updates and other important announcements. (From PCGSF website)
have the child petition him for a green card. I know many other parents of U.S. citizens could have been eligible for DAPA had this program not halted because they had a minor U.S. citizen child. If the child has now turned 21, that could provide a new avenue for the parent to legalize his status. But I would still advise these parents to, nevertheless, consult with an attorney. There have been many changes since Obama announced DAPA, most important of which is the election of Pres. Trump and his strict enforcement of immigration laws. An attorney can evaluate your situation, to make sure you are eligible to be processed for your green card in the U.S. This is because certain types of visas (or entering the U.S. without inspection or cannot locate entry passport) could make a person ineligible to obtain a green card in the U.S., even if being petitioned by a U.S. citizen child. There could also be issues if you had made any misrepresentations such as entering under an assumed name, or committed certain crimes, or have an existing deportation order. There are new requirements relating to affidavits of support and public charge. (If your child just turned 21, he or she may not be earning enough to meet the poverty guidelines for an affidavit of support. What can you do about that?) USCIS is also taking a very tough and strict stand on filings, and has a policy to deny cases outright if any required documents or evidence are not included at the initial filing. (Be-
fore, USCIS might have served a request for evidence for the additional documents or information. Now, the case could be denied outright and the person be put in deportation.) Although it may appear simple and straightforward to be petitioned as an immediate relative, there are still a lot of checkpoints to get through, including the interview, when the USCIS officer may grill you about your entire immigration history, etc. That’s why I would recommend you retain an attorney for something as important as your future in the U.S. * * * Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories”, endorsements and re-enactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Follow us on Facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw, Twitter @GurfinkelLaw and YouTube: US Immigration TV Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: 1-866-487-3465 (866) – GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES ∙ SAN FRANCISCO ∙ NEW YORK ∙ PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)
Lovi and Zanjoe star in ‘Malaya’ LOVI Poe and Zanjoe Marudo grapple with the choice to abandon or realize a once-in-a-lifetime love in the movie “Malaya,” the latest love story from “Glorious” director Concepcion Macatuno. The iWant original movie features the first on-screen pairing of the actors and was shot entirely in scenic Italy, which is home to hundreds of thousands of overseas Filipinos. “Malaya” follows two wandering souls who chase their dreams in a foreign country, putting the relatable real-life experiences of overseas Filipinos at the forefront. New to the country and still adjusting to its customs, sweet Malaya (Poe) is determined to make a life of her own and help her mother who has been working there for years. Through her first job, she meets the hardworking enigma Iago (Marudo), and the two form an unexpected yet undeniable connection. However, because of their mismatched priorities and ambitions, they choose to walk away from each other. Years later, they meet again. Malaya finally thinks it is their time to Zanjoe Marudo and Lovi Poe in a scene from be together, until Iago announces that he is engaged to be married. their film “Malaya.” Will they be able to completely let each other go? How long should Photo courtesy of one wait for the right time and the right person? (ManilaTimes.net) Dreamscape Entertainment
Features
June 5-11, 2020 • nORCAL ASIAn JOuRnAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160
celebrity world By Ferdie Villar
Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach has a new love THEY have made it official – Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach and Beautiful Destinations CEO Jeremy Jauncey are in a relationship. According to the Philippine Star, the pair, who are featured in the cover and an exclusive interview in Tatler Philippines, have admitted to dating exclusively for months now. Wurtzbach said she felt a spark when she met Jauncey – she found him to be a warm person and liked that he was always smiling. However, since she had just come out of a three-year relationship with racer Marlon Stock- Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach has found a inger, it was just natural that the new love in the person of Jeremy Jauncey, a
Filipino-owned bakery and restaurant Goldilocks now open at SFO’s Harvey Milk Terminal 1
Venezuelan-born businessman who grew up in Scotland. Instagram Photo (@piawurtzbach)
former Miss Universe winner would take her time before en- Bea Alonzo in the midst of painting, which she tertaining the thought of a new says makes her heart happy. relationship. Instagram Photo (@beaalonzo)
Louie Rubio, known as one of the best ballroom dancers in Northern Calfiornia, will celebrate his birthday on Monday, June 22 at his residence in San Leandro.
Kevin Cruz, one of the most eligible bachelors in the Bay Area, is a successful real estate broker at Kinetic Real Estate in Northern California.
Korean superstar Hyun Bin is the latest foreign celebrity to become an endorser of a Philippine brand. Philstar.com File Photo
Viva Films will release “A Hard Day” starring Dingdong Dantes when cinemas are allowed to open in the Philippines. Instagram Photo (@dongdantes)
According to the Venezuelanborn Jauncey, he was happy to accept Pia’s terms and timeline. “She sets the parameters and I happily accepted,” Jeremy was quoted in the Philippine Star article. “It was a chance to show that I was serious about her and that I want to be a gentleman about it, which was very important to me. For her part, Pia said in the same article, “We wanted to make sure we set a good foundation for our relationship before we came out in the open. I’ve made a mistake of sharing too much too soon before, and I wanted to make sure I did it right this time.” *** Beautiful actress Bea Alonzo has discovered a new love during the quarantine in the Philippines. She has taken up painting. In an Instagram post, according to the Inquirer, the actress shared with fans via her account that she has found a new way to funnel her creativity by busying herself with her canvas and brushes. In the post, Bea says, “Trying
SAN FRANCISCO – As businesses across America are forced to shut down due to the economic impact of the COVID19 pandemic, Goldilocks Filipino Bakeshop and Restaurant opens its newest North America branch at the Harvey Milk Terminal 1 of San Francisco International Airport. SFO is open and providing services to travelers and partner airlines. Freddie Go Jr. of Goldilocks Bakeshop Inc. shared that travelers are looking for hot food in the airport and they are there to provide that. Go added that “the SFO branch is the first Filipino restaurant to be featured in all U.S. airports. Goldilocks is fortunate to be in a high-profile location where we can be accessible to travelers flying to and from various places around the world.” New measures are in place
to maintain safety and protect the health of passengers and employees. The management assures the public that Goldilocks is prepared to observe all protocols such as wearing face coverings or masks and physical distancing, while serving up alltime favorite Filipino cuisine and baked goods. In an interview last year at the grand opening of Harvey Milk Terminal with TFC’s BA news, SFO Public Information Officer Doug Yakel said that “We want to be able to represent everything that’s great about the San Francisco Bay Area, so being able to have a well-known brand like Goldilocks here in this terminal gives so many more travelers the opportunity to experience who maybe haven’t before [sic].” For a business that has been
part of the San Francisco community since 1966, Go shares that “serving the people who live in, visit, and travel through SFO, is not simply a business opportunity for us, it’s an opportunity to show people a piece of our home and what the people of San Francisco — and the Filipino culture — are about.” Goldilocks is open daily, from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at SFO Harvey Milk Terminal 1, Gate B18. Orders may also be placed online for contactless pick-up. Goldilocks is a reflection of Filipino values such as thoughtfulness, caring, love for family, and pursuit of excellence. Every slice of cake or a spoonful of our scrumptious dish is a foretaste of something truly Filipino yet appetizing for all. At Goldilocks, every day is a happy and memorable celebration. n
different things in this unprecedented time. Never even thought of painting before (don’t judge! I just started and not claiming to be good at it!(face emoji)) But I realized, arts and plants go very well together. It’s like reading a book, you are taken to another world, a world where you are the only one allowed to enter. It’s an escape.” Alonzo added that painting has been a good outlet for her creativity as she has not been acting for quite some time now. “It’s
nice. It makes my heart happy. (face emoji)” Bea’s post was accompanied by a picture of her in the midst of painting one of the plants serving as her inspiration. She was surrounded by her other works, and her art supplies. *** Foreign celebrity endorsers are not uncommon in the Philippines. We’ve seen the likes of Zac Efron, Alicia Silverstone, Mandy Moore, Nicole Scherzinger, Kate Hudson, Boyzone, Sandara Park,
Nam Joo Hyuk and Nonie Tao grace billboards, posters and other publicity materials for top brands Penshoppe, Bench and Kamiseta. The latest to join the club is Korean superstar and K-drama hunk Hyun Bin, who stars in the very popular “Crash Landing On You,” a television series that has captured the hearts of Filipinos everywhere. The actor is the latest celebrity endorser of Smart CommunicaPAGE 10
FEATURES
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Warning: Drug/food recalls Health@Heart PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS ONE of the functions of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to monitor and evaluate drugs for efficacy, quality, and safety. Whenever it discovers impurities or contamination, it notifies the manufacturer and recall of the product is expected or imposed. Usually, the pharmaceutical company affected initiates the voluntary recall. Lately, the popular anti-diabetesT2 pill, Metformin 500 mg Extended Release version of the tablets from some manufacturers (not all), has been found to contain the impurity N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a carcinogen (cancer producing substance) above the acceptable intake level. The regular immediate acting variety of Metformin is not affected by this recall. This generic Metformin comes in various brand names (Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Fortamet, and Glumetza). The basic active ingredient in Metformin is fine; it is the contaminant, NDMA, that is the impurity which must be eliminated, or, at least, reduced to an acceptable safe level by the manufacturer. Is my Metformin part of the recall? To find out if the Metformin Extended Release you are taking is part of the recall, go to the FDA website and check on Drug Recalls. So far, the subject of the recalls are Apotex Corp, Amneal Pharma, and four other yet unnamed firms, which are the producers of the contaminated Extended Release version of Metformin. The Tagi Pharma, which is Costco’s supplier of Metformin ER in Las Vegas, has not been implicated in the recall at this time. When FDA informs the drug stores a certain drug is under recall, the pharmacists automatically call the patient-customers. Recalls usually do not result in drug supply shortage. What is the risk for Metformin users? FDA states it “does not expect nitrosamines to cause harm when ingested at or below the acceptable intake limit levels (such low levels of nitrosamines
EMPLOYMENT
are present in foods in low levels and ingested as part of usual diets) even over a long period of time (such as a 70-year lifespan). Nitrosamine impurities may increase the risk of cancer if people are exposed to them at above acceptable levels over long periods of time, but we do not anticipate that shorter term exposure at levels above the acceptable intake limit would lead to an increase in the risk of cancer. We are working to ensure medicines on the U.S. market do not exceed the acceptable intake limit.” What to do if your Metformin ER is recalled? When your Metformin Extended Release is part of the recall, contact your physician who would deal with your new prescription. In the meantime, while waiting for your physician’s advice, the FDA recommends not to stop the Metformin you are taking until the replacement prescription has been filled. The recalled tablets may be returned to the pharmacist when getting your new medication. How long has this contamination been? The FDA does not have science-based information as to how long this NDMA impurities have been in the Metformin Extended Release tablets, but it started its investigation in December 2019 and found Singapore, among other countries, was a source of the supply of the NDMA contaminated Metformin Extended Release sold in the USA. What is FDA’s new mandate? The FDA “is also asking all manufacturers of extended release versions of metformin to evaluate their risk of excessive NDMA and to test at-risk product before each batch is released onto the U.S. market. If testing shows NDMA above the acceptable intake limit, the manufacturer must inform the agency and should not release the batch to the U.S. market.” Zantac is also tainted The popular OTC stomach acid reducer Zantac (Ranitidine) has also been recalled. The FDA announced it is “requesting manufacturers withdraw all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) ranitidine drugs from the market immediately. This is the latest step in an ongoing investigation of the contaminant NNitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in ranitidine medications (commonly known by the brand name
Zantac). The agency has determined that the impurity in some ranitidine products increases over time and when stored at higher than room temperature, and may result in consumer exposure to unacceptable levels of this impurity. As a result of this immediate market withdrawal request, ranitidine products will not be available for new or existing prescriptions or OTC use in the U.S.” Blood pressure pill recall The FDA has advised the public about its ongoing investigation about the recent voluntary recalls of various generic angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) drugs used for high blood pressure and heart failure. According to the US-FDA “Hetero Labs Ltd. in India has announced a recall of 87 lots of losartan potassium tablets (25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg). The recalled losartan potassium tablets made by Hetero Labs and distributed by Camber Pharmaceuticals contain the impurity, N-Nitroso-N-methyl-4-aminobutyric acid (NMBA). The impurity is a known animal and potential human carcinogen. This is the first ARB recall resulting from the presence of NMBA, which is the third type of nitrosamine impurity detected in ARB medicines. Recent testing of these recalled lots of losartan potassium tablets showed NMBA levels higher than the FDA’s interim acceptable intake limits. The FDA’s evaluation suggests that the nitrosamines found in ARBs may be generated when specific chemicals and reaction conditions are present in the manufacturing process of the drug’s Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API), and may also result from the reuse of materials, such as solvents.” Not all manufacturers of Losartan Potassium are subject of this recall, and not all generic or brand name Losartan are contaminated. To find out if the ARB you are taking is part of the recall, contact your pharmacist. Other recalled items Some of the other tainted common products recalled by the US-FDA include: various homeopathic products, Cannabidol CBD Complex, Curcumin Complex, Cannabidol Plus Curcumin, Watermelon CBD oil, Active Male capsules, male enhancement capsules, Bull Platinum 30,000 sex pills, Finasteride Plus 1.25mg capsules, Tertracycline Hydrochloride 250 and PAGE 10
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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 5-11, 2020
9
Community News
Is a scammer getting unemployment benefits in your name? by
SEENA GRESSIN
Attorney, Division of Consumer& Business Education, FTC IN A large-scale scam erupting in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic, imposters are filing claims for unemployment benefits, using the names and personal information of people who have not filed claims. People learn about the fraud when they get a notice from their state unemployment benefits office or their employer about their supposed application for benefits. If this happens to you, it means someone is misusing your personal information, including your Social Security number and date of birth. Act fast. Here are steps that can help you protect your finances and your credit: 1) Report the fraud to your employer. Keep a record of who you spoke with and when. 2) Report the fraud to your state unemployment benefits agency. You can find state agencies at https://www.usa. gov/local-governments. • If possible, report the fraud
online. An online report will save you time and be easier for the agency to process. • Keep any confirmation or case number you get. If you speak with anyone, keep a record of who you spoke with and when. 3) Visit IdentityTheft.gov to report the fraud to the FTC and get help with the next important recovery steps. These include placing a free, one-year fraud alert on your credit, getting your free credit reports, and closing any fraudulent accounts opened in your name. IdentityTheft.gov also will help you add a free extended fraud alert or credit freeze to your credit report. These make it more difficult for an identity thief to open new accounts in your name. 4) Review your credit reports often. For the next year, you can check your reports every week for free through AnnualCreditReport.com. This can help you spot any new fraud quickly.
One other thing: The unemployment payments usually are deposited to accounts the imposters control. But sometimes payments get sent to the real person’s account, instead. If this happens to you, the imposters may call, text, or email to try to get you to send some or all of the money to them. They may pretend to be your state unemployment agency and say the money was sent by mistake. This a money mule scam and participating in one could cause you more difficulties. If you get benefits you never applied for, report it to your state unemployment agency and ask for instructions. Don’t respond to any calls, emails, or text messages telling you to wire money, send cash, or put money on gift cards. Your state agency will never tell you to repay money that way. Anyone who tells you to do those things is a scammer. Every time. (From Federal Trade Commission)
Point Isabel Regional Shoreline reopens with temporary leash restrictions OAKLAND – The East Bay Regional Park District was set to reopen Point Isabel Regional Shoreline on Monday, June 1, with special restrictions to keep dogs on leash. Point Isabel was closed on April 2 due to updated local health agency “shelter in place” orders requiring closure of dog parks. Point Isabel was closed out of an abundance of caution to limit crowding and maintain social distancing. When the park reopens, the temporary districtwide restriction to keep dogs on leash because of COVID-19 and social distancing requirements will be in effect. “We know this park has traditionally allowed off leash dogs who run and play along the shoreline,” said Park District General Manager Robert Doyle. The on-leash reasoning is that off-leash dogs tend to group to-
gether. This leads their owners to convene as well, making it difficult to maintain the social distance of six feet designed to prevent spread of the virus. Currently, all East Bay Regional Parks that allow dogs have the temporary leash restriction. Point Isabel Regional Shoreline is best known as a place for dogs and their owners for off leash recreation and a popular gathering spot for doggie playdates. However, windsurfers, kitesurfers, and kayakers also use the shoreline for recreation. Reopening will provide access for those users too. More recently, Point Isabel shoreline has been designated as a trailhead launch site for kayakers as part of the Bay Water Trail. “I’m delighted that Point Isabel will be re-opening on June 1,” said EBRPD Board Member
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Elizabeth Echols who represents this area. “Point Isabel is much loved and I know that its many visitors are excited to enjoy the park again.” New signage with the temporary leash requirement is being installed at the park. Restrooms and parking will be accessible. Mudpuppy’s and Sit & Stay Cafe, the park’s concessionaire that provides dogs washes and coffee/food, was set to reopen on Thursday, June 4. “We understand people need parks for health, wellness, and stress relief, now more than ever,” said Doyle. “We are doing everything we can to keep parks open for the public during the COVID-19 crisis and need the public’s help.” Visit www.ebparks.org/coronavirus for up-to-date information about COVID-19 park and park area closures. ■
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EntErtainmEnt
June 5-11, 2020 • nORCAL ASIAn JOuRnAL
Apl’s comments for KC fuel romantic links anew By Jan
Milo Severo Philstar.com
a known specialty of the veteran actress. The international artist, who BLACK Eyed Peas member has been romantically linked to Apl.de.ap couldn’t help but com- KC, was seen in the comments ment on the Instagram Live cook- section of the live video. ing session of rumored girlfriend “Chef KC get it,” Apl wrote. KC Concepcion and actress Judy The daughter of “Megastar” Ann Santos. Sharon Cuneta also said in the KC asked Judy Ann’s help to live video that there are things teach her to cook seafood curry, she misses in her kitchen such as
Apl.de.ap with KC Concepcion
ABS-CBN photo
tenderizer. Apl again commented on the video with “I’m gonna send you a tenderizer.” It can be recalled that KC and Apl reportedly started officially dating on December 2019. They were also seen together in an exclusive club in Los Angeles, California last October. “Started the week quite right with this awesome guy (who makes Monday feel like Friday!),” KC captioned their photo on Instagram. Apl, back in 2009, admitted that he had a crush on KC. It was January 2011 when they first met here in the Philippines. In an interview with Apl in April 2013, he admitted that he courted KC but later stopped because KC had a boyfriend that time. KC’s last reported relationship was with French filmmakerbusinesman Pierre Emmanuelle Plassart. KC and Apl have not yet confirmed reports about their rumored relationship.
BB hurt over family’s indifference to death threat by GeorGe
vail KabriStante Manilatimes.net
ROBIN Padilla should get a break from bashers who disagree with his views on the ABS-CBN franchise renewal but only to jump into another one. Currently, he is facing a formidable family issue involving Bb Gandanghari, his older transgender sibling. The latter days in April saw BB (formerly Rustom Padilla) sharing on social media how she feels neglected by his family, most especially Robin. This was following a local news report that BB was found dead in her rented apartment in Los Angeles, California. For many years now, BB has been living all alone in the U.S. in pursuit of her long-cherished dream to penetrate Hollywood as an actress. It was the U.S. government which granted her legal use of the name BB Gandanghari alongside her gender listed as female. BB, 52, was the subject of a hoax reported on April 25 about her death, particularly on GMA’s
BB Gandanghari Photo from Instagram_@gandangharibb
mahal ka namin.” As if to prove his point, Robin made it known that there had been more pressing family problems he had to attend to. These included Robin’s hospital confinement for his back injury as well as their mother Eva’s slipping accident which had her confined, too. BB, however, would buy neither of those, claiming that if she were really family to them, she deserved to be notified about the goings on in the clan as they happen. For all it’s worth, BB’s social media piece provided a shocking peek into some unknown truths — Robin’s not wanting her to succeed in U.S.; and Mommy Eva’s favoritism toward Padilla brothers Robin, Royette and Rommel except then-Rustom; among others. This no longer makes us wonder why BB went off to foreign soil to chase a dream she thought her family would support her in achieving and would be happy about. n
Unexpected Connections event series announces virtual fundraiser LONG BEACH – Unexpected Connections, an event series that brings together inventive people across many industries, will take a new form as a virtual fundraiser for COVID-19 relief efforts. Global luminaries, industry leaders, and curious creators from different disciplines will join the event via live stream in making an impact on our creative community. The virtual fundraiser takes place on Saturday, June 6 from 4p.m to 10p.m. It is open to everyone; interested individuals can RSVP by visiting https://unexpectedconnectionsevent.com or www.uc-2020.com. In November 2018, Unexpected Connections took place at the Long Beach Convention Center with sessions including artist David Choe talking about trying to be a better person; activist Helen Zia, and journalist Madeleine Brand discussing the goals of journalism; designer Kenya Hara on confronting the unknown, and more. Over 300 attendees participated in the full-day event, coming away challenged to reconsider preconceived notions and engage with complex ideas in greater depth. Unexpected Connections, produced by Intertrend and MAEKAN, fosters conversations that become collaborations and ideas that become a movement. They bring the most interesting
Inquirer.net
AIKO Melendez hit back at bashers who claimed that her photos were edited to make her look slimmer. Melendez revealed the “pain and sacrifices” she had to go through to achieve her current figure. The actress flaunted her curves by donning a strapless red dress with a plunging neckline, as seen on her Instagram post last Saturday, May 30. Melendez declared that she was happy and that she had been maintaining her figure after a procedure with plastic surgeon Dr. Eric Yapjuangco. She said she followed a low-calorie diet, going as low as 500 calories in her first month, and is also taking a weight loss supplement. “Asan ang edit dyan (Where is the edited part here)?” she asked. “I really don’t understand anymore why some people can’t
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Warning: Drug/food recalls
recalls. Device recall 500mg, Alka Seltzer Plus, KeGiant medical device maktorolac, and 95% Ethyl Alcohol by Lake Michigan Distilling er Medtronic has recalled the auto-registration feature of their company. StealthStation Deep Brain StimFood recall Some of the 2020 food recalls ulation Software (brain neuroinclude contaminated Conagra stimulator pacemaker – used for Brands Frozen Not-Ready-To-Eat Parkinson’s, essential tremors, Chicken and Turkey Bowl prod- dystonia) due to inaccuracies ucts, Evans Food Group Ready- which could be serious or lifeTo-Eat Pork skin products, Nes- threatening to the patient. Indeed, the US-FDA, like the tle Prepared Foods Lean Cuisine Fettuccini Alfredo, Ideal Foods Philippine BFAD (renamed FDA Meat and Poultry Flatbread Piz- in 2009), has the duty and reza, Amity Packing Products RAW sponsibility to protect the nation GROUND Beef. Google for other and the people by constantly
monitoring the quality and safety of consumer items in the market and advising the public accordingly in a timely fashion to safeguard and maintain the good health of the people. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, a Health Public Advocate, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: philipSchua.com and FUN8888.com; Email: scalpelpen@
Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach has... PAGE 8
tions, Inc. and will topbill the provider’s “Simple, Smart Ako” campaign. While Smart brass will not reveal how much they paid the superstar, they have revealed that they will fly the actor to the country once the pandemic’s threat ends and they are allowed to do so. According to an article in the Philippine Star, the Smart team found the actor to be easy to work with. “He seemed very nice, very down-to-earth. Hardly English but he said thank you for choosijng him as an endorser… You see how smart he is, no pun intended. He basic ally learned Tagalog in one day,” said Alfredo Panlilio, who is Smart president-
CEO/PLDT chief revenue officer. There is no word yet if the brand plans to get another Kdrama superstar to join Hyun Bin as endorser for their brand. *** Viva Films is set to start shooting scenes for two movies this coming July, according to PEP. ph. This should help the movie outfit move towards its goal of releasing 34 movies in 2020, which Vic del Rosario and his son Vincent announced last January, although it is unclear at this point whether they can reach that magic number. According to Vincent, they have so far finished 11 movies, and have about four to five movies in various stages of produc-
tion. “Our goal is to gradually release them theatrically as cinemas get operational again, while at the same time also actively seek out alternative modes of distribution in the digital space,” the younger Del Rosario explained. With a billion pesos as allotted budget for their movies this year, Viva Films planned to make movies starring top stars such as Sharon Cuneta, Regine Velasquez, Janno Gibbs, Anne Curtis, Bela Padilla and Alessandra de Rossi. So far, there are two movies ready for showing – one topbilled by Dingdong Dantes, and another project starring Baron Geisler, Gina Pareño and Donnalyng Bartolome. n
KCRW • Craig Mod, author of Koya Bound, Arts Space Tokyo “The pandemic gave us an opportunity to revisit what one of our speakers, John Jay brought up, ‘Unlearn to Relearn,’ at our 2018 inaugural event in an entirely different light. We knew it can’t just be a regular conversation just done virtually this year. We also wanted to do our part in contributing to the Covid-19 Relief. ‘It All Adds Up’ is not just the theme for Unexpected Connections 2020, it is also a reminder for all of us that we cannot be paralyzed by the unknown. We must take action,” said Julia Huang, CEO of Intertrend Communications. Unexpected Connections brings together inventive people thinking across industries and bringing positive change — all those who are seeing, making, and facilitating unexpected connections. Intertrend is a multicultural agency that understands the intersection of cultures, emerging trends, and the interaction between brands and consumers. MAEKAN is a content platform, a network of global creators, and original storytelling at its purest — covering fashion, art, tech, music, food, and more, through captivating audio, engaging words, and beautiful visuals. n
By Jan
Milo Severo Philstar.com
Aiko proud of weight loss despite bashers: ‘Asan ang edited dyan?’ by Cha lino
people to the podium, the most fascinating audience to the floor, and potential energy to reality. As COVID-19 continues to affect all communities, including those in the creative field, the organizers made the decision to make the event virtual in order to connect with their audience at this unprecedented time in history. Unexpected Connections 2020 is about things adding up. Amidst high volatility and uncertainty, it is time to believe that individual contribution, big or small, all matter. Profits from donations raised will be divided evenly among the speakers’ charities of choice. Speakers this year include: • David Choe, artist • John C. Jay, President of Global Creative at Fast Retailing • Jasper Wong, founder of Pow! Wow! Worldwide • Decatur Dan, founder of Where It’s Greater • Karen Rosenkranz, author of City Quitters • Kristen Kish, Top Chef winner, Arlo Grey restaurateur • Lilian Martinez, artist behind BFGF • Carmen Chan, photographer • Jason Mayden, founder of Super Heroic • James Whitner, owner of The Whitaker Group (Social Status, A Ma Maniere, A.P.B.) • Evan Kleiman, chef, author, and host of Good Food on
Filipino celebrities react to ‘Anti-Terror’ Bill
CELEBRITIES aired their reactions over the Anti-Terror Act of 2020, a bill certified as urgent by President Rodrigo Duterte. The bill states that any person who shall threaten to commit terrorism shall receive a penalty of 12 years in prison. The same goes for anyone who proposes said acts and incites others, and any person who voluntarily and knowingly join any organization, association, or group that may be seen as terrorism. Many fear that the bill may also restrict citizens from calling out corruption and silence the people the government swore to protect, and among them are celebrities. “Megastar” Sharon Cuneta’s daughter Frankie Pangilinan said the bill is an infringement upon be happy, when someone’s just the people’s most basic human achieved her goal.” rights. The actress also appealed to “Even tweeting any thoughts the public to “give me a break” against the government can, and and explained that she was “too likely will, be considered an ‘act old” for editing her pictures. of terrorism’ under this bill. it’s “Nung mataba ako sabi nyo an infringement upon our most mukha akong nanay now naman basic human rights. #JunkTerinedit ko,” she said. “Hindi ba rorBill,” she said. pwedeng I worked hard for it? IV of Spades former member Hindi ba pwedeng [I] have gone and now solo artist Unique Sathrough pain and sacrifices just longa said: “Activism is not terr to achieve my weight now?” orism!#JunkTerrorBill.” (When I was fat, you said I Performer Jess Connelly said a looked like a mom. Now [that I’m simple tweet with her opinion on slimmer], I edited it. Can’t it be injustices will allow the governthat I worked hard for it? Can’t it ment to call her a terrorist. be that I have gone through pain “So pretty much something and sacrifices just to achieve my like tweeting MY opinion on facweight now?) Aiko Melendez Photo from Instagram_@aikomelendez tual injustices could allow the “This is my body! [I am] acgovernment to call me a terrorist countable to myself and no one said. else,” she stressed. After nine years of being a & lock me up #JunkTerrorBill“I am posting to inspire people Kapamilya, Melendez left TV NOW” she said. Musician Kiana Valenciano who are struggling with their network ABS-CBN for its rival weight. That there is (sic) ways GMA-7 in March 2019.net on posted on Twitter that this is not the time to be neutral. and hope for all of them,” she Facebook n “The world is bleeding. help out in whatever way you can. “24 Oras.” While the false report frightened BB, it was — according to her — her family’s apparent nonchalant reaction which all the more concerned, if not agitated, her. “No one even bothered to check if there’s truth to it,” was the gist of BB’s emotional outpouring. It wasn’t until she sounded this aloud that Robin came forward to say, “Huwag ka nang magtampo,
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Janine Gutierrez
Solenn Heussaff
GMA photo
GMA photo
if you can’t leave home, share those posts, make those online donations, educate yourself. open your mind and open your eyes to the injustice. it’s 2020. no more excuses. this is not the time to be neutral,” she said. Kapuso actresses Solenn Heussaff and Janine Gutierrez shared a link urging their followers to sign a petition. “JUNK THE ANTI-TERROR-
K Brosas
Philstar.com photo
ISM BILL AND UPHOLD HUMAN RIGHTS! - Sign the petition!” they both wrote on their separate Twitter accounts. Kapamilya comedienne K Brosas questioned the urgency of the bill in her Twitter account. “Urgent?? Parang May mas dapat pong mauna kesa jan.. haaaay... Disappointed faceDisappointed faceDisappointed face #JunkTerrorBill,” she said. n
Michelle fears for husband, daughter amid violence in US by Cha lino Inquirer.net
ACTRESS Michelle Madrigal condemned the violence against African Americans in the United States by joining the Black Lives Matter protest online. Madrigal, who is married to African American Troy Woolfolk, expressed fear for her husband and their daughter Anika via Instagram on Monday, June 1. The actress is currently living in Austin, Texas with her family and is a certified prenatal and postnatal specialist. “It’s a scary thing to think that my daughter could experience hate because of her race and skin color,” she said. “I am fearful to know that every time my husband leaves our home he could get pulled over by a ‘bad cop’ pin him down to the ground and get shot for being a black man,” Madrigal added. “I will never fully understand it… but I stand with you,” she said. “I see you. I hear you. I feel for you.” The actress is a part of the growing number of local and international celebrities who are showing their solidarity against racism and police brutality. The series of online and physical protests began after the death of George Floyd, a black man who died while in police custody last May 25. Floyd was knelt on by a white Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin, until he was no
Michelle Madrigal with her husband Troy Woolfolk and their daughter. Photo from Instagram/@mitch_madrigal
longer responsive. Madrigal shared her sentiments by sharing a photo of two hands joining together, one with a dark skin color and the other lighter. She included the statement “Black Lives Matter” in a separate photo and shared a picture of her with her husband’s family in the U.S. While some rallies have taken
a violent turn, Madrigal stressed that “violence is never the solution,” but she did agree that the suffering of the black community must end. The “Star Circle Quest” finalist tied the knot with Woolfolk in April 2019 in Texas. The couple got engaged in 2017 when Madrigal was pregnant with their daughter. n
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