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NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Volume 20 - No. 23 • 16 Pages
T H E F I L I P I N O A M E R I CA N C O M MU N I T Y N E WS PA P E R
Volume 18 - No. 17 • 2 Sections – 16 Pages
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JUNE 11-17, 2021
Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, SAN DIEGO, LAS VEGAS, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY
Yuka Saso wins US Women’s Open, becoming DATELINE USA Filipino attacked first Filipino player to win golf major tournament FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
at Manhattan subway station
A FILIPINO man was reportedly a victim of an unprovoked attack at a subway station in Manhattan. In an ABC7 New York Eyewitness News exclusive, the 52-year-old Filipino from Queens, who asked not to show his face or use his name, said he was attacked around 7:20 a.m. on Tuesday, June 8 after getting off the 6 train at the 103rd street station on the Upper East Side. A man, possibly also Asian, was being attacked by another man yelling “go back to where you come from.” When the victim managed to escape, the assailant turned to the Filipino man, cornering him on the platform and then allegedly punched him in the face multiple times. The suspect also reportedly told the Filipino man to “go back to where you came from.” “It seemed so random and so sudden,” the victim told Eyewitness News. “Kinda realized it’s potentially a hate crime
by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AND CAROLINE GIOVANIE AJPress
FILIPINA Japanese golfer Yuka Saso has made history as the first player from the Philippines to win a golf major. Saso, 19, claimed victory at the 76th U.S. Women’s Open golf championship at the Olympic Club in
San Francisco on Sunday, June 6. “My dream was to be world No. 1 and win the U.S. Open, but I wasn’t thinking I would hold this trophy this week,” Saso said during the press conference following her win. After bouncing back from the two double bogeys in her first three holes, the Filipina teen triumphantly outlasted Japanese Nasa Hataoka in a sudden-
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Palace: Duterte-Duterte tandem in 2022 not happening by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
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Newsom extends support for restaurants, bars as CA begins reopening GOVERNOR Gavin Newsom announced that the state of California will maintain pandemicrelated relief for restaurants, bars, breweries, and wineries to support business recovery. Restaurants will continue to be permitted to offer outdoor dining, while bars will still be able to sell to-go alcoholic beverages, partner with food trucks, restaurants, or catering companies to sell meals with drinks, and breweries and wineries can partner with restaurants for virtual dinners, according to a release from the governor’s office on Thursday, June 3. “The pandemic may be going away…” Newsom tweeted on Thursday. “But your togo cocktails don’t have to!” The announcement came ahead of the state reopening on June 15 and was built on California’s eighth notice of regulatory relief from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) that re-permits licensed businesses provide deliveries to customers, conduct virtual events like “Meet the Winemaker” or “Brewer Dinners,” expand their licensed footprint, and
death playoff in the final round. Saso mentioned the two early double bogeys which seemed to doom her chances. “I was actually upset,” she admitted about her poor start. “My caddie talked to me and said there are still many holes to go and to keep doing what I’ve been
GOLF CHAMP. Filipino Americans celebrate with U.S. Women’s Open golf champion Yuka Saso at the Olympic Club in San Francisco, California on Sunday, June 6. Saso became the first Filipino ever to win a major golf event as she prevailed over Japan’s Nasa Hataoka in the sudden death playoff. Photo courtesy of Robert Beck/United States Golf Association
THERE is no chance of a Duterte-Duterte tandem happening during the 2022 elections, according to Malacañang. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Wednesday, June 9, said Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will not run for vice president should his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara “Inday” Duterte, decide to run for the country’s top post. “Sa tingin ko po iyong isyu kung siya ay tatakbo o hindi, nakadepende po iyan, unang-una kung tatakbo si Mayor Inday Sara (I think the issue if he will run or not depends on whether Mayor Inday Sara will run),” Roque said in an interview with dzRH. “Kung tatakbo po si Mayor Inday Sara, sigurado po ako hindi siya tatakbo ng vice president (If Mayor Sara runs, I am sure he will not run for vice president),” the spokesman added. Roque noted that Duterte already wanted to retire, but maintained the president would make a decision that will be good for the country. “Naniniwala po ako na gusto ng magretiro ng Presidente, pero naniniwala din po ako na gagawa ng decision ang Presidente na mas makakabuti sa ating
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US to donate vaccines to PH, other countries California Public Health urges public by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
THE United States has announced that it will donate 7 million of its surplus COVID-19 vaccine doses to the Philippines and other Asian countries. In an effort to end the pandemic globally, the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden said 80 million vaccine doses will be distributed to various countries by the end of June 2021. An initial batch of 25 million doses will be donated by the U.S., of which 19 million doses will be shared through the World Health u PAGE 3 Organization-led COVAX facility, while ap-
proximately 6 million will be shared directly with countries experiencing surges as well as partners and neighbors of the U.S. Included in the 19 million doses shared through COVAX are the 7 million doses that will be distributed to the Philippines and other regions in Asia. “Approximately 7 million for Asia to the following countries and entities: India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Maldives, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Laos, Papua New Guinea, Taiwan, and the Pacific Islands,” the White House said in a fact sheet on Thurs-
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to report vaccine incentive scams by AJPRESS THE California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is asking Californians to be aware of and to quickly report any indications of possible fraudulent or other questionable activities by individuals attempting to take advantage of the state’s recently announced COVID-19 vaccination incentive programs. The first cash prize drawing of
$116.5 million Vax for the Win incentives program kicked off on June 4 to motivate residents to get vaccinated before the state’s reopening on June 15. Following the drawing, members of the public notified the state of scammers impersonating state officials through calls, email, text, and direct messages on social media. If you encounter a possible
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‘The Angelo Quinto Act’: California Assembly advances measure banning police use of restraints that cut off oxygen Bill in response to Fil-Am killed in police custody prohibits law enforcement from using knee-to-neck restraint among other practices
by KLARIZE
MEDENILLA AJPress
THE California Assembly on Wednesday, June 2 passed a bill that bans law enforcement from strangulation restraint tactics that cause asphyxia, a timely measure that has its roots in recent police killings of unarmed individuals. Passing overwhelmingly with a 49-5 vote, AB 490 was authored by Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson (D-Carson) who is the chair of the Select Committee on
Police Reform. AB 490 specifically targets police restraint that causes “positional asphyxia,” a deadly condition in which a person who is restrained cannot get enough air. Positional asphyxia includes “knee-to-neck” restraint, a technique that led to the murders of Black American George Floyd in Minneapolis in May 2020 and Filipino American Angelo Quinto in the Bay Area in December. The bill is also named The Angelo Quinto Act of 2021 in honor
of the 30-year-old Filipino. As previously reported in the Asian Journal, Quinto died after police responded to what his family described as an episode of paranoia. “Last year, we witnessed the death of my [Asian Pacific Islander] brother, Angelo Quinto, a Navy veteran, who was tragically killed by police when an officer knelt on his neck for nearly five minutes,” Gipson, who is Black American, said at a press conference recently. “We need to make
sure all methods of restraining someone do not turn unnecessarily deadly.” Gipson added that AB 490 “still allows officers to protect themselves in life-threatening situations, but it does not allow them to cut off anyone’s airway. The circumstances of Angelo Quinto’s death are a stark parallel to George Floyd’s, which both exposed loopholes in use-of-force policies.” The Angelo Quinto Act extends Angelo Quinto joined the U.S. Navy at 27 and was honorably discharged following medical
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concerns.
Photo courtesy Law Offices of John Burris
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June 11-17, 2021 • nORCAL ASIAn JOuRnAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160
From the Front Page
Yuka Saso wins US Women’s... PAGE 1
doing the past few days,” she added. “And to trust the process.” She also thanked Filipinos for rooting for her during the championship. “I’m just thankful that there’s so many people in the Philippines cheering for me,” Saso said. “I don’t know how to thank them. They gave me so much energy. I want to say thank you to everyone.” The Filipina golfer managed to shake off the two early double bogeys and made back-to-back birdies and a par in the last three holes to end the fourth round with a 73, forcing a two-hole aggregate playoff on No. 9 and 18 with Hataoka for the U.S. Open Crown. “I just don’t want to be selfish,” Saso said. “Everyone here is a great player. If it’s their time, it’s their time, if it’s my time, it’s my time. I just want to cheer everybody.” Saso also experienced a physical inconvenience during the last few holes. “After 18, I felt my stomach a little, it hurts, I don’t know why,” Saso said. “But I ate a banana and it feels better now.” Meanwhile, American Lexi Thompson, who held a one-shot lead over Saso on Saturday, June 5, finished third after going 4over par in the final round. With her victory, Saso tied with South Korean Park In-bee as the youngest winners in the championship’s history at 19 years, 11 months and 17 days. She also earned her LPGA tour membership. In order to develop her golfing career, Saso’s family traveled back and forth between the Philippines and the U.S.
In addition to becoming the first Filipino champ at the U.S. Women’s Open, Yuka Saso tied with South Korean Park In-bee as the youngest winners in the championship’s history at 19 years, 11 months and 17 days. Photo courtesy of United States Golf Association
“When I turned nine, I told my parents I wanted to play golf. And I had to move back to the Philippines with my dad. My dad goes back and forth with my brothers and sisters. I think that’s the biggest sacrifice they did. All I have now is to thank them. I wouldn’t be here without them,” she said. She also credits watching YouTube clips of Rory Mcllroy winning his first major at the U.S. Open in 2011, and said she patterned her swing after him. Saso became pro in 2019 after
meriting her LPGA card, and has won two titles on the Japanese tour. The 76th edition of the U.S. Women’s Open marked the first time that it has been played at the hilly and challenging Olympic Club, the oceanside course that has hosted five men’s U.S. Opens. Next year’s tournament will be played at Pine Needles Golf Club in North Carolina before it returns to California at Pebble Beach in 2023.
California Public Health urges public to... PAGE 1
vaccine incentive scam, please email rumors@cdph.ca.gov or call the Vax for the Win incentives hotline at 1-833-993-3873. There is no process for entry in the Vax for the Win program. All vaccinated individuals are automatically entered. Winners can decline the prize and/or remain anonymous. The
privacy of winners is protected. Only CDPH knows the identity of the person associated with the random number drawn. Winners will be notified by CDPH officials through an official “State of CA CDPH” caller and text ID, a CDPH email address, or in person by CDPH staff. Winners will not be asked to
pay any fees associated with verifying eligibility for the cash prize. Winners will not be asked to provide their bank information. CDPH will email winners an official state government form to be awarded their winnings. A check will be mailed to the winner by the State Controller’s Office. (AJPress)
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Dateline USa
NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNe 11-17, 2021
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‘Nurse Unseen’: Documentary charting history, humanity of Filipino nurses reaches fundraising goal in a month by Christina
M. Oriel and ritChel MendiOla AJPress
NATIONAL PRIDE. The colors of the Philippine flag inspire the design of a mall lobby in Marikina City on Monday, June 7. Every year beginning May 28, the Philippines celebrates National Flag Day that culminates with the commemoration of Independence Day on June 12. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon
Newsom extends support for restaurants, bars... PAGE 1
renew their relief for “charitable promotions and sales.” The activities will be extended to December 31, but may be rescinded sooner lest public safety concerns arise. Businesses must still comply with local guidelines, zoning restrictions, and conditional permits set by the local government. Several activities will be rescinded by June 30, including returns of alcoholic beverages, drive-thru windows for off-sale transactions, the extension of delivery hours to midnight, virtual wine tastings, retail-to-retail transactions, and distilled spirits manufacturers providing high-proof spirits for disinfection purposes. Newsom’s announcement was met with approval from organizations like the Golden Gate Restaurant Association (GGRA). “We are grateful to the ABC and to the ABC and to Governor Newsom for their proactive support,” the GGRA said in a statement on Thursday. “We need this certainty and clarity that we will be able to continue to operate in these outdoor spaces and legally serve alcohol until more permanent legislation can be enacted.” Restaurant owners also approved of Newsom’s announcement, since some of them get most of their business from dineins. “It’s going to bring in a lot of people because, I want to say 90% of our customers, they don’t want to dine indoors anymore. They want to be outdoors,” Mediterranean restaurant and Deli owner DK Marikan said to Cal Matters. “We would love to see this be permanent. I pray they do it.”
The announcement indicates the government’s measures to reopen the state. The CDC has also made amendments to pandemic protocols, stating fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear masks indoors or outdoors. California has the highest vaccination rate in the country, with 43.5% of the state’s population being fully vaccinated as of June 2, according to Our World in Data. Newsom’s statement came after his “California Comeback Plan” announced in May, where a $100 billion budget was set to address different issues from the pandemic. The budget allocated $4 billion for small business grants and $6.2 billion for small business tax cuts. “California’s restaurants help create the vibrant and diverse communities that make California the envy of the world. As the state turns to post-pandemic life, we’ll continue to adapt best practices that have helped businesses transform customer experience for the better,” Newsom said on Thursday, June 3 in San Francisco’s Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant. “With new opportunities and support for businesses large and small, and the California can-do spirit that has carried us through the past year, we will come roaring back from this pandemic.” Small businesses might be financially fragile, and an estimated 200,000 of them have permanently closed during the first year of the pandemic. The California Restaurant Association also reported an estimate of 900,000 to 1 million restaurant jobs lost in California alone. “Restaurants were the first businesses forced to shut down, and
Filipino attacked at Manhattan... PAGE 1 because of what the man was shouting and what was said,” he added. The aftermath of the attack left the victim with a bloody nose and a face covered with bruises. According to Filipino man, the suspect appeared relatively young, possibly in his 20s or 30s. He also noted that the suspect “didn’t appear homeless, but he did seem to be mentally ill.” The victim told Eyewitness News that he was “not afraid” or “even angry,” adding that he’s speaking out to help raise awareness about anti-Asian hate. “Just a little bit worried that something so random could happen and could happen to anyone else,” the victim said. The Philippine Consulate General in New York issued a statement as it urged Filipinos in the area “to remain vigilant, especially when taking the subway, due to rising criminality.” “We strongly condemn this latest anti-Asian hate crime that tar-
geted a member of the Filipino Community in New York City. We call on authorities to take the necessary steps to protect members of the Asian-American and Pacific Islander Community, including addressing the mental health concerns of 40 percent of homeless individuals in New York City,” the statement read. Stop AAPI Hate, a national coalition that tracks anti-Asian American discrimination, reported that it received 6,603 hate incidents against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) from March 19, 2020 to March 31, 2021. Of the 6,603 incidents reported, 4,193 hate incidents occurred in 2020 and 2,410 of hate incidents occurred in 2021. To address the anti-Asian hate crimes that have risen since the start of the pandemic, Congress passed the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, which would expedite the Department of Justice’s review of such crimes. President Joe Biden signed the bill into law last May. (AJPress)
‘The Angelo Quinto Act’... PAGE 1 the measures of AB 1196, a bill that was also co-authored by Gipson and signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2020 that bans police from using chokeholds similar to the one that killed Floyd. AB 490
expands that ban to include any kind of chokehold, including carotid restraint. AB 490 was first introduced in the Assembly on Feb. 8 by Gipson and Fil-Am former Assemblymember Rob Bonta (D-Alameda). n
US to donate vaccines to PH...
PAGE 1 day, June 3. For its part, the U.S. Embassy in Manila confirmed the inclusion of the Philippines among the countries receiving U.S.-donated vaccines. “The initial tranche of at least 25 million doses, the Philippines will be included. And I think that as we continue to see vaccine production increase in the months to come, that we’ll be going to see in every increasing stronger momentum of vaccine delivery from the U.S. to countries all around the world, and certainly the Philippines is going to be an important part of that,” Embassy Chargé d’Affaires John Law said in a virtual briefing on Friday, June 4. However, Law didn’t provide
a specific date for the delivery of the Philippines’ portion, noting that the White House needs to consider logistical aspects first. “The White House is currently looking at not only the logistical aspects but also, of course, each country may have different regulatory aspects, we’re talking about different as well, so I think the White House needs a little bit of time to sort those out but I would expect the announcement very soon,” he said Globally, over 172 million COVID-19 cases have been confirmed, with more than three million deaths. In the Philippines, a total of 1,255,337 infections have been confirmed, with 21,537 fatalities and 1,173,006 recoveries. n
in California, 12 months later, we are still pushing to safely get our dining rooms back open,” CEO and President of the California Restaurant Association Jot Condie said. “The economic losses to restaurants, our workforce and their communities have been disproportionately enormous. Even with the much-needed aid being delivered by the federal and state governments, the next steps that our public officials take will be critical. Every restaurant owner in this state knows that for them, the road to true recovery will be long. And the state must remove any obstacles from that road.” (By Caroline Giovanie/AJPress)
THE Kickstarter campaign for “Nurse Unseen,” an independent documentary that explores the history and humanity of Filipino nurses in the United States, has surpassed its goal and raised over $64,000 in a month. The documentary team — led by Emmy Award-winning Filipina American filmmaker Michele Josue — started the fundraising campaign on May 6, National Nurses Day, to bring “Nurse Unseen” to life, encouraging people to pledge amounts ranging from $5 to $10,000, with different benefits from merchandise to film credits and a private community screening attached to each tier. “When we launched our Kickstarter fundraising campaign on May 6th, National Nurses Day, we were excited and a bit nervous about not only whether we would be able to make our funding goal, but also about how ‘Nurse Unseen’ would be received,” Josue, whose previous projects include “Matt Shepard Is a Friend of Mine” and Netflix’s “Happy Jail,” told the Asian Journal. The producers hoped to raise $50,000 by June 6 in an “all or nothing” challenge, which
“Nurse Unseen,” a forthcoming documentary featuring the history of Filipino nurses migrating to the United States, contains stories of frontliners who dedicated their lives to the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo courtesy of “Nurse Unseen”
meant if the amount was not reached, the project would not get anything. As of this writing, a total of $64,382 was raised. On May 31, the production team reached its goal and decided to “raise more money to offset the approx. 8% in Kickstarter fees that are charged to successful projects.” The move was done to further help the team’s considerable production costs. They aimed to raise at least $55,000 by June 6, which was successfully met through the
help of their community supporters and backers. “Now, having successfully come to the end of the campaign, we are truly humbled by the community’s overwhelming support for our film. We’ve been deeply touched by the many poignant stories people have shared with us — stories about loved ones who immigrated from the Philippines decades ago as well as stories of loss, love, and resilience in the face of the pandemic. Supporters from around PAGE 4
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June 11-17, 2021 • nORCAL ASIAn JOuRnAL
Dateline USa
http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160
‘Nurse Unseen’: Documentary charting... From racial justice to dirty air, California’s new AG plots a progressive health care agenda PAGE 3
the world have shared with us just how much the story of our unsung Filipino nurses means to them and how it deserves to be shown on screen,” Josue added. “Nurse Unseen,” which will be the first documentary of its kind, dives into why troves of Filipino nurses left the Philippines to work in the U.S. health care system and why they have been so disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Nurses of Filipino descent
currently make up 4% of the nursing population in the U.S. During the pandemic, however, Filipino nurses have comprised 26.4% of registered nurse fatalities (or 83 individuals), according to the National Nurses United’s “Sins of Omissions” report, highlighting at least 329 RNs of different backgrounds who have died up until February 2021, as previously reported by the Asian Journal. The production team also features individuals “whose per-
sonal histories and identities are so tied to nursing:” Josue’s sister Anna is co-producer and archival producer; producer Carlo Velayo whose credits include Isabel Sandoval’s “Lingua Franca” and Jessica M. Thompson’s “The Light Of The Moon”; co-producer Joe Arciaga, a Fil-Am nurse, writer and filmmaker; and co-producer Arlyn Dela Pena, a Fil-Am U.S. Army Veteran, RN, actress and producer based out of Hawaii and Los Angeles. n
Palace: Duterte-Duterte tandem in 2022...
PAGE 1 sambayanan (I believe that the president wants to retire but I also believe that he will make a decision that will benefit the people),” he said. On Tuesday, June 8, Duterte said he is “resisting” calls led by the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) urging him to run for vice president next year. “That is difficult...because I am retiring. Then, this time, I will choose the president. When I win, they will say what I am doing is perpetuate [myself] in power, so I resist,” he said partially in Filipino during a televised interview with SMNI News. The president also revealed that he advised his daughter anew about running for president. “I talked to Inday last night and told her ‘do not run,’” Duterte said in Filipino. “Do not ever, ever commit the mistake of running for the presi-
dency. I do not mean to insult the Filipino people, but you don’t really get anything in being president,” he added. For her part, Sara said she “does not understand” why Malacañang and opposition coalition 1Sambayan are talking about her running for president in the 2022 elections. “I do not understand why 1Sambayan and the Palace are playing a slapping game about a Duterte-Duterte tandem,” she told ABS-CBN News. The Davao City mayor added, “The President already said he does not believe I am fit to be President because I am a woman. Period.” Earlier this year, Duterte advised Sara against running for the presidency, claiming that women are not fit for the top government post. “My daughter, inuudyok man nila. Sabi ko, ‘My daughter is not running.’ I have told Inday not to run kasi naaawa ako sa dadaan-
an niya na dinaanan ko. Hindi ito pambabae (My daughter, they are urging her [to run for president in 2022]. I said my daughter is not running. I have told Inday not to run because I take pity if she goes through what I went through. It’s not for women),” he said on January 14. “Alam mo, the emotional setup of a woman and a man is totally different. Maging gago ka dito. That is the sad story (You know, the emotional set-up of a woman and a man is totally different. You will become a fool here. That is the sad story),” he added. Responding to her father’s remarks, Sara said she told him she had no intentions to run for the presidency. “I went to see him (PRRD) last Jan. 8. I told him I do not intend to run for President. He replied, ‘Very good.’ He also said he did not want me to run, but nothing about gender was discussed,” she told Rappler. n
by AngelA
HArt California Healthline
CALIFORNIA Attorney General Rob Bonta, a longtime Democratic state lawmaker, comes to his new role well known for pursuing an unabashedly progressive agenda on criminal justice issues. He has pushed for legislation to eliminate cash bail and to ban for-profit prisons and detention centers. But Bonta also has a distinctive record on health care, successfully advancing legislation to protect consumers from so-called surprise medical bills when they inadvertently get treatment from out-ofnetwork providers and framing environmental hazards like pollution as issues of social justice. He was among the Democratic lawmakers leading the charge at the California Capitol to take on Big Soda, pushing to cut consumption of sugary drinks through taxes and warning labels. Such proposals so far have faltered under the influence of the soda industry. Bonta, 49, was an infant when his family, in 1971, moved to California from the Philippines, where his parents worked as missionaries. His father, Warren Bonta, a native Californian, worked for the state for decades as a health care official, setting up clinics to expand access to medical care in rural and refugee communities. Rob Bonta’s first elected position was to the Alameda Health Care District, overseeing local medical services. Appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom this year, Bonta in April succeeded former state Attorney
General Xavier Becerra, who was tapped by President Joe Biden to serve as secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. In the weeks since, Bonta has beefed up the number of lawyers working in the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Environmental Justice and has created a Racial Justice Bureau that he said will play a pivotal role in ensuring equal access to health care for Black and Latino residents. A graduate of Yale Law School, Bonta spent nine years as a deputy city attorney in San Francisco before his election to the state Assembly in 2012, representing Oakland and the East Bay. He was the first Filipino American elected to the California legislature, and is now the first Filipino American to serve as the state’s chief law enforcement officer. As attorney general, Bonta said he envisions a far different relationship with the Biden administration than his predecessor had with the Trump administration. Becerra emerged as one of former President Donald Trump’s fiercest critics during his tenure as the state’s top cop, filing more than 120 lawsuits to oppose Trump administration policies on the environment and health care, including leading the ongoing fight to preserve the Affordable Care Act in its case before the U.S. Supreme Court. Vice President Kamala Harris also once served as California’s attorney general, and Bonta said he sees tremendous opportunity to shape a more progressive agenda on issues such as reproductive health and universal, single-payer health care working in concert with the new administration. Bonta spoke with KHN about how health care would shape his agenda as attorney general. The interview has been edited for length and clarity. Q: Your predecessor made health care a priority. Will it be one of yours? It’s going to be a top priority for me, and it was a top priority for me as a legislator. I was chair of the Assembly Health Committee or a health committee member the entire time I was there, almost nine years. Before that, I was on a health care district board. My very first elected office I ever had was making sure we provided true access to high-quality, affordable health care to the community that I served. This is a really foundational part of who I am, and who my family is — our legacy and our values and what we stood for. I think health care is a right, not a privilege. It’s for all, not the few. Q: You’ve said you would make racial justice a priority. Do you believe racism is a public health crisis? Yes, I do. Covid-19 revealed a lot of what was inequitable and racist about our systems — the disparate impacts that we saw, the inequity that we saw. And I think racism is not just a public health crisis — it is a public health crisis — but it also infects our economic system, it infects our criminal justice system, it infects all of our systems. And it has led to a public health crisis. Q: What does that look like in health care? How does inequity show up? It looks like making sure that in health care there aren’t disparate impacts on communities of color. That race is not correlated to less access or less quality, and making sure that no one is left out. That can look like access to reproductive health care; that can look like access to real health insurance as opposed to sham health insurance plans. It can look like a charge that is inappropriately placed on a vaccine — vaccines are supposed to be free. That’s something else we worked on recently. Q: Can you elaborate? Through a joint investigation with U.S. Health and Human Services, as well as the U.S. attorney’s office, we identified that vaccines — which should be provided to individuals for free under the law — that a charge was being placed on the vaccine. The vaccine should be universally accessible. And when that isn’t being done, barriers are being put up in vulnerable communities, keeping people from their vaccine that we all need right now. That is a problem. We put out an alert and reminded people of the laws that provide free vaccines to all individuals under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention program. Q: What areas of environmental health might you look into? The building of huge warehouses. In the Inland Empire, there are quite a few being built. They’re being built adjacent to or in disadvantaged communities. And all the goods movement activity — and all of the emissions that are created from the goods movement — create a threat, and a risk to those communities. Q: Like Amazon, for instance? The corporation has come under scrutiny for environmental harms associated with its
sprawling warehouses. Yeah. These warehouses have really created problems for disadvantaged communities in California. We expanded the Bureau of Environmental Justice to provide more resources and more ability to go after big polluters, and to protect communities that live at the intersection of poverty and pollution who are being forced to drink dirty water and breathe unhealthy air. I see the role of the attorney general as standing up for everyday people who are abused or hurt and neglected or mistreated, and generally protecting the little guy from the overreach and abuse of power of the big guy. We have more authority in the environmental realm than in many other areas. And we want to use those tools — that authority, that influence, that power — to protect communities, often low-income communities, often communities of color, who are being hurt by polluters. Q: Becerra filed a lawsuit and sponsored legislation going after health industry mergers alleged to be anti-competitive, a practice he argues drives up health care prices. Will you continue to go after anti-competitive practices in health care? That’s definitely a priority. That’s a critical tool in the toolbox that the California attorney general uniquely has to approve — or put conditions on, or not approve — proposed mergers involving a nonprofit hospital. The lens to see that through is: How does it impact patients? How does it impact access to quality care, and cost of care? And so that is exactly why the attorney general has that role, to review these proposed mergers with an eye towards patients and communities that don’t necessarily have a voice in the merger. Q: As attorney general, do you support single-payer health care? My involvement will be different. Having said that, I co-authored the single-payer bill from a few years back. And I was a coauthor of this year’s single-payer bill that Assemblyman Ash Kalra was leading that I think is no longer moving. [Kalra has withdrawn the bill from consideration for this year.] I support single-payer health care. I support universal health care. I think single-payer health care is a way to get to that aspiration. As the attorney general, I enforce the law. We don’t have a single-payer law in California. So, I’ll enforce the existing laws, which are very strong, to help make sure Californians have the most accessible, affordable, highest-quality health care. Q: The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a Mississippi abortion case that some say could threaten abortion rights at the state level. If upheld, how could that affect the abortion protections in California? That’s going to be a really important case for reproductive freedom, and important, in my view, for California to be involved in given our leadership in this space. As the case gets briefed and prepped for consideration and argument before the U.S. Supreme Court, I expect we will be very active in making arguments to the court to help guide [the justices’] thinking and their decisions. Q: What will California’s relationship with the federal government be like? I think the posture and the relationship between the federal administration and California over the last four years are very different than what they will be for the next four. Attorney General Becerra was the warrior and the champion that we needed, and that was necessary as we faced a full-frontal assault on California, our people, our values and our resources, and he fought back and protected us and defended us and stood up for our values time and time again. Now, I think we have a BidenHarris administration that largely does agree that we should have, certainly, the Affordable Care Act, that we should have reproductive freedom, that we should address the inequities in our health care system, that we should have affordable, accessible, high-quality health care for all — and will help us get there. So, with the new administration, I look to collaboration. California can and should continue to be who we are. We lead. We go first. We pioneer. We’re bold and we’re big in how we think. That’s who we are, so that leading role is our natural place to be, including in health care. KHN (Kaiser Health News) is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation. n
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Dateline PhiliPPines
IATF relaxes rules for inbound travelers vaccinated in PH by Ritchel
Mendiola AJPress
INBOUND travelers fully vaccinated in the Philippines will undergo a shorter quarantine period, according to Malacañang. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Friday, June 4, said that the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) approved the guidelines on inbound international travel to any port of the Philippines of all fully vaccinated individuals who have been inoculated in the Philippines. “An individual shall be considered as having been fully vaccinated two or more weeks after receiving the second dose in a two-dose series, or two or more weeks after receiving a singledose vaccine,” explained Roque. Vaccines administered to individuals in the Philippines should be included in either the country’s Food and Drug Administration’s Emergency Use Authorization list or through Compassionate Special Permit. Roque added that fully vaccinated individuals must carry their vaccination cards “which must be verified prior to depar-
ture, and must be presented to a Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) representative for re-verification at the Department of Transportation (DOTr) One-Stop Shop upon arrival in the Philippines.” Under the new guidelines, the fully vaccinated individuals who want to enter the Philippines will undergo a seven-day facilitybased quarantine upon arrival. “RT-PCR test shall only be done when the individual manifests COVID-19 symptoms within the seven-day quarantine,” Roque said. For its part, the BOQ will conduct strict monitoring of COVID19 symptoms during the quarantine period. “After completing the sevenday facility-based quarantine, the BOQ shall issue a Quarantine Certificate indicating the individual’s vaccination status,” the spokesman added. However, Roque stressed that the new guidelines don’t apply to fully vaccinated individuals who were inoculated abroad. “Wala pa (There is no new) protocol for them,” he told Palace reporters through a text message. Returning Filipinos and foreign nationals who have been
fully vaccinated abroad will continue to undergo a 10-day facility-based isolation and take a swab test on the seventh day. The IATF also ordered the National Economic and Development Authority as well as the departments of Health, Finance, Trade, and Foreign Affairs to provide recommendations to further relax testing and quarantine protocols for certain classes of travelers. In May, the Department of Tourism proposed setting up a “green lane” that will facilitate the entry of foreign travelers who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. “The green lane will pave the way for the reopening of our tourist destinations to leisure travelers who are now fully vaccinated. It will give the jobs back to many of our tourism workers and gradually revive the tourism industry under safe conditions,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said on May 21. “We must keep pace with our neighbors and the rest of the world in slowly reopening our tourist destinations. We must be ready for the visitors when the whole world is ready to safely travel again,” she added. n
WATER WORLD. Rather than sulk, residents of K-6th Street in Kamuning, Quezon City swim in floodwaters on Tuesday, June 8. About three hours of rain flooded low-lying areas in the city. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler
NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNe 11-17, 2021
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PH elected VP of 76th United Nations General Assembly by Pia Lee-Brago Philstar.com
RUSH HOUR. The passengers’ queue at the Roosevelt Station, Edsa-Carousel bus station in Quezon City on Tuesday, June 8 stretches to the footbridge in the area. The Edsa busway system aims to help transport commuters in Metro Manila amid the general community quarantine still being enforced to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon
Pacquiao expects ‘hard’ fight at MGM by Joaquin
Henson Philstar.com
MANILA — Super WBA welterweight champion Sen. Manny Pacquiao said on Monday, June 7 he expects a “hard” fight against WBC/IBF ruler Errol Spence Jr. when they square off in a scheduled 12round unification showdown at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Aug. 21 and while declining to make a prediction of the outcome, promised an action-packed duel. Pacquiao admitted being “a little behind” in his training schedule but “not by much” as he was set to head for camp in General Santos City on Thursday, June 10. While formal camp is yet to open, Pacquiao has stayed in shape doing roadwork, hitting the gym and playing basketball so it’s not as if his conditioning will start from scratch. Long-time hands Buboy Fernandez and Nonoy Neri will watch over his workouts then the Pacquiao team packs up to leave for Los Angeles in the first week of July to hook up with Freddie Roach at the Wild Card Gym. A media tour to promote the fight in key US cities may be held after Pacquiao arrives in LA. In training, Pacquiao said his priority is to build up stamina as the fight against Spence may be a war of attrition. His other goals are to strengthen his upper body, raise his level of power and drop a few pounds to get lighter so he’s quicker on his feet. He’s watched some film of Spence’s fights, studying his movements, tendencies and habit punches. Pacquiao declined to give hints of how he intends to battle Spence, noting his strategy is a secret. Pacquiao said working hard in training is the key to a solid performance in the ring. “To make boxing easier, do your best not to be flat-footed in training because what you do in training, you can adapt to the fight,” he said. “The most important thing is to do in training twice or thrice more than what you do in a fight. If you do a combination of eight punches in training, you’ll probably do only two or three in a fight but you’re ready to go all out.”
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MANILA — The Philippines was elected as one of the vice presidents of the 76th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) for 2021-2022. Ambassador Enrique Manalo, permanent representative of the Philippines to the United Nations, will represent the Philippines at the session. “I look forward to working with the president of the General Assembly and representing the Philippines as vice president of the 76th Session. Together with the other vice presidents, I will work collaboratively with colleagues to contribute efficiently towards addressing the complex issues the UN faces,” Manalo said. The election for the vice presidents was held on June 7 following the election for president of the UNGA of the 76th session, in which Minister Abdullah Shahid of the Maldives was elected after a secret ballot, with Dr. Zalmai Rassoul of Afghanistan as the other PGA candidate. The nomination of the Philippines as vice president was endorsed by the Asia-Pacific Group through a silence procedure last May 12, along with three other VP candidates to represent the 54-member states of the AsiaPacific Group: Bangladesh, Kuwait and Lao PDR. There are 18 VPs across all regions, which include the African Group, Group of the Latin American and Caribbean States, Western European and other
States Group, Eastern European Group, also elected by acclamation. Phl renews commitment to fight corruption Meanwhile, the Philippines renewed its commitment to fight corruption by nurturing a culture of integrity through prevention, deterrence and implementation. During a statement at the UNGA special session on corruption, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. noted that “the merest prejudicial disparity in a bid invites a charge of corruption,” and that “corruption strikes at the life and soul of nations, killing the credibility and therefore viability of states which are nations’ political expression, encouraging the deadly, fast-spreading virus of public cynicism that kills love of country.” He added that the Philippines’ fight against corruption is not all punitive but also recognizes integrity. Locsin cited the Seal of Good Local Governance Act that rewards transparency and accountability in the use of public funds, the Anti-Terrorism Act that fills gaps in the investigation and prosecution of money laundering especially for terrorism financing, and the Philippine Government Procurement and Reform Act that requires the presence of civil society observers in local and national government bidding procedures in public procurement. The secretary also highlighted the creation of the joint oversight committees under the Bay-
anihan to Heal as One and Bayanihan to Recover as One laws as a response to the pandemic. The Special Session of the General Assembly on challenges and measures to prevent and combat corruption and strengthen international cooperation was convened by General Assembly president Volkan Bozkir pursuant to General Assembly resolutions 73/191 and 74/276, as well as Decisions 74/568 and 75/562. In his statement, Bozkir urged policymakers to leverage the special session to take concrete measures to prevent and address corruption, saying in his remarks that “corruption corrodes public trust, weakens the rule of law, seeds conflict, undermines human rights and hinders efforts to achieve the targets of the 2030 Agenda.” United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammad stressed that corruption in public service delivery increases costs, lowers quality and distorts the allocation of resources. She encouraged the General Assembly to use the special session on corruption as an opportunity to chart a different path forward through a transparent, inclusive and accountable approach to governance that will strengthen the social contract between State and people. “Expectations are high,” she stated, “I encourage you to lead by example, by realizing the commitments you have made in the draft declaration, with the support of the United Nations system.” n
More Filipinos fishing in West PH Sea Manny Pacquiao
Photo from Instagram/@mannypacquiao
Pacquiao confirmed that the fight will be at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, ending speculation that it may be brought to the 72,000-seat Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders football team. “It’ll be a good fight,” he said. “A lot of world titles will be at stake. Spence is unbeaten, younger. But I’m confident, I have the experience, speed and power.” Pacquiao was installed the early underdog but over the last few days, the odds have gone down from +300 to +260. “It was the same trend when I fought (Keith) Thurman,” he said. “In the beginning, he was the favorite but as people found out how I was training and saw my speed and power hadn’t changed, the odds reversed by the time the fight started.” n
by eireene Jairee
gomez
ManilaTimes.net
THE Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Tuesday, June 8 reported that more Philippine commercial fishing vessels have been spotted in the West Philippine Sea. Agriculture Secretary William Dar attributed this development to the increased presence of vessels deployed by BFAR and the Philippine Coast Guard. The fisheries bureau is under the Department of Agriculture. BFAR said that more than a
hundred commercial fishing vessels were seen in the West Philippine Sea since January this year. These included 108 commercial fishing vessels coming from Bataan and Zambales, 20 from Pangasinan, 19 from Palawan, and 2 from Occidental Mindoro. “The West Philippine Sea is a rich source of fish for the Philippines, contributing significantly to the country’s food security. Our increased presence in the area, through the DA-BFAR’s floating assets, is the Department of Agriculture’s way of
ensuring that our fisherfolk are able to enjoy access to our fishery and aquatic resources in the WPS while ensuring at the same time that these activities are within sustainable and rational means,” Dar said in a statement. The DA deployed five Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS) vessels and one multi-mission offshore vessel at the Kalayaan Island Group, and one MCS vessel at the Bajo de Masinloc to provide assistance and protection to Filipino fisherfolk. n
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JUNE 11-17, 2021 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL
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FeatURes
OPiniOn
A breath of fresh air
AFTER an unending stream of bad news since the start of the COVID pandemic, the victory of Yuka Saso in the U.S. Women’s Open provides a much needed breath of fresh air in the Philippines. The 19-yearold Filipino-Japanese golfer’s historic feat also raises hopes that the Philippines might finally bag an elusive gold medal in the Olympics – if the Games push through this year in Tokyo despite the COVID pandemic. Saso first grabbed national attention at the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia, wherein she bagged two gold medals. The next year she turned pro. Last year despite the pandemic, she won her first tournament sponsored by the Japan Ladies’ Professional Golf Association. Saso’s journey to glory in the U.S. Women’s Open in San Francisco last Sunday, June 6 shows the dedication and discipline needed for excelling in international sports. As early as age eight, Saso had reportedly expressed interest in becoming a top-ranked player. Her Japanese father Masakazu
then moved his Filipina wife and their children back to the Philippines, where the cost of living including playing golf is cheaper. The father laid out a grueling training schedule for his daughter. Before beginning her golf swings, Saso would start her day with a run at 5:30 a.m. followed by 10 sets of 50- and 100-meter sprints while wearing two-kilogram weights. After 30 minutes of repetitive side step jumping, the golf training would start. Her defeat of Japanese golfer Nasa Hataoka in the U.S. Women’s Open boosted Saso’s place in the Rolex Rankings from 40th to ninth. Her victory should also provide inspiration to other aspiring athletes in the Philippines. With rigorous training, discipline, sufficient resources and an abiding love of the chosen field, Filipinos can excel in international sports. (Philstar.com)
Editorial
Philstar.com photo
A majority of Americans support Biden’s infrastructure plan. But why are Republicans blocking it? The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS POLL after poll reveals that a majority of the American people, about 6 out of 10, want the Infrastructure Plan proposed by President Joe Biden to come to fruition. The plan will create jobs that will expand the middle class and help the United States become more competitive in the 21st century, and yet why are the Republicans not heeding the will of their constituents and the majority of the American people? According to the reporting of CBS News in April, which reflects the same results among other polls nationwide: “58% approve of the administration’s infrastructure proposal. This
includes 90% of Democrats and a 57%-majority of independents, but only 19% of Republicans. People of color approve of the plan in large numbers, while White Americans are split fairly evenly, divided by partisanship and ideology.” The overwhelming support for Biden’s Infrastructure Plan amid the pandemic gives hope of a better, brighter and stronger America because Americans know and believe that what it aims to accomplish will help make their lives better, and will not just benefit the billionaires and millionaires and rich corporate America. “Americans broadly approve of Congress passing bills to fund a variety of types of infrastructure spending. At least 3 in 4 approve of spending additional federal money on five areas of investment, when asked generally without Biden’s name or either party attached. Most popular is building or repairing American roads and bridges
(87%), the report revealed. “Close behind that are replacing or repairing water pipes (85%) and providing more home care for the elderly (83%), followed by installing broadband internet in rural areas (78%) and building public schools (73%). Each of these items finds majority approval among Democrats, independents and Republicans alike,” the CBS News report stated. The plan will also build more rail lines as the United States of America — supposedly the richest and most powerful country in the world — is lagging behind Japan, Europe, and other progressive countries. It also aims to set up electric car charging stations, provide internet access to rural America that will empower them with access to information. These are also supported by closer to six in 10 Americans. How do we pay for the $ 2 trillion Infrastructure Plan? By raising revenues, and implementing an equitable way to
do it — asking the powerful billionaires and millionaires and corporate America to pay their equitable share. “To pay for infrastructure, most Americans would favor raising taxes on both large corporations and people making over $400,000 annually — seven in 10 each. Both of these measures find support among approximately half of Republicans, as well as large majorities of Democrats and independents. By contrast, only four in 10 Americans would support raising taxes specifically on people who use roads and bridges more,” CBS News reported. And yet, the Republican Party continues to obstruct the plans, not so much because of the cost of the plan because they had been willing to splurge, at taxpayers’ money, Trump’s lavish lifestyle, provide support for manufacturing guns and war weapons and warfare against people of color around the world, and give handouts
and bailouts to the richest and most powerful demographics of America — who are mostly their most generous campaign donors. But why, oh why, are they not worried and mindful of our deficit when their agenda caters to the interests of the richest and most powerful people, lobbyists and corporations? Yet, they are so fiscally conservative and frugal in investing in ordinary hardworking Americans? It is about time this ends as this inequitable system just makes the richest richer and the poor poorer in America, a country founded on the principle that all men are created equal. The Constitution is clear that the government is of the people, by the people, for the people, and it is time we, the People, reclaim that power. Call, email, and bang on the doors of your senators and representatives to remind them of their Constitutional duties to
look after you and defend your interests. If these Republicans in Congress remain remiss in fulfilling their Constitutional duty to us, the People they vowed to serve, let President Joe Biden and the Democrats and Independents in Congress forego the goal of bipartisanship, break the gridlock in any way legally possible. ENOUGH! *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
*** Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, public service and educational broadcasting since 1989 with ABS-CBN and is now serving the Filipino audience using different platforms, including digital broadcasting, and print, and is working on a new public service program for the community. You may contact her through email at gelrelos@ icloud.com, or send her a message via Facebook at Facebook.com/Gel.Santos. Relos.
Strong people-to-people ties: 75 years of PH-US diplomatic relations Babe’s Eye View BABE ROMUALDEZ JUNE and July will be the busiest months here in Washington, DC as we prepare for the activities we have lined up to commemorate the 123rd anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence and celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the United States. Our consulates all over the U.S. will have their own Independence Day celebrations, but the embassy has also prepared several special events. One of them will take place on June 15 at 8 p.m. (June 16 8 a.m. in the Philippines), with a virtual concert we have organized together with The Filipino Channel featuring performances by Martin Nievera and several Filipino talents, which will be livestreamed on Facebook (https://www.facebook. com/PHinUSA).
On June 21, the Ambassador’s official residence at Sheridan Circle in Washington, DC will be declared as a National Historical Landmark of the Philippines – a great milestone because the residence serves as another symbol of the long history in the relationship between the U.S. and the Philippines. The residence was purchased in 1946 by Joaquin Elizalde, a wealthy Filipino businessman who was a Resident Commissioner in the U.S. House of Representatives and eventually became appointed by President Manuel Roxas as the first Philippine Ambassador to the United States. Built in 1904, the embassy residence is just a short distance from what were once the homes of four U.S. presidents: William Howard Taft, Woodrow Wilson, Warren Harding and Herbert Hoover – one of the reasons why the residence has such historical significance. This is the second property owned by the Philippines that will have the distinction of being a National Historical Landmark. In 2018, the Old Chancery building located at Massachusetts Avenue in Washington,
DC was declared by the National Historical Commission as a National Historical Landmark. Such an act recognized and preserved the history, nationalism and dignity that the building embodies for Filipinos, since the Old Chancery was where Philippine Resident Commissioners Joaquin Elizalde and Carlos P. Romulo held important meetings regarding the transition of the Philippines into an independent republic. It was on July 4, 1946 when the Philippines became “a separate and self-governing nation” as Paul V. McNutt – the first U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines – described it. As the American flag was lowered by Ambassador McNutt, President Manuel Roxas raised the Philippine flag amid the loud ringing of church bells that echoed the jubilant shouts of hundreds of thousands of Filipinos who were in Luneta to witness that historic event. Our ties with the U.S. are one of the oldest among many bilateral relations, largely attributable to the deep linkages between Filipinos and Americans due to our shared history and experiences that make this friendship extraordinary.
This was highlighted during the joint virtual press briefing we had the other day with U.S. Embassy Chargè d’Affaires John Law. Despite the few ups and downs over the years, our relationship with the United States has always been stable because of strong people-topeople ties with over 350,000 Americans residing in the Philippines, and about four million Filipino Americans living in the U.S. In fact, Filipino Americans are very much appreciated and well-respected in the communities where they live and work. Many have also become very successful, distinguishing themselves in their fields of expertise. One of them is Dr. Connie Mariano, a retired rear admiral of the U.S. Navy who was also the first female director of the White House Medical Unit, having served three U.S. presidents: George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. We also have Sean Reyes, the Attorney General in Utah whom I had the pleasure to personally meet. Sean, a grandnephew of the late president Ramon Magsaysay, has been Attorney General since
2013 and is well respected not only in Utah but also here in Washington, DC. Then there is chef Cristeta “Chris” Comerford who gained popularity for being the first woman and the first of Asian descent to serve as White House executive chef. Chef Chris is a close friend of Chef Jessie Sincioco, who is one of our well-known chefs in Manila and also my favorite. Filipino cuisine is also becoming extremely popular in the U.S., with interest escalating since we held the first-ever Filipino food festival in DC in 2019. Filipino American chefs have been getting accolades from food critics, among them Tom Cunanan, formerly of Bad Saint, the restaurant that had senators and even presidents going there to eat pre-pandemic. Filipino Restaurant Week – an annual event – is coming up, and this year, there is a good chance that we will be able to hold the event on-site instead of virtually. In my three years as Philippine Ambassador to the U.S., there have been so many milestones in the relationship between the two nations. Just recently, one of our friends in
Congress – Representative Joe Courtney of Connecticut who is also the chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces – wrote to Acting Secretary of the Navy Thomas Harker to strongly recommend naming a U.S. Navy warship after Telesforo Trinidad – a Filipino American sailor who received the Medal of Honor in 1915 because of the courage and heroism he displayed when one of the boilers of USS San Diego exploded. The Aklan-born Telesforo did not think twice about saving other crew members, even at the risk of his own life. This initiative which has been gathering momentum following the support of several U.S. representatives could also become another testament to the stability of the relationship between the United States and the Philippines, which we hope will continue for the next 75 years. *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
*** Email: babeseyeview@gmail.com
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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNe 11-17, 2021
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World Bank turns gloomier as PH’s virus fight returns to square one
ITALIAN VIBE. Shoppers at a Taguig City mall take a break with boat rides that give a feel of Italy’s Venice Grand Canal on Monday, June 7. Malls are operating amid the COVID-19 pandemic but enforcing strict health protocols. PNA photo by Avito C. Dala
ABS-CBN loss hits P13.5B after shutdown campaign amid pandemic, recession by migueL
Camus
Inquirer.net
MANILA — Media giant ABSCBN Corp. saw losses in 2020 surge over 400% to P13.5 billion after the Duterte administration shut down its main broadcasting business during a global health crisis and an economic recession. The move brought consequences to a multitude of stakeholders, from investors and lenders to thousands of employees, their families and millions of viewers and listeners across the country. This also forced ABS-CBN to slash 4,552 jobs, or nearly half its workforce, including 2,674 regular employees after Duterte’s allies in the House of Representatives allowed the company’s 25-year broadcast franchise to lapse on May 4 before denying the renewal bid altogether on July 10, 2020.. The company remains present in pay television and has been ramping up online streaming and airtime leasing deals with other TV networks—businesses that do not require a congressional franchise. Those efforts, however, remain far from closing the gap with earnings before the closure of its free-to-air operations, its 2020 annual report and first quarter 2021 figures showed. ABS-CBN said consolidated revenues in 2020 fell 50% to P21.42 billion, mainly as advertising sales plummeted almost
70% to P7.1 billion from P22.94 billion the previous year. The rest came from SkyCable Corp. and international content distribution. Another P1 billion was generated with the help of online channels and a block time agreement with Zoe Broadcasting for Channel 11 A2Z. ABS-CBN saw losses continue in the first quarter of 2021 to the tune of P1.94 billion, larger than last year’s loss of P751 million, as total revenues dropped 54.6% to P3.92 billion. It said online and block time revenues added around P673 million during the quarter. The company also saw a drastic reduction in expenses following the layoffs, the closure of business divisions and program adjustments. The shutdown was widely considered as an act of political retribution against the ABS-CBN and its owners, the influential Lopez family. President Rodrigo Duterte publicly threatened the company, saying during a Dec. 3, 2019 oath-taking ceremony of government officials that its franchise would not be renewed despite bills pending in Congress. “You’re out. I will see to it that you’re out,” Duterte said. Grievances raised against ABS-CBN included its failure to air some of Duterte’s political advertisements during the 2016 elections and alleged unfair news coverage. The outcome was sealed and ABS-CBN’s franchise application was denied in July 2020 even af-
ter lawmakers held a series of hearings that ultimately failed to prove the company violated tax, securities and labor laws. Attacks on ABS-CBN continued when congressmen pursued assets such as its 4.4-hectare headquarters in Quezon City where its 650-foot transmitter tower was located. They questioned how the Lopez family recovered the property after the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos was toppled by the People Power revolt in 1986. ABS-CBN made it harder for outsiders to seize key assets after assigning these as collateral to creditors. This was also to meet their conditions before reaching a standstill deal effective May 31, 2021 that would protect the company from being declared in default. ABS-CBN said these assets included “real properties and equipment located in Mega Manila” to secure an amount of P14.56 billion. The company did not disclose additional details on the standstill agreement. ABS-CBN and subsidiaries had total borrowings of P20.4 billion at the end of March this year, with P16 billion due in the next 12 months. ABS-CBN said it would meet obligations to lenders. “Management assessed that the company will be able to maintain its positive cash position and settle its liabilities as they fall due within the next 12 months,” ABS-CBN said in its quarterly filing. ■
YOU HAVE THE RIGHT
to take paid time off work for COVID-19 related reasons. COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave is now available for workplaces with 26 or more employees and is just one of many leave rights for workers in California. If you or a family member are sick or have been exposed to COVID-19, supplemental paid sick leave can cover: • Up to 80 hours of leave in addition to permanent paid sick leave • Care for yourself or a family member with COVID-19 • Getting tested, vaccinated or recovering from vaccine side effects Ask your employer what rights are available to you.
Learn more at saferatwork.ca.gov
MANILA — The World Bank slashed anew its growth forecast for the Philippines, as emerging signs of recovery seen in previous months dissipate in the face of fresh coronavirus lockdowns. From its old forecast of 5.5% in March, the Washington-based lender now projects the economy to grow 4.7% this year based on the revised version of its “Philippines Economic Update” report released on Tuesday, June 8. Last year, the economy shrank a record 9.6% year-on-year. If realized, the bleaker projection would fall below the Duterte administration’s watered-down target of 6-7% for 2021. To make matters worse, the lender said elevated inflation driven by food supply problems has also emerged as a “key challenge” for the economy. A new World Bank poll found two in five Filipino families were worried about food and healthcare access due to lack of income. “The resurgence of COVID-19 cases and reimposition of more stringent quarantine measures held back the early signs of an
economic rebound,” the Bank said in its report. The gloomy outlook was not surprising at all. Following a sudden and deadly coronavirus surge, the government retightened restrictions in Metro Manila and four surrounding urbanized areas from late March to midApril, crippling anew the economy’s major growth engines. The harsh, but necessary, step dealt a fresh blow on consumer confidence, all while mass vaccinations, promised to start early, have been pushed back to late second quarter. So far, the Duterte administration has barely inoculated 5% of the population. As it is, the damage has already been done and help from government during the brief lockdown period was deemed too little, too late by observers. In the first quarter, the economy remained in recession after collapsing at an annualized 4.2%, enough to convince World Bank Senior Economist Kevin Chua that the road to recovery would remain “fragile and challenging”.
A targeted government spending, Chua said, should facilitate recovery to ensure that additional debt burden incurred by the state is going to the right programs that can actually jumpstart economic activity. “Social programs, including cash transfers, can help alleviate food and subsistence conditions. National and local government authorities need to coordinate their efforts to ensure timely and efficient deployment of these programs,” Chua told reporters in a virtual press conference. “As the economy recovers, we can see debt ratio go down. Given we’ve borrowed money, it’s important expenditures are efficient and targeted,” he added. A slower growth this year could translate to a faster rebound in 2022. The World Bank penciled in a 5.9% growth next year, albeit slower than its previous projection of 6.3% and the government’s 79% goal. Growth is seen returning to pre-pandemic level of 6% in 2023 when a new government would have taken over. (Philstar.com)
Community
June 11-17, 2021 • nORCAL ASIAn JOuRnAL
How to spot a government impersonator scam SCAMMERS often disguise themselves as people working for the government and might pretend to offer help. But, really, they’re after your money or personal information. For Pride Month, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) wants the LGBTQ+ community to know about government imposter scams and how to avoid them. Government imposters may call to “verify your Social Security number,” or say your Social Security number or Medicare benefits have been “suspended” due to a mix-up. Scammers may say your tax returns must be done differently because of a name change — and they need your Social Security number to fix it. For recently married people, or someone going through gender reassignment and a name change, the excuses scammers use might make sense. But wait right there. Scammers are just phishing for personal information they can use to steal your identity or take your money. So how do you spot it and stop
it? Here’s what to know: • Scammers call, email, or text you for money or information. But the government won’t. Anyone who calls, emails, or texts, asking for money or personal information and claims to be from the government is a scammer. Hang up and don’t respond to messages. • Scammers tell you how to pay — usually by wiring money, cryptocurrency, or gift card. Nobody legit will ever tell you to pay in any of those ways. If they call, hang up the phone. If they email, text, or message you, don’t click
on any links. It’s a scam. • Even if your caller ID says it’s from the government, it could be a scam. Caller ID can be faked. Even if it shows the government agency’s real phone number, or even if it says something like “Social Security Administration,” it could be anyone calling from anywhere in the world. Don’t trust it. If you spot a government imposter, tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. (Lisa Lake/Consumer Education Specialist, FTC)
Your guide to protecting your privacy online THE things we do throughout the course of our day give businesses access to information about our habits, tastes, and activities. Some might use it to deliver targeted ads to you, or to give you content based on your location, like stores nearby or the weather forecast. Others might sell or share that information. Whether you use a computer, tablet, or mobile phone to go online, there are things you can do to protect your privacy. Check out ftc.gov/yourprivacy, your guide to protecting your privacy online. Here’s what it covers:
Online tracking Learn how online tracking works and what you can do about it. Plus: • How to change your privacy settings on your browser, your internet-connected TV, and your phone • How to opt out of target ads • What to know about ad blockers • How to opt out of data broker sites that sell your personal information • What to know about privacy and mobile apps. How to secure your devices Find out how to secure your
EMPLOYMENT
COMPANIONSHIP
internet-connected devices, starting with your router — it’s the key to privacy at home and in your small business. Plus: • How to know when your voice assistant is listening and ways to protect your privacy • Important security features for smartwatches • Using internet-connected (IP) cameras safely • Why it’s important to remove your personal data before you sell your car • What to do if you’re selling a home and leaving behind a smart thermostat, refrigerator, or other device. What to know about online abuse and harassment Did you know some apps let people track you through your phone without your permission? Learn about stalking apps, how to tell if there is one on your phone, and what to do if there is. If someone took or shared an intimate image of you without your consent, that’s considered non-consensual pornography. And that’s not OK. If that’s happened to you or someone you know, learn what steps you can take. (Maneesha Mithal/Associate Director, Division of Privacy and Identity Protection/FTC)
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Mayor Breed, Treasurer Cisneros announce SF Museums for All program now permanent and year-round
SAN FRANCISCO – Mayor London N. Breed and Treasurer José Cisneros on Tuesday, June 8 announced the San Francisco Museums for All program will now provide free or reduced admission year-round to more than 20 museums and cultural institutions for residents who receive public benefits, including Medi-Cal and CalFresh. This expansion aims to support San Francisco’s reopening and recovery, and follows the program’s initial launch in summer 2019 when more than 25,000 free admissions were redeemed by San Franciscans visiting local museums and cultural institutions. To build on the success of the initial summer program, San Francisco Museums for All will now be permanent and offer free year-round admission to one in four San Franciscans who receive Medi-Cal or CalFresh benefits. The expansion of the Museums for All program builds on Mayor Breed’s commitment to providing equitable access to the City’s arts and cultural insinuations and educational opportunities, especially for families and children. “All San Franciscans, regardless of their income, deserve the opportunity to experience the joy, inspiration, and community that our incredible arts and cultural institutions have to offer,” said Mayor Breed. “As our city recovers and reopens, a permanent San Francisco Museums for All program will give families an opportunity to engage in safe, healthy, and enriching activities at a time when they need it most.” The expansion of the Museums for All program advances a key priority of the City’s Economic Recovery Task Force by serving San Francisco’s most vulnerable residents and ensuring all San Franciscans can access and enjoy the City’s unique cultural assets. Admission fees at many institutions can range from $20 to $150 for a family of four to visit, which often creates a barrier for people to access the cultural and educational benefits that these institutions offer. Families with low incomes often do not go to museums because of prohibitively expensive ticket prices. Over the past year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many museums and cultural institutions either closed completely or pivoted to virtual programming. As San Francisco reopens and recovers, the San Francisco Museums for All Program will help support and bring people back to the City’s museums and cultural institutions. A survey of museums and cultural institutions that participate in the national Museums for All program demonstrated that making museum admission free improved attendance numbers and diversified museum attendance. The San Francisco Museums for All program was created and administered in collaboration with Treasurer José Cisneros’s Financial Justice Project. The Financial Justice Project works to ensure that lowerincome residents receive discounts on fines and fees that place a disproportionate burden on low-income families. “No one should be excluded from our world class museums because of the size of their wallet,” said Treasurer José Cisneros. “A truly inclusive city is one where all residents have the opportunity to experience the wonder and excitement of our museums and cultural institutions.”
HOUSING
“Young or old, museums help shape our lives and minds,” said Vallie Brown, Director of Grants for the Arts. “Offering the museum experience free to all San Franciscans is the same as offering free education, it’s vital to a thriving society.” The San Francisco Human Services Agency (HSA) coordinates the San Francisco Museums for All program. San Francisco residents who currently receive public benefits from HSA can receive free admission at participating museums for up to four individuals when they present their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card or Medi-Cal card and proof of San Francisco residency. “The San Francisco Museums for All program has been incredibly successful, and I am thankful to our museums and government partners for their continued commitment to equity,” said Trent Rhorer, Executive Director of the San Francisco Human Services Agency, “We’re coming together to invite all households who receive public benefits to visit our world-class museums so they too can experience the cultural abundance of our city.” Participating cultural institutions currently include: • Asian Art Museum • Cable Car Museum • California Academy of Sciences * • Cartoon Art Museum • Children’s Creativity Museum • Chinese Culture Center of San Francisco • Chinese Historical Society of America • Conservatory of Flowers • The Contemporary Jewish Museum • de Young Museum • Exploratorium • GLBT Historical Society Museum • Legion of Honor Museum • Museum of Craft and Design • Museum of the African Diaspora • Randall Museum • San Francisco Botanical Garden • San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) • San Francisco Recreation and Park Departments’ Japanese Tea Garden • San Francisco Railway Museum • Yerba Buena Center for the Arts * - California Academy of Sciences offering reduced $3 admission. Updated information on reopening policies and making online reservations, if needed, can be found at sfmuseumsforall.org, by calling 311, or by emailing sfmuseumsforall@sfgov.org. The arts are an essential part of San Francisco’s vibrancy and will continue to play an important role in the City’s recovery from COVID-19. Since the beginning of the pandemic, San Francisco has supported artists, and arts and cultural organizations with a variety of funding and programs. Mayor Breed’s proposed City budget for the next two years includes significant investments to ensure that arts and cultural programs are able to operate, grow, and recover in San Francisco. Included in the Mayor’s proposed budget is $16.2 million to backfill the loss of hotel taxes, which fund San Francisco arts organizations. (SF Mayor’s Office Release)
REAL ESTATE
Section 8 Waiting List Opening Bayview Apartments will be accepting applications for our one, two, three, and four bedroom Section 8 rental units. Some units available for immediate occupancy. Applications will be accepted through our online portal BayviewAptsSF.com from June 10th, 2021 at 1:00 pm to June 23rd, 2021 at 5:00 pm. An electronic lottery will be held after the application period closes to establish the waiting list order. Incomplete applications or applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted. Household members can only appear on one application. If an application contains household members that are on other applications for this listing, all of them will be disqualified. Any fraudulent statements will cause application to be removed from the waiting list. Rents for this affordable housing program are based on total gross household income. Applicants must be income eligible and meet occupancy guidelines. Households must earn no more than the maximum income levels noted below:
50% HUD Median Income Limits Household Size
1 Person
2 Persons
3 Persons
4 Persons
Max Annual Income
$63,950
$73,100
$82,250
$91,350
Household Size
5 Persons
6 Persons
7 Persons
8 Persons
Max Annual Income
$98,700
$106,000
$113,300
$120,600
Note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, applications will not be distributed or accepted on-site. Applicants may submit paper applications by downloading a blank application on our online portal BayviewAptsSF. com and mailing a completed application to the following address: Bayview Apartments, 5 Commer Court, San Francisco, CA 94124. Mailed applications must be received by 5 p.m. on June 23rd, 2021. Postmarks are not accepted. Applications received after this date and time will not be accepted. Application information and our resident selection criteria is available on the online portal at BayviewAptsSF.com. You may begin submitting applications starting June 10th, 2021 at 1:00 pm. The open application period will end on June 23rd, 2021 at 5:00 pm. Please contact Related Management for building info at 415-285-7344 or email us at BayviewSF@related.com If you need help filling out an online application, you can contact a rental housing counselor. A list of names and contact numbers can be found at this link: housing.sfgov.org/housing-counselors Income limits are subject to change based on changes to the Area Median Income as published by HUD, and the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee. SF #2965
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THE ASIAN JOURNAL
MAGAZINE
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N O R T H E R N
C A L I F O R N I A
Friday, June 11, 2021
INSIDE >>> L I F E S T Y L E • C O N S U M E R G U I D E • C O M M U N I T Y • M A R K E T P L A C E Immigration Corner ATTY. MICHAEL GURFINKEL, ESQ ON May 27, 2021, the Biden administration issued a memo entitled “Interim Guidance to OPLA Attorneys Regarding Civil Immigration Enforcement and Removal Policies and Priorities.” That memo could benefit so many people who are in deportation or removal proceedings, or are concerned they may be placed in deportation or removal proceedings. Basically, this memo instructs OPLA attorneys on how and when to exercise prosecutorial discretion. What is OPLA? OPLA means “Office of the Principal Legal Advisor,” which are basically the government attorneys who prosecute deportation or removal proceedings. They are like trial attorneys or prosecutors. What is “prosecutorial discretion”? According to the memo, “prosecutorial discretion is the long-standing authority of an agency charged with enforcing the law to decide where to focus its resources and whether or how to enforce, or not to enforce, the law against an individual.” In other words, the discretion to decide if the government will bring removal proceedings against a person, or even drop proceedings if the person qualifies under the memo. This memo instructs OPLA attorneys to focus primarily on what is called “enforcement and removal priority cases,” and be more flexible and lenient with other types of cases. According to the memo, there are three categories of cases that are “presumed to be enforcement and removal priorities for ICE
New Biden memo limits deportations, can you benefit?
personnel” and the government should prioritize agency resources on removing people who fit in these categories: 1. National security. This includes noncitizens who have engaged in or are suspected of terrorism or espionage or are otherwise a threat to the national security of the U.S. 2. Border security. This includes noncitizens who were “apprehended at the border or at a port of entry [like an airport] while attempting to unlawfully enter the U.S. on or after November 1, 2020.” 3. Public safety. This includes noncitizens who have been convicted of an “aggravated felony,” or are members of criminal street gangs. For other types of cases, ICE and OPLA attorneys may consider whether or not to exercise “prosecutorial discretion,” which includes: • Deciding whether to assume custody of a noncitizen who is subject to a previously issued detainer. (A detainer is a notice to local law enforcement agencies that ICE wants to assume custody of a person who’s about to be released from jail, so they can be deported) • Deciding whether to issue, reissue, serve, file or cancel a notice to appear or NTA • Deciding whether to focus resources only on administrative violations or conduct • Deciding whether to stop, question, or arrest a noncitizen for an administrative violation of the civil immigration laws • Deciding whether to detain or release a noncitizen from custody • Deciding whether to settle,
dismiss, oppose or join in a motion on a case, narrow the issues in dispute, or pursue an appeal in removal proceedings • Deciding whether to agree to administratively close or continue a case, while the noncitizen pursues other forms of relief • Deciding when and under what circumstances to execute final orders of removal; and • Deciding whether to grant deferred action or parole, which is basically an agreement not to deport a person at the present time. This memo also instructs OPLA attorneys on the various mitigating (favorable) and aggravating (negative) factors they should evaluate on whether or not to exercise prosecutorial discretion. Mitigating or favorable factors include: • length of residence in the U.S. • military service • family or community ties in the U.S. • circumstances of the person’s arrival in the U.S. and their manner of entry. Did they sneak across the border? Did they enter on a fraudulent visa? Etc. • prior immigration history • current immigration status, especially when they are already a lawful permanent resident or green card holder • work history in the U.S. • education in the U.S. • status as a victim, witness, or plaintiff in a civil or criminal proceeding • whether the person has potential immigration relief available, such as they just married a U.S. citizen, or have a 21-year-old U.S. citizen child, who wants to PAGE 14
CATCH PART 2 OF CITIZEN PINOY’S VERY FIRST VIRTUAL Q&A ON U.S. IMMIGRATION – AXG: ABUNDA AND GURFINKEL. Asia’s King of Talk, Boy Abunda, and U.S. immigration attorney, Michael J. Gurfinkel, lead the discussion in the first virtual forum where Atty. Gurfinkel provides answers and relevant information to viewers’ immigration questions. Nico, from Quezon City, Philippines, would like to know if the name difference on his passport and his birth certificate will be an issue when he goes to the U.S. Embassy for his interview. Angel wants to know if she needs to return to the Philippines for her U.S. Embassy interview. She fears that if she leaves the U.S., she might be banned from returning since she is currently out-of-status. These questions and more from the “rapid consultations” will be answered in Part 2 of Citizen Pinoy presents AXG: Abunda and Gurfinkel, this Sunday, June 13 at 5:30 PM PT (8:30 PM ET thru select Cable/Satellite providers). (Advertising Supplement)
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June 11-17, 2021 • nORCAL ASIAn JOuRnAL
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Features
NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNe 11-17, 2021
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Caregivers: Are you ready to claim your overtime in 2021?
The Forever Young Seniors delight with a cultural performance during the Philippine Independence Day event jointly held by the Filipino American Service Group, Inc. (FASGI) and the Movement to Help Eradicate Rape and Other Child Abuses (MoTHER Movement) at FASGI’s Bayanihan Center in Los Angeles’ Historic Filipinotown on Saturday, June 5. Photo courtesy of the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles
Celebrating the 123rd PhiliPPine indePendenCe day:
What independence means to Filipinos By Ritchel
Mendiola AJPress
JUNE 12 marks the day the Philippines gained independence from Spain after being under its colonial rule for four centuries. On this day every year, Filipinos — in the Philippines and beyond — commemorate and celebrate the country’s hard-won freedom. However, there was a time when Filipinos observed “Araw ng Kasarinlan” or “Araw ng Kalayaan” on July 4, which is the same day as American Independence Day. A refresher on Philippine history shows that the country found itself under another rule less than a year after declaring its independence. The Philippines was given to the United States by Spain as part of the 1898 Treaty of Paris Agreement when it lost the war against the U.S. The refusal to acknowledge the Philippines’ declaration of independence pushed Filipinos to revolt against the U.S., triggering the Philippine-American War that went on from 1899 to 1902. But it was only on July 4, 1946 that the Philippines gained sovereignty through the Treaty of Manila. This prompted Filipinos to celebrate the country’s independence on that date, which continued annually for 15 years until Philippine President Diosdado Macapagal officially changed the date back to June 12. “It is proper that what we should celebrate is not the day when other nations gave recognition to our independence, but the day when we declared our desire to exercise our inherent and inalienable right to freedom and independence,” Macapagal said in a 1962 public address on Independence Day. June 12, 1898 is the “true birthday of an independent Filipino nation” for its resolve to declare itself “absolved of allegiance to the Spanish crown,” the president added. This year, the Philippines will mark its 123rd year of independence from Spanish rule with the theme “Kalayaan 2021: Diwa sa Pagkakaisa at paghilom ng Bayan.” The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), which leads the nationwide Independence Day celebration, will mark the holiday by conducting flag-raising and wreath-laying rites at various locations including the Rizal National Monument in Rizal Park, Manila; Bonifacio National Monument, Caloocan City; Barasoain Church Historical Landmark, Malolos, Bulacan; and Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite. In the United States, Filipino American communities and organizations — from Los Angeles to New York, and everywhere in between — observe the holiday through festivals, parades, performances and flag-raising ceremonies. As the country begins to slowly reopen, events this year will continue to be virtual or offer a hybrid approach with social distancing and capacity limits in place. Meaning As the years go by and the country continues to observe the holiday, the meaning and significance of the Philippine Independence Day have changed for Filipinos. Lourdes Capule, an online teacher from Bulacan, said that this celebration is for Filipino he-
The 123rd Commemoration of Philippine Independence Day in New York kicked off with a flag raising ceremony in front of the Philippine Consulate along 5th Avenue. The June 6 festivities also included a virtual program featuring speeches and performances from Filipino artists. Photo courtesy of Joyce Andes-David/Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc.
roes. “To me, the Philippine Independence Day is a strong reminder of everything our heroes selflessly dedicated so we could be free. It is also a good time to reflect on the values they imparted and how we can inculcate them in our lives,” she said. “Even though we have National Heroes Day, I can’t help but to think of them on Independence Day,” she added. Capule noted that the country’s liberty was the Filipino heroes’ “ultimate goal,” reminding her of “how they valiantly fought” to set the Philippines free and give Filipinos their own identity. “Even when faced with foes they seemed no match to, they never lost heart. What they lacked in, they made up for with wit and grit,” she said. “They are who we should aspire to be: bold, brilliant, unyielding, and loyal to their country and not to the powers that be. We must forever be grateful for their sacrifices. These exceptional ancestors of ours give meaning to this special day,” she added. John Almerc Dy, a BPO specialist from Marikina City mirrored this sentiment, saying “Ang araw ng kalayaan ay isang espesyal na araw upang ipaalala sa bawat Pilipino na maraming bayani ang nagbuwis ng buhay makamit lamang ang kasarinlan ng Pilipinas (The Independence Day is a special day to remind every Filipino that a lot of heroes sacrificed their lives to achieve the Philippines’ independence).” “Kaya naman, dapat nating mahalin ang ating bansa at ipagtanggol kung sakali mang dumating ang pagkakataon na may dayuhan na muling magtatangka na agawin ulit ito sa atin (That’s why, we should love our country and defend it in the event that foreigners try to take [our freedom] away again),” he added. Meanwhile, Fatima Abdukahil, who works in Taguig City, saw the country’s Independence Day as the “declaration of new ideas.” “I think we all know that June 12 is the declaration of the Philippine Independence from Spain, and that was way back in 1898. But with the new era and new generations, what is really great about the Philippine Independence is also the declaration of new ideas,” she noted. “Of course, there is a lot to tackle about the conquest of Spain, Americans, Japanese, and even from the dictatorships of former Philippine leaders. But with the new era, we are also embracing the changes. We are now in an era where we can choose whoever we want, and what we want to do. This is a declaration of free minds and Independence,” she added. However,
Abdukahil pointed out the need for accountability from Filipinos as we enjoy our independence and freedom. “For every freedom and Independence that we are gaining, there is always a responsibility and accountability that we need to look out for. That is why we have the constitution, the law, and ethics to be looked out for,” she said. Likewise, Lairamel Tolang, an editor from Pasay City, said that the Philippine Independence Day is a reminder for Filipinos to “take a closer look at the status quo.” “[Independence Day] is a remembrance of how our country was freed from colonizers that once took control of our land and heavily influenced a big part of our culture,” she said. Tolang stressed, “It is also a constant reminder to take a closer look at the status quo, reassess the ‘independence’ that we have now, and come up and share attainable solutions on how we could experience a more extensive independence and freedom from the people and system that overpower us.” While the holiday is for celebrating the country’s hard-won freedom, Airamae Guerrero, who works for a start-up company in Pasay, noted that the Philippines’ current situation has made it difficult to do so. “It’s hard to see the silver lining of freedom at this moment when innocent lives are being taken away, Filipinos are losing jobs, small businesses are shutting down, and I can hardly see concrete actions from the administration to defend its people from COVID and its socio-economic effect,” she said. “This pandemic has shown that freedom is only being enjoyed by a few — the powerful and born with privilege,” added Guerrero. On the other hand, Pasig Citybased Patricia Benito outright questioned if Filipinos still have their freedom today. “To be honest at this point, sa situation ng bansa natin, may totoong independence pa ba? Kasi kahit, oo given na independent tayo, pero kung araw-araw parang sinasakal ka lang ng gobyerno — slowly but surely — may halaga pa ba yung independence (To be honest at this point, with our country’s situation, do we still have true independence? Even though we are independent, if our government seems to be stifling us — slowly but surely — does independence still have significance)?” she said. Benito was referring to the controversial Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 (ATA) that took effect last year on July 18 in the country. Under the anti-terror law — which expands on the Human Security Act of 2007 — incitement of terrorism can be done “by means of speeches, proclamations, writings, emblems, banners or other representations…without taking any direct part in the commission of terrorism.” Those arrested and detained may be held for 14 to 24 days. The law also enables the suspected “terrorist” to also be placed under surveillance for 60 days, extendable by up to 30 more days, by the police or the military. “Siguro kung sa mababaw na interpretation, nasasabi ko freely yung gusto kong sabihin online or with my friends, pero kahit yung simpleng posts online honestly natatakot din ako na baka ma-red tag din ako dahil PAGE 14
Over the past few years, the attorneys at Chaleff Rehwald Peterson have had the honor of informing hundreds of caregivers about the specific overtime laws that protect caregivers from being overworked and underpaid. Many of these caregivers decided to call us after reading articles on our website or finding our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ caregiverovertime). These are some of our favorite calls to receive. And, as a result of these calls, we have been able to help hundreds of caregivers recover millions in unpaid overtime. We would have been able to help many more caregivers. But the truth is that some caregivers who have suffered wage theft, and been exploited by their employers, do not want to pursue their claims. We have recognized several common fears that prevent caregivers from taking action. If you have been thinking about making an overtime claim, or calling to get more information, please do not hesitate to call us. We want to hear from you. Here are some of the most common concerns we hear from caregivers and the reasons why these concerns should not prevent you from seeking the overtime compensation you deserve. 1. “I Feel Obligated To My Patient.” By nature, caregivers are typically caring people. Many private employers take advantage of a caregiver’s compassionate nature and do not pay a fair wage. Many caregivers feel a sense of loyalty or obligation towards their employers that make them reluctant to pursue valid claims. While these are noble sentiments, it does not change the fact that caregivers who are paid less than the legally required wages are victims of wage theft. In fact, many people who hire in-home caregivers are financially able to pay for caregiving services as required by law, but simply choose not to because they want to save money. We often see the children of elderly patients making efforts to preserve their own inheritance by taking advantage of caregivers. The truth is that the family members are obligated to ensure their loved ones
Employment Law Center Attorney DAniel ChAleff are adequately cared for. It is not a caregiver’s obligation to provide care in exchange for a wage that is less than what the law requires. 2. “I Am Afraid Of The Court System And Having A Lawsuit.” Many private employers refuse to pay caregivers overtime because they believe caregivers are unsophisticated and will not be able to file a legal claim. The legal process can be intimidating and confusing. But that is why the lawyers at Chaleff Rehwald Peterson are here to help. We know the law and stand ready to help. 3. “I Signed A Document Stating I Am An Independent Contractor.” It is unlikely that an in-home caregiver is an independent contractor even if there is a signed a document that purports to identify them as a contractor. Still, it is common for private employers to try to convince caregivers they are independent contractors because it is much less costly and much more advantageous for them. The reality is that many private employers misclassify caregivers as independent contractors to avoid paying overtime and other employee benefits. 4. “I Did Not Pay Taxes on The Wages I Did Receive.” While we recommend that our clients pay all taxes owed for the wages received, if a caregiver has not paid taxes on wages, the caregiver still has the legal right to seek the overtime wages due. It is the employer’s obligation to properly classify the employee and withhold state and federal income taxes. If this has not happened, the employer has also violated the law. 5. “I Do Not Have A Social Security Number.” You do not need a social security number to recover overtime wages from your employer. If you succeed in your unpaid overtime claim, Chaleff Rehwald Peterson can help you
get an ITIN that can be used to pay the taxes owed. 6. “I Am Concerned About Immigration Status.” California law permits undocumented workers to recover unpaid overtime wages. In our experience, our undocumented clients have not suffered any serious adverse effect from presenting an overtime claim. While we cannot guarantee that no problem will arise, we believe the benefit in recovering unpaid overtime far outweighs the risk. Also, we have a relationship with an immigration attorney that can review and possibly assist with your specific immigration situation. 7. “I Do Not Want A Long Court Battle, and May Leave the Country.” Most cases settle without going to court, and many cases settle within a matter of a few months to a year. We regularly help caregivers who return to their home countries while the case is ongoing and keep in contact with us via the phone and internet. Because the laws are so strong in favor of the caregiver, most employers seek an early settlement of claims. If you are working as a caregiver and you are not paid overtime when working more than 9 hours a day, or 45 hours a week, you should consult with CHALEFF REHWALD PETERSON to discuss your rights. We are here to help. With the penalties, interest, and attorney’s fees allowed, claims can exceed $200,000 for 24-hour caregivers who have worked just one year. Even if you have only worked three to six months, you likely have a valuable claim. *** This article is an attorney advertisement written by Daniel Chaleff, employment law attorney at Chaleff Rehwald Peterson. Our office is located at 5855 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Suite 400, Woodland Hills, California. We accept cases throughout all of Northern and Southern California. Our examples are of a general nature and are not a guarantee regarding the outcome of your individual matter. The law firm focuses on caregiver rights. Please call us at (818) 8074168 for a free and confidential consultation. Please visit us at www. caregiverovertime.com/ to learn more about caregiver overtime law. We offer a 24-hour chat line on our website.
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Citizen Pinoy presents AXG: Abunda Angeline Quinto is a survivor in life and in love and Gurfinkel (Part 2) this Sunday
THIS Sunday, Citizen Pinoy brings more of the questions answered during their very first virtual Q&A held via Zoom. AXG: Abunda and Gurfinkel, moderated by Asia’s King of Talk, Boy Abunda, and leading U.S. immigration attorney, Michael J. Gurfinkel, provide answers and relevant immigration information to guests and viewers. In the second installment, Nico, from Quezon City in the Philippines, relates that the petition from his father is current.
However, the name on his passport is different from the name on his birth certificate. Will this be an issue when he goes for his Embassy interview later this year? Angel arrived in the U.S. as a tourist in 2010. Her mother petitioned her in 2013, and now, she got a letter from the NVC telling her to prepare for her Embassy interview in Manila. Angel wants to know if she must go back to the Philippines for her interview. She is worried that if she leaves
the U.S., she might be banned from returning, as she is currently out-of-status. These and more immigration questions will be answered in the second installment of “Citizen Pinoy presents AXG: Abunda and Gurfinkel,” this Sunday, June 13 at 5:30 PM PT (8:30 PM ET thru select Cable/Satellite providers). Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the app for free. (Advertising Supplement)
New Biden memo limits deportations... PAGE 11
petition them • contributions to the community • compelling humanitarian factors, including poor health, age, pregnancy, status as a child, or status as a primary caregiver of a seriously ill relative in the U.S. I know many people are caregivers to elderly, sickly people, and this would seem to be a very favorable factor. There are also several aggravating or negative factors, where OPLA may not be willing to exercise prosecutorial discretion, and instead will continue to go after the person for removal, including: • Criminal history, participation in persecution or other human rights violation, extensiveness and seriousness of prior immigration violations, or fraud or misrepresentation. People who believe they may be eligible may request prosecutorial discretion from OPLA attorneys. Even if no request is made, the OPLA attorneys should examine cases themselves and determine whether a favorable exercise of discretion may be appropriate. I remember dur-
ing the Obama administration, we had clients in removal proceedings, and the government attorneys called us up, asking if WE would agree to have the case dismissed or closed. They could also join in motions to reopen, re-calendar, or motions for other forms of immigration relief. That’s how prosecutorial discretion could work. If you are in deportation or removal proceedings, or if you were previously ordered removed, but now have a way to apply for immigration benefits, and you are not one of the enforcement priorities, I would recommend that you consult with an attorney, who can evaluate your case and determine if you could be eligible for relief by way of seeking prosecutorial discretion, which could include reopening your case or having it dismissed, and the like. The attorney could negotiate with the OPLA attorney, or package your request for prosecutorial discretion depending on the circumstances of your case. This breaking development is great news, as it is a radical departure from the Trump administration, where everybody was
considered an enforcement priority, and the government seems to want to deport everybody who had even the most minor immigration violation. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 40 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, YouTube: US Immigration TV and Instagram. com/gurfinkellaw 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)
What independence means to...
PAGE 13 lang sa isang post (Maybe in shallower interpretations, I can freely say what I want online or with my friends, but even the simple posts online, honestly I’m scared of being red-tagged too just because of a single post),” Benito explained. Meanwhile, Jomaica Lizardo, a BPO specialist in Quezon City, claimed that true independence means Filipinos being able to
think critically for the country. “I think the true Philippine independence would be pag nakakawala na tayo sa kulay and mas mag-isip na ng malawak para sa ikakabuti ng Pilipinas (when we have gotten rid of our prejudices and we can broaden our way of thinking for the betterment of the Philippines),” she said. She also urged everyone to remember and emulate the bravery
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displayed by Filipino heroes who fought for the Philippines’ freedom as the country celebrates its Independence Day. “Huwag natin sabihin na hayaan na lang yung mga dayuhan na sumasakop ng isla natin just because takot tayo sa giyera (We shouldn’t say that we should just allow foreigners to take over our islands just because we’re scared of war),” Lizardo said.
celebrity world By Ferdie Villar
FORMER Star Power winner Angeline Quinto is a survivor both in love and in life. This, she revealed in a recent article in the Philippine Star. On the love front, there was a time when the singer was “ghosted” by a guy, according to a conversation with talk show host Boy Abunda. Stating that she had a past love who abruptly cut all connections with her, Angeline recalled that she was crying at a birthday party of Vice Ganda because the person was not answering her calls. “The view was very nice,” Angeline said of the party’s location in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), “but all I could do was cry.” It took about half a year before Angeline recovered from her broken heart. What she did was focus her attention on a thriving career, and it helped her to move on. She even shared that she saw the guy again and he apologized for what happened in the past. “I told him that it is in the past,” she said. “And that we’ve both moved on and are doing okay.” In life, Angeline is a COVID survivor, having successfully recovered from getting the virus that has killed so many people around the world. She felt afraid for her family when she got sick, and learned the importance of taking good care of herself since she works outside the house. “I was really afraid because I did not want to be the cause for them getting the virus,” Angeline recalled. “I learned an important lesson… na lagi mong uunahin ang sarili mo, especially during these times.” These days, the singer/actress is busy with a few projects, including an acting role in the series “Huwag Kang Mangamba.” She says the character she portrays does not stray too much from her personality – chismosa, bubbly, happy, someone who loves her parents very much, and who will work any dignified job for the love of her dad.
Angeline admitted that she did not dream of becoming an actress when she started her singing career. “Tito Boy, singer lang. I did not dream of becoming an actress,” she said, but acknowledged that the two genres have similarities by adding, “Singing is storytelling. You also have a character that you are trying to bring to life. You have to know the story of each song.” She revealed that she misses doing shows abroad, as performing overseas has been halted due to the ongoing pandemic. “I never really thought that this would happen in the years that I have been in showbiz… that I would not be able to travel for this long. Actually, it is not just me. Other people that I work with feel the same,” she stated. Currently, Angeline is busy preparing for an upcoming concert series celebrating her 10th year in the business. She will be collaborating with different artists for the series. *** Acclaimed actress Jodi Sta. Maria will lead the cast in the Philippine version of “Doctor Foster,” the hit BBC Studios drama that has been adapted in several countries, including France, Russia, Turkey, India and South Korea. The Philippine version is entitled “The Broken Marriage Vow.” The South Korean remake, titled “The World of the Married,” was a hit in that country and also courted a massive following from Filipino viewers, where it was locally aired by ABS-CBN. Joining Jodi in the cast are Zanjoe Marudo, Sue Ramirez and Zaijian Jaranilla. The series will be helmed by TV and film director/writer/producer Connie Macatuno, whose recent film credits include “Wild and Free,” “Glorious” and “Malaya.” “The Broken Marriage Vow” is a series about a doctor (Gemma Foster) who suspects that her husband is having an affair. Her life begins to unravel as she tries to find out the truth.
Singer/actress Angeline Quinto talked recently about surviving COVID and recovering from being “ghosted” by a guy from her past. Photo from Instagram/@loveangelinequinto
Award-winning actress Sunshine Dizon stars opposite Paolo Avelino and Janine Gutierrez in the upcoming teleserye, “Marry Me, Marry You.” Photo from Instagram/@m_sunshinedizon
*** Sunshine Dizon is set to star in the upcoming teleserye “Marry Me, Marry You,” alongside Paulo Avelino and Janine Gutierrez. Previously an artist with GMA7, Sunshine revealed that her transfer was something she “needed to do,” even as ABSCBN has been without a congressional franchise for almost a year now. “To be honest, I’ve only had a very simple prayer with regards to my career. I’ve always asked the Lord to plant me where I will bloom, and in all the seasons of my life, I have trusted His will. So when this opportunity came, I just knew in my heart that this is the new phase,” she said in a recent online press conference. “I am old and hopefully wise enough to know and understand that the only constant thing in life is change, so whatever will propel you forward, I’m all for that,” she added. “Marry Me, Marry You” will be helmed by seasoned directors Jojo Saguin and Dwein Ruedas Baltazar.
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