JUNE 20-23, 2020 Volume 30 - No. 48 • 2 Sections – 18 Pages
Fil-Am DACA recipients breathe a sigh of relief as US Supreme Court halts ending of program by RAE
ANN VARONA AJPress
for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was “arbitrary and caA U.S. Supreme Court ruling pricious” in that it violated the on Thursday, June 18 stopped Administrative Procedure Act. “I woke up to my Slack notifiPresident Donald Trump’s administration from rescinding a cations going off like wildfire,” program that protected more Set Hernandez Rongkilyo, an than 800,000 young undocu- undocumented Fil-Am filmmakmented immigrants, or “Dream- er and community organizer, ers,” who came to the U.S. as told the Asian Journal. Originally from Caloocan, children from deportation. In a narrow 5-4 vote, the court Philippines, Rongkilyo came held that the Department of to the U.S. from Japan with his Homeland Security’s (DHS) ef- family when he was 12 years old. fort to end the Deferred Action It wasn’t until he began school
at the University of California, Los Angeles when he met other undocumented people. In the days leading up to the ruling announcement, Rongkilyo had been organizing with a group of undocumented people across the country. Like many, he was also protesting with the Black Lives Matter Movement taking place with a backdrop of the still current COVID-19 pandemic. “I was shocked, but I was so u PAGE A2
MAKING A LIVING. A man peddles all sorts of plastic wares, chairs, pails, laundry tubs, and bins along Kaliraya Street in Barangay Tatalon, Quezon City on Friday, June 19. Vendors strive to make ends meet as quarantine restrictions due to the COVID-19 health crisis have greatly affected their means of livelihood. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon
Filipinos say life has worsened - poll
USA
DATELINE Woman who went on racist tirade against Pinay exercising at Torrance park is found but not arrested
by AJPRESS
FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
A Long Beach, California woman who was caught on video twice last week hurling antiAsian sentiments toward two individuals, including a Filipina American in one instance, was located by Torrance authorities but has not been arrested. Lena Hernandez, 56, was found by Torrance Police Department detectives and members of its Specialized Crisis Intervention Team at a park in San Pedro on Wednesday, June 17. She was interviewed about the three incidents linked to her. The incidents include: berating a Fil-Am woman named Sherry who was exercising at Wilson Park in Torrance; using racist language toward an Asian American man at the parking u PAGE A3
SAFETY FIRST. To make ends meet, vendors make sure to wear face masks as they sell Sampaguita garlands to passersby in front of the Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy of Novaliches in Quirino Highway, Quezon City on Thursday, June 18. The vendors said their livelihood has been affected due to the COVID-19 pandemic. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler
RECENT survey results released by Social Weather Stations (SWS) on Thursday, June 18, revealed that 83% of Filipinos think the quality of life has worsened in the last 12 months. The resulting percentage, according to the SWS, is a new peak in the 37-year series of 135 SWS surveys, breaking the previous record of 62% “losers” in June 2008. Meanwhile, 6% of Filipinos believed life got better, which is a new all-time low, breaking the previous record of nine per-
Over 6K Filipinos abroad infected with virus by RITCHEL
MENDIOLA AJPress
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday, June 19, reported 37 new cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, among overseas Filipinos, bringing the total number of infected individuals to 6,128. The agency also recorded 11 new fatalities and six recoveries, which raises the tallies for dead and recovered persons to 483 and 2,849 respectively. Meanwhile, 2,796 Filipinos abroad remain under treatment.
“Today’s 37 new cases reported by our Foreign Service Posts in Asia and the Pacific, Europe, and Middle East bring the total number of Filipinos abroad infected with COVID-19 to 6,128 — of which are six new recoveries from two countries in Asia and the Pacific and Middle East and 11 new fatalities recorded in two countries in the Middle East as well,” the DFA said. Overall by region, Europe — which comprises 16 countries with PH Foreign Service coverage — has recorded 937 Filipino cases, including 538 undergoing treatment, 305 recoveries and 94 deaths.
Fil-Am man in SF confronted by white LA County surpasses 3,000 COVID-19 couple for stenciling deaths as more businesses reopen ‘Black Lives Matter’ in Despite early statements alluding to the possible extended lockdown, California lawmakers re-open front of own home A FILIPINO American man was stenciling “Black Lives Matter” in chalk outside his San Francisco home last week when a white couple confronted him and accused him of defacing private property. A video of the June 9 encounter, which has reached over 19.6 million views on Twitter, shows a couple asking James Juanillo, 50, if he lives in the Pacific Heights house before alleging that they know the homeowner and claiming he was engaging in an illegal activity. Juanillo’s post was accompanied with the message, “A white couple call the police on me, a person of color, for stencilling a #BLM chalk message on my own front retaining wall. ‘Karen’ lies and says she knows that I don’t u PAGE A3
cent “gainers” in July 1985. “Losers” is a term that the SWS uses for those who said their quality of life worsened, while “gainers” is the term for those who said their quality of life got better. The remaining 10% Filipinos claimed life was “unchanged.” “The May 2020 net gainers score of -78 (gainers minus losers, correctly rounded) is the worst in survey history, breaking the previous record low -50 in June 2008. It plummeted from a very high +18 in December 2019,” said SWS in its report. The low score of -78 of nationwide net u PAGE A2
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dine-in restaurants and grooming services by KLARIZE
MEDENILLA AJPress
FOUR months after cities and states across the United States first began shutting due to the coronavirus pandemic, businesses and public places are quickly reopening despite the increase in cases and deaths associated with the virus. Los Angeles County has accounted for 3,063 deaths and 79,609 positive cases of the COVID-19 virus, as of Friday, June 19. Thursday to Friday brought a whopping 1,414 cases, among the biggest single-day increases in the county. But despite the increase in cases and
deaths — though officials reported that hospitalizations have remained steady — the county loosened restrictions again, allowing more businesses to reopen on Friday as long as they meet the safety requirements and protocols: face coverings for all employees and customers and 6-feet distancing between individuals. Businesses that have been given the green light to re-open include bars, breweries, wineries, tasting rooms, nail salons, massage studios, tattoo parlors and other body art services, piercing shops and skincare and esthetician services. Still off-limits to the public include loungu PAGE A4
Rappler chief Maria Ressa leaves a Manila court on Monday, June 15 after receiving a guilty verdict for cyber libel. Inquirer.net photo by Grig Montegrande
Ruling on Ressa, Santos revives call to stop treating libel as crime by JIGGER JERUSALEM Inquirer.net
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY—A lower court decision to convict Rappler CEO Maria Ressa and former researcher Reynaldo Santos Jr for cyber libel has breathed new life into calls for Congress to pass a law that would cease treating libel as a criminal offense. The revival of calls to decriminalize libel came as Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez filed a bill setting the prescriptive period, or the amount of time within which a case can be filed, to one year. In separate statements, the Philippine Press Institute (PPI) and the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) said
lawmakers should, however, take the bigger step and pass a law that would stop defining libel as a crime. Ariel Sebellino, PPI executive director, said PPI has long advocated for libel to be decriminalized. Jose Jaime Espina, NUJP chairman, said the group has always been for decriminalizing libel. “While we acknowledge Representative Rodriguez’s intentions, Congress would do better to amend a law that has been used for so long by those in power as they seek to silence or intimidate journalists,” Espina said. Ressa and Santos were found guilty of violating Republic Act u PAGE A4
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From the Front Page
Filipinos say life has worsened...
PAGE A1 t gainers score was attributed to the very low (-30 and below) scores in all areas. The score is lowest in the Visayas at -82, followed by Mindanao at -80, Metro Manila at 77, and Balance Luzon at -75. Scores in all areas dropped to all-time low figures when com-
pared to previous SWS surveys of adults. SWS noted that the net gainers score is “equally bad” in enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and general community quarantine (GCQ) areas at -77 and -78, respectively. Malacañang, in response to the survey results, said it was not
Fil-Am DACA recipients breathe...
surprised. PAGE A1 t “It should be 100 percent be- tired. I didn’t even have time cause there is COVID-19 (novel to process emotionally,” added coronavirus) and the economy Rongkilyo, admitting that he was closed. Hindi po kami naso- wasn’t expecting a decision to sorpresa diyan (That doesn’t go in favor of undocumented surprise us),” said Presidential immigrants. Spokesperson Harry Roque. While the ruling does not “It should in fact be 100 per- provide permanent protections, cent dahil minimum two months the decision has been a sigh of tayo complete lockdown. Lahat relief for the hundreds of thoupo talaga tayo nahihirapan at sands who have grown up in the kinikilala po ‘yan ng ating presi- U.S. from a young age — many dente (because we have been of whom are approaching their under a complete lockdown for 30s. a minimum of two months. All of Of the current 650,000 DACA us are having a hard time and the recipients in the U.S., roughly president recognizes that),” he 200,000 recipients are in Caliadded. fornia with about 85,000 in Los The SWS survey was conduct- Angeles. The majority come ed from May 4 to 10 among 4,010 from Mexico and other Central working-age Filipinos nationwide or South American countries, or those aged 15 years old and but many were also brought above using mobile phones and from Asia including the Philipcomputer-assisted telephone in- pines. terviews. According to Asian AmeriSWS used sampling error cans Advancing Justice (Admargins of ±2% for national vancing Justice), an affiliation percentages, ±6% for Metro of five independent civil rights Manila, ±2% for Balance Lu- organizations, at least 16,000 zon, ±3% Visayas, and ±3% in DACA recipients are of Asian Mindanao. n American or Pacific Islander (AAPI) descent. Between 2012 and 2017, at least 3,880 Filipinos were granted DACA protection, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). PAGE A1 t Raymond Portolan, an unThe Middle East and Africa, documented Fil-Am living in covering 18 countries, has report- Atlanta, Georgia echoed many ed 3,937 cases; of which, 2,022 in calling the decision a sigh of are undergoing treatment, 223 relief after years of uncertainty. “Yesterday was a momentous deaths and 1,692 recoveries. The Asia Pacific region, which victory for the immigrant rights spans across 13 countries, has 570 movement and a huge blow to cases, with 78 under treatment, the Trump administration’s efforts to dehumanize and under490 recoveries, and two deaths. The Americas — covering six value DACA recipients like me. countries like the United States I am still reeling from the abso— have 684 reported cases, with lute surprise that I felt yesterday 158 undergoing treatment, 362 when the Court handed down its decision,” Portolan, who works recoveries, and 164 deaths. “With the hope our national as an immigration paralegal, hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, had for the told the Asian Journal. He added, “For weeks, our future of this nation, DFA continues to tirelessly serve and assist communities have prepared for our nationals in this time of pan- the worst and yesterday’s decidemic, bringing home Filipinos sion rendered a collective sigh affected by the COVID-19, wher- of relief. Our work, however, is ever and whenever possible,” the not over.” Given that the ruling was agency said. In the Philippines, meanwhile, based on procedural requirethe total number of COVID-19 ments, the Trump administracases is now at 28,459, with tion may try again by present1,130 fatalities and 7,378 recov- ing stronger justifications. Trump did say on Friday that eries. n
Over 6K Filipinos abroad infected...
THE FACES OF DACA. Nearly 4,000 Filipinos are reported to have received DACA protections in the United States, including (L-R) Set Hernandez Rongkilyo, a documentary filmmaker in Southern California; Veronica Velasquez, a physical therapist at a Los Angeles community hospital; and Raymond Portolan, an immigration paralegal in Atlanta, Georgia. Contributed photos
his administration would be “submitting enhanced papers shortly.” However, many experts said after the ruling that it is unlikely that it would do so before the upcoming presidential elections in November. Conservative Chief Justice John Roberts — in joining the high court’s four liberal Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer, Elena Kagan, and Sonia Sotomayor — wrote in his opinion, “The appropriate recourse is therefore to remand to DHS so that it may reconsider the
problem anew.” “We do not decide whether DACA or its rescission are sound policies. We address only whether the agency complied with the procedural requirement that it provide a reasoned explanation for its action,” he added. Justice Sotomayor was the only justice to take an added stance shared by many DACA advocates in arguing that the move to rescind protections may have been motivated by u PAGE A3
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Dateline USa
Fil-Am DACA recipients breathe... PAGE A1 t
discrimination against immigrants. The dissent, which included Trump appointees Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh, dismissed the ruling as being politically charged. “Today’s decision must be recognized for what it is: an effort to avoid a politically controversial but legally correct decision. The court could have made clear that the solution respondents must seek came from the legislative branch,” Justice Clarence Thomas wrote in his dissent. On Twitter, President Donald Trump said, “These horrible & politically charged decisions coming out of the Supreme Court are shotgun blasts into the face of people that are proud to call themselves Republican or Conservatives. We need more Justices or we will lose our 2nd. Amendment & everything else. Vote Trump 2020!” In a following tweet, he asked, “Do you get the impression that the Supreme Court doesn’t like me?” Trump also said he’d soon release a “new list of Conservative Supreme Court Justice nominees” by September. ‘The fight does not end here’ Veronica Velasquez, a Fil-Am physical therapist at a Los Angeles community hospital, was getting ready for work early Thursday morning when she found out about the news. “I found out the great news, cried a little, then treated a full day of COVID patients,” Velasquez told the Asian Journal. “Today I was reminded of the power of my mere presence. While many wanted me, a Brown Filipina undocumented womxn, out of the country… I AM STILL HERE. Despite the constant barriers/doubts, I am here to stay,” Velasquez wrote in an Instagram post on the day of the decision under her handle
@thisptlife. “Not only that, but I am here to provide care as a healthcare worker. I am here to help/heal the community as an essential worker. I am here to combat against a global pandemic,” she added. Despite the small victory, the Supreme Court ruling is not an ending point and Dreamer advocates are eager to continue pushing for more concrete changes. “While I am so happy, I must also remember that the fight does not end here. We gotta keep pushing for more,” Velasquez wrote. She added, “We must continue to fight to: abolish ICE and the police, close down ICE detention centers, create a path to citizenship for all 11 million undocumented people.” The DACA program was created in 2012 under thenPresident Barack Obama and provided renewable deportation protections of two years, though no pathway to citizenship. Aside from being able to stay in the U.S., recipients were able to work legally which allowed many to pursue higher education and pursue other career goals. However because it was an executive order, the program was subject to opposition which ended up being the case under President Trump. In September 2017, Trump announced plans of rescinding the program on claims that its adoption was unlawful and that courts did not have the power to review its decision. Lower courts blocked the rescission and the Supreme Court took the case last fall. “From the get-go in 2012, we’ve been saying that this is an executive order and that the next president could take it away,” said Rongkilyo. “When we experience these ‘Bandaid’ solutions, it’s easy for us, including myself, as someone
James Juanillo, a Filipino American resident of San Francisco’s Pacific Heights neighborhood, poses for a selfie with ‘Black Lives Matter’ stenciled with chalk on a wall outside of his home. Juanillo was confronted by a white couple last week for the artwork after they alleged he did not live at the property. Photo courtesy of James Juanillo/Facebook
Fil-Am man in SF confronted...
PAGE A1 t live in my own house, because she knows the person who lives here.” (Karen is the online term typically used to describe white women who confront and call the police on black individuals or people of color who are doing ordinary activities.) Social media users identified the woman as Lisa Alexander, founder and CEO of LaFace Skincare, while her husband Robert Larkin stood in the background. “It’s private property,” Alexander is heard saying on video. “But if I did live here and this was my property this would be absolutely fine,” Juanillo responded. “And you don’t know if I live here or if this is my property.” “We actually do know,” Alexander retorted. “We know the person who does.” He dared the couple to “call the cops,” with Alexander saying “Yes, we will do so” as they walk away. “And that, people, is why black lives matter. That’s ‘Karen’ and she’s calling the cops,” he said at the end of the video. Juanillo has not responded to several requests for comment from the Asian Journal about the incident. Juanillo, who has lived in the home since 2002 and owns a dog walking business, told NBC Bay Area that it was important to show solidarity for the Black Lives Matter movement in the particular neighborhood, considered one of the priciest in the city. “In this environment, [Lisa] knows calling the cops on a person of color for a perceived crime could result in death,” he said in the interview. “She called the cops anyway.” He advised other people of color and protesters not to dare
“Karens to call the cops,” but he only did because he has known the officers in his area since he’s been a resident there for 18 years. A police officer reportedly arrived at the scene within two minutes after the couple walked away but did not investigate or get out of his car because he recognized Juanillo. Since the video’s circulation, Alexander has received backlash online, prompting LaFace to take its website offline and Birchbox, a makeup subscription company, to cut ties with the company. Alexander publicly apologized for the incident and said she “should have minded [her] own business.” “The last 48 hours has taught me that my actions were those of someone who is not aware of the damage caused by being ignorant and naive to racial inequalities,” she continued. “When I watch the video I am shocked and sad that I behaved the way I did. It was disrespectful to Mr. Juanillo and I am deeply sorry for that. I did not realize at the time that my actions were racist and have learned a painful lesson. I am taking a hard look at the meaning behind white privilege and am committed to growing from this experience.” Her husband was fired from his job at Raymond James, a wealth management firm, which said it “has zero tolerance for racism and discrimination for any kind.” “As a first-generation Filipino American, you have to fight for it,” Juanillo told CNN’s Don Lemon in an interview. “And as a homosexual, we fight every day for recognition, for visibility, for equality. So the reason BLM resonates with me is because I’ve been fighting for equality all my life.” (Christina M. Oriel/AJPress)
impacted, to sometimes feel complacent.” In moving forward from the ruling, he said it’s important that people recognize the vulnerability of the DACA program. Also important is continuing to engage in other present issues that impact minorities and people of color. “We need to be bold in what we are asking for,” said Rongkilyo. Like Velasquez, abolishing ICE and local law enforcement, and being an ally to Black Americans were issues he said still need to be addressed. When it comes to Filipinos speaking up, Rongkilyo emphasized that deportation is not an issue that is remote from the Filipino community and encouraged Filipinos to embrace the idea of solidarity. How the police impacts communities, for example, is also something Filipinos should be concerned about. “We need to be in solidarity with the movement for Black lives because we can’t act like this issue does not impact our community,” said Rongkilyo. For now, DACA recipients may continue to renew their permits which they are encouraged to do. In the meantime, the fight for permanent legislation continues. “We will continue to fight until DACA recipients like me have a permanent pathway to citizenship,” said Portolan. “We dodged a bullet, but DACA was and always will be a temporary solution to a greater issue.” n
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 20-23, 2020
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Woman who went on racist tirade against... PAGE A1 t lot of the same park; and allegedly physically attacking another Pinay woman named Kayceelyn Salminao inside a restroom at the Del Amo Fashion Center last October. The two most recent ones were caught on video, which have both gone viral. Despite locating Hernandez, police did not make an arrest because the three incidents are considered “misdemeanor crimes,” police said. “Based on the fact all three incidents are misdemeanor crimes and did not occur in the presence of an officer, Hernandez was not arrested at the time of the interview,” the department said in a release on Wednesday. “The details of the interview will be submitted to the City of Torrance Prosecutors office.” In a viral video posted on social media last week on Wednesday, June 10, a Fil-Am woman who is only identified as Sherry, is seen exercising at Wilson Park when Hernandez confronts her for taking up room on the steps. The interaction escalates as Hernandez unleashes more expletives and a racist rant. “Get the (expletive) out of this world…Get the f*** out of this state. Go back to whatever (expletive) Asian country you belong in,” she shouts. “This is not your place. This is not your home. We do not want you here.” In separate video from that same morning, an Asian American man who was at the park’s parking lot with his son was also subjected to Hernandez’s tirade. “You are going to go to real jail now,” she said, using a mock
Torrance Police identified Lena Hernandez, 56, of Long Beach, California as the woman who was caught on video again hurling hate-filled and racist remarks towards a man. This comes after she was filmed verbally harassing a Fil-Am woman named Sherry who was exercising at a Torrance park.
Asian accent. “You understand me, China man?” Salminao previously told the Asian Journal that Hernandez attacked her inside the restroom of the Torrance mall in October 2019, but nothing happened after she filed a police report. “Then seeing the other video made me even more angry. This woman is still out here in our community, harassing other
people,” Salminao told the Asian Journal. She has since given the police department another statement in light of the latest events involving Hernandez and is still seeking to press charges. Anyone with additional information about the aforementioned cases is asked to call Torrance police at (310) 328-3456. (AJPress)
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All California residents required to wear face coverings in public by AJPress THE California Department of Public Health on Thursday, June 18 released updated guidance that requires Californians to wear a face-covering in high-risk settings. A growing body of scientific research has shown that people with no or few symptoms of COVID-19 can still spread the disease and that the use of face coverings, combined with physical distancing and frequent hand washing, will reduce the spread of COVID-19. “Science shows that face coverings and masks work,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “They are critical to keeping those who are around you safe, keeping businesses open and restarting our economy.” Governor Newsom also addressed why he took this action now. “Simply put, we are seeing too many people with faces uncovered – putting at risk the real progress we have made in fighting the disease. California’s strategy to restart the economy and get people back to work will only be successful if people act safely and follow health recommendations. That means wearing a face covering, washing your hands and practicing physical distancing.” “As Californians venture into our communities more, wearing face coverings is another important way we can help protect one another,” said Dr. Sonia Angell, State Public Health Officer and Director of the California Department of Public Health. “Combined with physical distancing and frequent hand washing, wearing cloth face coverings when we are with others outside of our household will reduce the spread of COVID-19, which is still a very real threat across our state.” The latest guidance mandates the use of cloth face coverings by the general public statewide when
Unsplash photo
outside the home, with limited exceptions. Californians must wear face coverings when they are in the situations listed below: • Inside of, or in line to enter, any indoor public space; • Obtaining services from the healthcare sector in settings including, but not limited to, a hospital, pharmacy, medical clinic, laboratory, physician or dental office, veterinary clinic, or blood bank; • Waiting for or riding on public transportation or paratransit or while in a taxi, private car service, or ride-sharing vehicle; • Engaged in work, whether at the workplace or performing work off-site, when: • Driving or operating any public transportation or paratransit vehicle, taxi, or private car service or ride-sharing vehicle when passengers are present. When no passengers are present, face coverings are strongly recommended. • While outdoors in public spaces when maintaining a physical distance of six feet from persons who are not members of the same household or residence is not feasible. The following individuals are exempt from wearing a face covering: • Children aged two and under; • Persons with a medical, mental health, or developmental disability that prevents wearing a face covering;
• Persons who are hearing impaired, or communicating with a person who is hearing impaired, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication; • Persons for whom wearing a face covering would create a risk to the person related to their work, as determined by local, state, or federal regulators or workplace safety guidelines. • Persons who are obtaining a service involving the nose or face for which temporary removal of the face covering is necessary to perform the service; • Persons who are seated at a restaurant or other establishment that offers food or beverage service, while they are eating or drinking, provided that they are able to maintain a distance of at least six feet away from persons who are not members of the same household or residence; • Persons who are engaged in outdoor work or recreation such as swimming, walking, hiking, bicycling, or running, when alone or with household members, and when they are able to maintain a distance of at least six feet from others; • Persons who are incarcerated. Prisons and jails, as part of their mitigation plans, will have specific guidance on the wearing of face coverings of masks for both inmates and staff. More information about the state’s COVID-19 guidance is on the California Department of Public Health’s Guidance web page. n
Ruling on Ressa, Santos revives call to stop...
PAGE A1 t 10175, or the Anti-Cybercrime law, for an article that was published in 2012 and allegedly republished in 2014 because a misspelled word was corrected. The charges against Ressa and Santos were filed in 2017. Rodriguez said he recently filed
House Bill No. 7010 setting the prescriptive period for libel to one year. Emmanuel Jaudian, president of the Cagayan de Oro Press Club, agreed with Rodriguez. Rodriguez said RA 10175, the new law that was used against Ressa and Santos, did not provide
for any prescription period. The Department of Justice, he said, used a provision that sets a 12-year prescription period for offenses punishable by imprisonment of six or more years. Rodriguez said there was a need to clear the confusion in the interpretation of the law. n
The U.S. Department of Defense’s Philippines-Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS) Virology Research Unit (PAVRU) trained four medical lab technologists at the V. Luna Medical Center, the Philippine military’s biggest medical facility, from June 1 to 12. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Embassy in Manila
United States bares lab training for virus tests in PH military hospital by Frances
Mangosing Philstar.com
THE United States government has recently given training on coronavirus testing in the Philippines, the U.S. Embassy in Manila said. The U.S. Department of Defense’s Philippines-Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS) Virology Research Unit (PAVRU) trained four medical lab technologists at the V. Luna Medi-
cal Center, the Philippine military’s biggest medical facility, from June 1 to 12, the embassy said in a statement on Wednesday, June 17. The technologists were trained on biosafety, biosecurity, respiratory sample processing and storage and coronavirus testing techniques. PAVRU has worked with the AFP in the past since the 2009 H1N1 bird flu pandemic, the embassy said. During the early stages of the
COVID-19 pandemic, PAVRU gave support to AFP personnel at the V. Luna Medical Center in the form of supplies that included reagents and lab chemicals and also access to equipment and guidance in molecular testing. PAVRU also offered technical guidance in the design and renovation of the V. Luna Medical Center’s testing laboratory. V. Luna Medical Center has completed 3,000 COVID-19 tests with the help of PAVRU. n
LA County surpasses 3,000 COVID-19 deaths...
PAGE A1 t es and nightclubs, movie theaters, concert venues, festivals and theme parks as well as public playgrounds, hot tubs and saunas, batting cages and miniature golf. Since May 13, the LA County Dept. of Public Health has required residents to wear a cloth face covering when in contact with others outside their homes. “The important issue here is that we are not asking you to wear the face covering to protect yourself. We ask you to cover your mouth and nose to protect others, especially since you can be infected with COVID-19 and have no illness symptoms; this is how you keep your respiratory droplets from reaching someone else.” Dr. Barbara Ferrer, director of LA County Public Health, said in a statement. “And even if you tested negative, that negative test only tells you your status the day you were tested,” she continued. “You could become infected the very next day and unknowingly pass on COVID19 to others. If you were already positive for COVID-19, it is still not clear that you have immunity from the virus, which means you could become infected again and therefore pass along the virus to others. So please continue to always wear a cloth face covering when you are around anyone else, even if this is just passing by someone else.” But despite lawmakers’ urging to continue to practice physical distancing and wear face coverings, the slow re-opening has served as a signal for people to gather in large quantities, likely leading to the uptick of cases and deaths in areas like Orange County which saw seven new deaths and 288 new cases in one day. Orange County’s lax lockdown measures that have allowed the continual spread of the virus forced three restaurants (which re-opened in late May) — The Boiling Crab in Santa Ana as well as Javier’s and A Restaurant in Newport Beach — to abruptly close after workers tested positive for COVID-19. For weeks, Orange County has
been at the center of a controversy regarding the pandemic. A county health officer resigned after facing intense backlash in May for trying to require all residents to wear face-coverings outside. Currently, face coverings are recommended but not mandated, but on Thursday, the state required the wearing of face masks in “high-risk settings” as reported in the Asian Journal. Likewise in LA County, five more construction workers at the new site for the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday, bringing the total number of positive cases from that workplace to 18, according to LA County Public Health. Currently, the future home of the LA Rams and LA Chargers is being investigated, but because of the state’s promise that professional sports may be able to resume this year, the opening of the stadium is still set for August 14 when the NFL preseason begins. These lockdown measures — which closed all but essential businesses and required the public to maintain strict distancing guidelines — were implemented at the behest of public health officials’ warnings. Despite media reports of the impending arrival of “a second wave” of the pandemic, top public health officials warn that we’re still in the first wave of the pandemic, like Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Fauci explained in the Washington Post this week that there need to be clear demarcations between the first and second waves of a viral pandemic. He warned about hasty presumptions about the first wave of COVID-19 that are currently informing predictions about the second wave, which he stresses the U.S. isn’t anywhere nearing. “You don’t necessarily have to have a resurgence in a wave that has not even gone down, so that’s the reason why I say when people talk about a second wave in the summer [that] you can’t talk about a second wave in the
summer because we’re still in the first wave,” he shared. “We want to get that first wave down, then we’ll see if we can keep it there.” As previously covered in the Asian Journal, numerous factors have led to the quick reopening of public life which, first and foremost, involves the economy. Lockdown measures have led to small businesses suffering and massive layoffs across industries, which has not only fomented fear of another recession, but fanned the flames of public health-related conspiracy theories. In the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ podcast called “Learning Curve,” Fauci called out the tendency of Americans to distrust fact and data-based science and defy public health and safety orders based on that distrust. “One of the problems we face in the United States is that, unfortunately, there is a combination of an anti-science bias that people — for reasons that sometimes are inconceivable and not understandable — just don’t believe science and they don’t believe authority,” Fauci said. He also defended the stay-athome orders saying that when they were implemented, they saved “millions of lives” making a clear connection between quarantine guidelines and the containment of the virus. And, despite the economic disruption and frustration that lockdown measures have caused, Fauci reminded the public of the central purpose of the lockdown: saving lives “But if you look at the data, now that papers have come out literally two days ago, the fact that we shut down when we did and the rest of the world did, has saved hundreds of millions of infections and millions of lives,” he said. “And yet, there are those who say, ‘You shut down, you did destructive things by disrupting the economy.’ And others say, ‘Well, if you save so many infections by shutting down, why didn’t you shut down two weeks earlier? You could have saved many more lives.’” n
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A
Mass layoffs hit PH aviation industry Cayetano: Amend or repeal anti-terror bill if critics are right by Catherine
S. Valente ManilaTimes.net
by ritChel
Mendiola AJPress
PHILIPPINE House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano on Friday, June 19, called on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to work with the national government to prevent potential abuses under the controversial anti-terrorism bill. “It is a reminder to the Executive Department, the Secretaries, who will form the Task Force Committee, it is a reminder to the Chief-of-Staff, it is a reminder to the Senate and Congress, and it is a reminder to the Chief PNP that the law will be judged not by all its successes, but by one abuse,” Cayertano said during the turnover of food items to AFP front-liners at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. “So pagtulung-tulungan po natin (So let’s work together on this)... that there will be zero abuses of this law, so that, maybe not now, maybe not next week, maybe not in one year, we may prove the critics wrong,” he added. Cayetano also said the Congress can amend or repeal the
Philippine House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano Inquirer.net photo
bill if critics of the bill turned out to be right. “At kayo pong mga kritiko (And to you critics), we appreciate your criticism, but, in this case, we hope that you are wrong. And if you are not wrong at any point in time, we can amend or repeal,” Cayetano said. “Some of you will say it might be too late. ‘Yun rin po ang sinasabi namin e, pag sumabog na yung bomba, patay na yung mga tao, nagiba na yung airport, wala
nang turistang pupunta sa atin, it’s also too late (Some of you will say it might be too late. That’s what we’re saying also. Once the bomb goes off and people are killed, or the airport is destroyed and tourists could no longer visit us, it’s also too late),” he added. Cayetano reiterated that there are legal safeguards in the proposed law. “We have an anti-terror bill that is at par with Singapore, US, and UK. ‘Yung pinipintasan po na provisions sa anti-terror bill ay mas mababa po ang period of detention at mas maraming safeguard (The provisions in the antiterror bill that are being criticized have a shorter period of detention and more safeguards),” he said. Malacañang on June 9 confirmed that it has received a copy of the anti-terrorism bill. President Rodrigo Duterte has 30 days to act on the legislation or else the bill will lapse into law 30 days after receipt. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, for his part, said Duterte is “inclined” to sign the proposed amendments on the country’s anti-terrorism bill. n
CREEK REHAB. Workers rush the rehabilitation of a creek along Marcos Highway in Antipolo City, Rizal on Thursday, June 18. The area usually gets flooded during the rainy season. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon
THE COVID-19 pandemic has forced the ground handling company of Cebu Pacific to lay off more than 1,000 employees, or a quarter of its workforce, in the single-largest retrenchment in the local aviation industry due to the health crisis. 1Aviation Groundhandling Services Corp. on Thursday said the move was part of “drastic measures to ensure its survival” as the pandemic continued to pummel the air travel business. Last day on July 20 “With a heavy heart, we are left with no other recourse but to let go of 25 percent of our total workforce,” the company said in a statement. The workers’ last day will be on July 20. In April, 1Aviation laid off 400 newly hired workers, including check-in and boarding gate agents and baggage handlers, following the Luzon lockdown. Other local carriers have also cut jobs to conserve cash amid the pandemic. Philippine Airlines (PAL) laid off 300 ground staff last February, while Cebu Pacific retrenched almost 190 employees last March. AirAsia Philippines said it would lay off about 260 employees, including cabin crew, by the end of June. Aviation ground handling, whose services include baggage sorting and aircraft towing, is a key sector in the airline business. Cebu Pacific is the biggest client and also a part owner of 1Aviation, which is controlled by businessman Jefferson Cheng’s Philippine Airport Ground Support Solutions Inc. Reduction in flights The layoffs followed the dramatic reduction in the number of flights, which was due to weak demand and strict government regulations on air travel as COVID-19 cases around the country continued to rise. The retrenchment will add to rising unemployment as the economy is poised to enter a recession. The Philippine Statistics Authority on June 5 reported a record 17.7 percent unemployment rate with 7.3 million Filipi-
nos jobless at the height of the lockdown in April. 1Aviation said all the workers who would be laid off “will be treated fairly and respectfully.” “The welfare of affected employees will be taken care of as we always do, with packages that are above what the law requires,” the company said.
More layoffs seen “We also assured them that they will be prioritized for hiring once the situation stabilizes and business picks up again,” it added. With fewer flights, PAL president Gilbert Santa Maria warned of more layoffs in the coming
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A6 JUNE 20-23, 2020 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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OPiniOn
FeatURes
Blaming the victim
THE municipal police station has issued a public apology. If only to determine the extent of sexist attitudes in the Philippine National Police, however, the investigation should continue on the message posted on social media by the chief of the municipal police station in Lucban, Quezon. In the Facebook post that was taken down after it went viral over the weekend, the police station advised women not to wear short dresses to avoid being molested. The message was supposed to be an advisory against being raped: “Kayo naman mga gherlsz, ’wag kayo magsusuot ng pagkaikli-ikling damit at pag naman nabastos ay magsusumbong din sa amin. Isipin niyo rin!” Maybe the police station will also advise people not to display food and anything of value that might be stolen by desperate people amid the coronavirus pandemic. For a long time, blaming the victim for being raped deterred women from filing complaints against rapists. Pursuing charges continues to be challenging particularly in cases of date rape, where the rapist initially enjoys the vic-
Editorial
tim’s trust. New laws protecting women are supposed to promote a change in male attitudes toward sexual assault. The case in Lucban shows that this is not the
case. It’s unfortunate that such gender insensitivity persists in a police station whose deputy commander is a woman, Lt. Delilah Tapulayan. With such messages, it’s also no longer surprising that there are complaints about police and barangay officials refusing to assist women who complain about domestic violence. Maybe the cops also think the battered women had it coming. With the Lucban police publicly expressing contrition and authorities vowing a thorough probe, there is hope that while gender sensitivity is a work in progress, change might be possible in the PNP. (Philstar.com)
Philstar.com photo
Huwag maging pasaway: Wearing a mask in public is now a state order in all of California
The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS LISTEN! The coronavirus is NOT done with the United States, no matter how much President Donald Trump would want you to believe in March that it would disappear by the spring. It will officially be summer this June 21 and COVID-19 remains to be a threat to people all over the world. Many states have already reopened, some earlier than others but vary in the conditions to move from one phase to another. As social distancing requirements relax and with the summer break, hot weather and holidays, confirmed cases in the country have been reported to continue to go up in many states. And no matter how Trump and his minions in the Republican Party and fans all across the country try to discredit social distancing measure and politicize the use of a mask/face covering to mitigate the spread of
the virus, the sad fact remains the disease is spreading. In fact, eight states are seeing their highest seven-day averages of new coronavirus cases per day since the crisis began, a CNN analysis of data from Johns Hopkins University reveal. This data includes new cases reported by Johns Hopkins through Thursday, June 18. Here are alarming rates as reported by CNN: “For the second consecutive day, Florida announced a record number of new coronavirus cases Friday, adding almost 4,000 reports for a total approaching 90,000. That broke the previous record set just Thursday, when 3,207 reports were added, according to the state Health Department. The Sunshine State has “all the markings of the next large epicenter of coronavirus transmission,” and risks being the “worst it has ever been,” ac-
cording to projections from a model by scientists at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania.” Aside from Florida, spikes in cases have been recorded in other states: Arizona, California, Nevada, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and Utah. In the state of California, home to the most number of Filipinos in America and outside of the Philippines, COVID-19 cases have gone up in Southern California, in Los Angeles County especially, more than areas in Northern California. As the preventative orders differ from county to county, California Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a state order on Thursday, June 18: Californians must wear masks in all indoor public spaces under a mandate designed to slow the spread of COVID-19. Based on new findings regarding the transmission of the virus, “the new rules are in-
In memory of Eduardo ‘Danding’ Cojuangco:
Industrialist, political leader, sports patron, a great Filipino
tended to prevent people who are infected with COVID-19 but not showing symptoms from spreading the virus, according to an announcement by the California Department of Public Health.” Newsom explained that he decided to issue the guidance because “we are seeing too many people with faces uncovered – putting at risk the real progress we have made in fighting the disease.” “Science shows that face coverings and masks work,” Newsom said in a written statement as reported by the Sacramento Bee. “They are critical to keeping those who are around you safe, keeping businesses open and restarting our economy.” The Sacramento Bee further reported: “The new rules require face coverings when people are riding in taxis and rideshare cars, taking public transit, standing in line to enter a building or walk-
Commentary
GAB MEJIA
WE first met the late visionary industrialist Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco some 50 years ago in 1969, when we were both elected to the House of Representatives. We served until 1972 as our term was abruptly terminated when martial law was declared. Some of our colleagues in the pre-martial law House were Cornelio Villareal of Capiz, Jose B. Laurel Jr. of Batangas, Nicanor Yniguez of Leyte, and Ramon Mitra Jr. of Palawan, who all became speakers of the House; as well as Jose Zulueta of Iloilo and Neptali Gonzales of Rizal, who both became Senate president. Ambassador Cojuangco and we would sometimes find ourselves at different sides of the political fence but we have kept our friendship and respected each other’s political convictions. In 1992, when Danding ran for president, we were a close political colleague of his fellow presidential contender, then
Eduardo“Danding”Cojuangco Jr.
former Defense Secretary Fidel V. Ramos who is our provincemate in Pangasinan. We cofounded with Ramos, hero of the Edsa People Power Revolution, and the late Senator and Foreign Affairs Secretary Raul Manglapus the Lakas-NUCDUMDP, now Lakas-CMD, which became Ramos’ campaign vehicle that catapulted him to Malacañang. Danding founded and served as chairman of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), which is still running strong up to this day.
Photo courtesy of San Miguel Corporation
In 1998, when we ran for president, Danding backed another presidential aspirant, the then incumbent Vice President Joseph Estrada, who won the presidency. We landed second in the field of ten candidates. President Estrada and we have also remained friends up to this day. When we were privileged to have served five-times as speaker of the House, the Nationalist People’s Coalition under Danding was our ally in shepherding and passing so-
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masks and other face coverings or be ready to receive citations, be fined or even imprisoned. More than anything else, use your brain and think! Your health and the survival of your family are more important than the politics of the mask, pushed by Trump who just said in his usual ego-centric perspective: “Some Americans are wearing masks to show they disapprove of him and not as a preventive measure during the pandemic.” It is NOT about Donald Trump. It is about YOUR life and the lives and safety of your family members. * * * 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.
Why Filipino Americans must act now to protect the Filipino undocumented community
PeaceMaker FORMER SPEAKER JOSE C. DE VENECIA, JR.
ing through common areas like hallways, stairways, elevators and parking garages. It also requires masks for people working in a building visited by the public even if no other people are present and at all locations where food is prepared or packaged for sale or distribution. Masks are also required outdoors in spaces where people can’t maintain six feet of distance from one another. Children under age 2 don’t have to wear masks under the new rules. People with medical conditions or developmental disabilities that prevent them from wearing masks are also exempt. The rules also make exceptions for people who are deaf or have hearing loss who may rely on reading lips and facial expressions for communication, and allow others to remove their masks when communicating with them.” HUWAG PASAWAY! Wear
OFTENTIMES, when people come across the phrase, “undocumented immigrant,” images of men, women, and children of Latin American heritage coming across the southern border of the United States come to mind. However, often overlooked are the hundreds of thousands of Asian immigrants who are currently living in the United States without lawful status, or whom we would also call “undocumented.” According to the Center for Migration Studies, in 2017, undocumented Asian immigrants comprised over 1.7 million of the nearly 10.7 million undocumented immigrants in the United States. Approximately 16%, or one out of every six undocumented immigrants in the U.S. are from Asia. Digging even deeper, there are over 175,000 undocumented Filipino immigrants in the United States, or around 10.3% of the total Asian undocumented population. This means that one out of every ten undocumented immigrants from Asia are from the Philippines. I am one of those 175,000 undocumented Filipino immigrants.
I was brought to the United States from Quezon City at the tender age of 15-months-old in September of 1994. Like most Asian immigrants in the U.S. who become undocumented, my family came to this country on a valid visa and was admitted into lawful status. Like most, if not all, immigrants who come to this country, my family came here in the search of greater opportunities that were not available to us in the place from which we came. After years of attempting to rectify our status in the United States and become lawful permanent residents of this great country, our “green card” applications were denied and we became undocumented. When I was 10 years old, my mother, father, and I officially lost our status and our permission to remain lawfully in the United States. We became undocumented. Filipino Americans here in the United States have a phrase for people like us – “tago ng tago,” which translates from my native Tagalog to English as “hiding and hiding.” For me, to be “TNT” means to live in the shadows of the United States — to evade all law enforcement authorities by any means so as not to risk being removed to the land far, far away that my family left over 26 years ago. Being an undocumented Filipino American is an enormous burden to carry. At the age of 10, I did not even begin to fathom the differences this would come
to mean between me and the rest of my peers. My parents warned me never to tell anyone about my lack of status because if I told the wrong person, we could be on the next plane back to the Philippines because we did not have the permission to be here. For years, I heeded their warning. I retreated into the shadows and kept my lack of legal status to myself. Eventually, this became too much to manage. In the small city of Macon, Georgia where I grew up, just about an hour outside of Atlanta, I felt alone. I felt that no one could truly understand why, despite my excellent academic abilities, there was a very real possibility that I would not be able to attend college, that I would never be able to drive with a valid driver’s license, or that I would never be able to work without an employer looking into my status. After breaking my silence for the first time and confiding in a friend about the struggles I was going through, I was met with silence and indifference. I was told that I was making a big deal out of nothing and there was no way that lacking status could have the profound effect I shared that I was experiencing. I was devastated. Weeks later, I tried to take my own life, sure that it was the only way that I would escape the suffering and hopelessness that I was feeling as an undocumented Filipino American living in Georgia.
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The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.
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Dateline PhiliPPines
Enrile: Lopezes offered ABS-CBN, Meralco to Marcos by Delon
Porcalla Philstar.com
MANILA — Former Senate president Juan Ponce Enrile told the House of Representatives this week that the Lopezes offered to the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos their companies ABSCBN and Manila Electric Co. even before the former president declared martial law in September 1972. The 96-year-old former defense minister of Marcos, considered the main architect of the military rule, made the declaration before the joint committee investigating the alleged violations of the television network ABS-CBN of its franchise, which expired on May 4. “They themselves told Marcos or the government to get ABSCBN and Meralco because they could no longer service their loans. They were having difficulty paying their more than P100-million loans,” Enrile, who appeared online, said in Filipino. “Their debts were so big,” he said in Filipino, to which Bulacan Rep. Jonathan Sy-Alvarado, chairman of the House committee on good government, sought clarification, and which Enrile amplified further, including the timeline “before martial law.” Enrile also told Deputy Majority Leader Jesus Crispin Remulla of Cavite that it would be best if they could get a copy of a “report written by Don Emilio Abello, signed by Meralco” executives. The Lopezes are no longer the owners of Meralco, which has since been taken over by business tycoon and media mogul Manuel V. Pangilinan, who owns The Philippine STAR and its sister company TV-5, among others. ABS-CBN executive Jake Almeda Lopez, who also happens to be a friend of Enrile and fellow 95-year-old lawyer, confirmed that his family had indeed been in dire straits even before Marcos declared martial law in 1972. “Tama si Johnny Enrile (who was my friend for about 70 years) that we were concerned about the (financial) obligations,” Lopez told the panel, co-chaired by Palawan Rep. Franz Alvarez, chairman of the House committee on legislative franchises. “We even had to go outside of the country because the local ones were very adamant,” he said, recalling that the late ABSCBN patriarch Eugenio Lopez Jr. bought the station from Antonio Quirino, acknowledged father of Philippine TV and the brother of
Former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile
ex-president Elpidio Quirino. “As far as the DBP (Development Bank of the Philippines) debts are concerned, this was a long time ago. Antonio borrowed money from the government, hoping his brother will win in the elections. Unfortunately, he lost to (former president Ramon) Magsaysay,” Lopez said. “Antonio borrowed the money from the DBP,” he confirmed before lawmakers, adding the TV station was first offered to the late Chino Roces of the Manila Times and Fred Elizalde of dzRH before Geny Lopez bought it. The Alvarez-Alvarado joint panel has approved the motion of DUMPER PTDA party-list Rep. Claudine Diana Bautista to look into the alleged “condonation” of about P1.67 billion in government loans to ABS-CBN, along with other Lopez-owned companies. Bautista disclosed that the state-owned DBP had written off the loans it extended to the country’s largest broadcast network, including telco Bayantel and water utility Maynilad that were formerly owned by the Lopezes. The condonation was done during the time of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2006, it was learned. Lopez-owned firms that reportedly benefitted from the “condonation” were Maynilad (P710.8 million), Bayantel (P591.8 million) Central CATV Inc. (P207.10 million), then Benpres (now Lopez Holdings, P157.9 million), all totaling P1.667 billion. These were the issues, among others, that caught the ire of President Duterte. Another clash Another clash between lawmakers erupted during the Wednesday hearing on ABSCBN. Buhay party-list Rep. Lito Atien-
Philstar.com photo
za confronted Deputy Speaker Rodante Marcoleta for allegedly monopolizing the proceedings by the joint committee on legislative franchises and good government and public accountability. At an earlier hearing, tension rose after Marcoleta had a heated exchange with Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Carlos Zarate when he suggested to the latter to coach ABS-CBN chairman emeritus Eugenio Lopez III in reciting the Panatang Makabayan. At Wednesday’s hearing, Atienza called the attention of Marcoleta for “browbeating” officials of the broadcast giant by raising issues without giving them ample opportunity to answer. He cited the claim of Marcoleta that three laws had granted the network franchises that added up to 150 years while ABS-CBN lawyer Mario Bautista was denied the chance to answer such allegation. He said it was clear from the hearings that the Constitution was not violated by the ABS-CBN franchise based on issues raised by Marcoleta. “It’s not clear only to Marcoleta because he had a different interpretation of the Constitution,” the legislator said. The hearing was suspended twice when Cavite Rep. Remulla objected to Atienza’s use of the word “browbeating,” which he described as “unparliamenary” and demeaning to the character of Marcoleta. Atienza objected to Remulla’s motion to strike the word from the record, but in the end, the ruling favored Remulla. This did not stop Atienza from resuming his appeal for fairness in the hearings. He said Marcoleta and Remulla had been monopolizing the proceedings in the chamber that has 305 members. n
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Duque can weather probe – Duterte Court rejects De Lima plea to be allowed to join Senate hearings via teleconferencing by Catherine
Valente ManilaTimes.net
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte is confident that Health Secretary Francisco Duque III can answer the allegations against him over supposed lapses in the Department of Health’s (DOH) handling of the COVID-19 crisis. In a virtual press briefing Thursday, June 18, Palace spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said Duque continued to enjoy the trust and confidence of the President despite his being probed by the Office of the Ombudsman. “The President has time and again expressed his continuing trust and confidence in Secretary Duque,” Roque said. Ombudsman Samuel Martires announced on Wednesday that he had formed teams of investigators to look into alleged irregularities committed by DoH officials, including Duque. The Health department, in a statement, said it would cooperate with authorities in the probe. It said it “has been transparent in the Covid-19 response, including procurement transactions and the provision of benefits to health care workers.” Duque has been under severe
by Kristine Joy
Philstar.com
Philippine Health Secretary Francisco Duque III
criticism as Covid-19 cases in the country continued to rise amid eased quarantine restrictions. In April, 14 senators filed a resolution asking him to resign for “failure of leadership, negligence, lack of foresight and inefficiency” in handling the coronavirus crisis. Duque was earlier slammed for claiming that the country was already experiencing the second wave of the pandemic. He has apologized to the President for the delay in the release of cash benefits for health workers who died or suffered severe
ManilaTimes.net photo by Enrique Agcaoili
symptoms of Covid-19, but not after blaming his staff. Despite the criticisms, Duterte shows no intention of letting the Health secretary go. “Alam ko ikaw, you are hardpressed (I know you are hardpressed). I know your situation,” Duterte earlier told Duque. “Huwag ka masyadong touchy sa mga issues (Don’t be too touchy on issues), because always there will be pros and cons. Pakinggan lang natin (Just take note of these) because this is a democracy,” he said. n
Patag
MANILA — A Muntinlupa court dismissed detained Sen. Leila De Lima’s plea to be allowed to participate in Senate sessions through videoconferencing. Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 25 Presiding Judge Liezel Aquiatan denied De Lima’s Omnibus Motion to be allowed to take part in Senate sessions, committee hearings and meetings via teleconferencing from her place of detention due to lack of merit. The ruling is dated June 17 but a copy was made public only on Friday, June 19. The court said that to grant De Lima’s motion “is no different from allowing her to attend there physically.” “Allowing her to do so today would be tantamount to allowing her to participate even after the state of public health emergency,” the court held. Early in May, the Senate amended its rules to allow the conduct of teleconferencing for its sessions, prompted by the
COVID-19 pandemic and the implementation of stringer measures to curb its spread. De Lima filed the motion on June 1 and sought the court’s grant to join the sessions, citing the case of former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV who was allowed to continue his duties as lawmaker from his detention. “De Lima averred that the Supreme Court has recognized in the case of Trillanes vs Judge Pimentel that detention is only meant to limit the physical movement of the legislator under trial and that it does not preclude the discharge of duty within the confines of the detention center,” the ruling read. But the court pointed out that the Senate may only conduct of teleconferencing when there is force majeure or occurrence of an emergency. “De Lima is prevented to attend the committee meeting or hearings due to her detention. Detention is not a force majeure,” the judge said. The court also noted that there is no occurrence of emergency in De Lima’s case. It cited the
COVID-19 front-liners remembered, hailed as country commemorates Rizal’s birth anniversary MANILA — On the commemoration of the 159th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal, Malacañang urged the Filipino youth to emulate his values especially during this time of COVID-19 pandemic. “The life of our greatest hero is a testament of [sic] how a single person’s deep love for his country could spark the reawakening of our forefathers’ desire for freedom and change,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement. Remembering Rizal’s life and
dedication to service, Roque also paid tribute to front-liners in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic as the country’s “modernday heroes.” Our front-liners “rise up to the challenge and serve as beacons of hope to a people weary and fearful of the present health scare,” Roque said. He urged the Filipino people, especially the young and was referred to by Rizal as “hope for our future,” to “take inspiration from his life and emulate his principles to be agents of genu-
This undated photo shows a health worker in San Juan City in a personal protective gear. Philstar.com photo by Michael Varcas
ine transformation for a better Philippines.” At the Luneta Park, where Rizal was executed in 1986, officials of the Manila City local government held a short program and laid wreath to Rizal monument. The Manila Public Information Office said Mayor Isko Moreno led the flag-raising and wreathlaying ceremony at the Luneta Park on Friday morning. Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto also paid tribute to front-liners in his message for the birth anniversary of Rizal. Sotto contemplated on what is the meaning of being a hero and how can heroism be shown in this time of pandemic. “We see this heroism in our community kitchen, our volunteers who work in the wee hours of the morning even though no one asked them to, to prepare food for our front-liners,” he said in Filipino. Sotto also said medical frontliners, police and peace and order officers exhibit heroism even amid the fear of contracting the deadly coronavirus. “I hope the spirit of Rizal continues to live in our everyday acts,” the young mayor also said. (Kristine Joy Patag/Philstar. com)
Several LGUs still hesitant to reopen tourist spots –DOT by Cathrine
gonzales Inquirer.net
threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Department of Tourism said on MANILA, Philippines — Sev- Thursday. eral local government units are “Under modified GCQ (genstill hesitant to reopen tourist eral community quarantine), spots to the public given the tourism is already allowed but I
have noticed that a lot of local government units, though under modified GCQ, are still hesitant to open,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said in an interview on ABS-CBN News Channel. n
Why Filipino Americans must act now to... PAGE A6 This, however, was my true awakening. Upon my unsuccessful suicide attempt, I rose and decided that I would do everything in my power to fight for people like me, for our undocumented communities. I wanted no one else to feel as alone as I felt that one afternoon with a pill bottle full of Extra Strength Tylenol to slowly overdose myself into submission. On June 15, 2012, President Barack Obama announced the creation of a program that would forever change my life – the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (“DACA”) program. For the first time ever, I was able to step out of the shadows and into the light. For the first time ever, I could finally live my life without the fear and anxiety that I once felt as an undocumented Filipino American with no protection whatsoever. Now, I can drive legally, I graduated from college
after attending with a full scholarship, and I work at one of the top-rated immigration law firms in the world. Just this week, the United States Supreme Court released a monumental decision, shutting down the Trump administration’s efforts to wind down the program. However, the fight is not over. President Trump could continue his pursuit to end the program. What we still need is a permanent pathway to citizenship that will allow us to fulfill our greatest potential in this country. There are 700,000 other undocumented young people currently protected by the DACA program, almost 4,000 of whom are Filipino American like me. Every single one of us has the potential to make an incredible difference in this country. The time is now for Filipino Americans all over to come together and demand that Congress introduce and pass legis-
Mass layoffs hit PH aviation... PAGE A5 months. Cebu Pacific is also reducing investments for the year, as it anticipates a slowdown in business, according to CEO Lance Gokongwei. The company swung to a net loss of P1.18 billion in the first quarter of 2020 from a P3.36-billion profit as the pandemic hit. In a letter to national government agencies last March, the Air Carriers Association of the Philippines called the COVID-19 crisis an “existential threat” to the airline industry. The recovery of the local air-
line industry could take at least two years, according to the International Air Transport Association. $4.48B in losses The trade group had estimated the global airline industry losses at $4.48 billion. The local carriers and tourism could lose as many as 548,300 jobs this year. The aviation sector is banking on the COVID-19 stimulus bills, which will make it easier for them to obtain emergency loans from the government. The proposed financial packages, such as the P1.3-trillion
Philippine Senator Leila De Lima
Palace: No need to appoint Robredo in IATF by Catherine
Valente ManilaTimes.net
THERE is no need to appoint Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo to the government’s inter-agency task force leading the country’s response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic as she has been “helping in her own ways,” Malacañang said on Friday, June 19. Palace spokesman Harry Roque Jr. made the statement as he slammed former senator Antonio Trillanes 4th for “sowing intrigue and division” amid the Covid-19 crisis. “Let us not make an issue when there is none. My remarks that Vice President Ma. Leonor ‘Leni’ Robredo could have offered solutions is simply a response to a specific question by media,” Roque said in a statement. “We reiterate this to the Vice President: If she could offer solutions on how to address those who earlier tested negative for Covid-19 in Metro Manila but tested positive once they reached their respective provinces, I would be more than willing to submit her proposed solutions to the Inter-Agency Task Force
lation that would permanently protect undocumented young people like me and hundreds of thousands of others. Those who enjoy lawful status in the United States are privileged insofar as they do not have to live their lives with the fear that I have lived and continue to live. We must act now before people like me must once again retreat into the shadows, unable to help make this country the best that it can be. *** Raymond Partolan is an undocumented Filipino American living in Atlanta, Georgia. He is an immigration paralegal at Kuck Baxter Immigration, LLC, working primarily in complex family-based immigration and removal defense matters. He also works independently as a consultant, working on political campaigns, non-profit capacity building, and civic engagement efforts. A Grammy Award-winning musician for his work on “American Dreamers” by John Daversa, Mr. Partolan is an often-invited guest speaker, writer, and contributor in all parts of the United States.
Philippine Economic Stimulus Act of 2020, have stalled over questions about how they will be funded. One of the stimulus bills will allow the government to step in and grant emergency credit, interest-free loans of up to five years, and debt guarantees. This will help cash-strapped airlines restructure their loans or even assist in rehabilitation. It will set aside a total of P70 billion for transport businesses, which includes assistance to maritime and public utility vehicle operators. Also included are trucking, shipping and railways. n
Philstar.com photo
SC ruling on People vs Jalosjos where the tribunal held that allowing then-Rep. Romeo Jalosjos (Zamboanga del Norte) “to attend congressional sessions... for five days or more in a week will virtually make him free man with all the privilege appurtenant to his position.” De Lima dismayed with court dismissal In a statement, De Lima expressed dismay over the court’s dismissal of her motion and insisted that she is still under trial and therefore not convicted of any crime. “In denying my motion, the trial court may have failed to see what the Supreme Court has doctrinally acknowledged in the cases of Jalosjos and Trillanes that it is possible for a person deprived of liberty to still legally pursue a profession or legitimately perform the functions of a public office as long as he or she can do it within the confines of his or her detention cell,” she was quoted in a statement released by her office. De Lima chairs the Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development. “As the Senate rules now allow for teleconferencing as a mode of participating in sessions and hearings in crisis or emergency situations or pandemic, I can easily do it if I will be provided with laptop and internet connection, without need for me to get out of the PNP Custodial Center,” she also said. De Lima has been detained at the police headquarters since February 2017 over drug-related charges. She is accused of having a hand in the proliferation of illegal drug trade at the New Bilibid Prison during her stint as justice secretary, an allegation she vehemently denied. n
(IATF),” he added. Trillanes on Friday challenged Malacañang to appoint Robredo as chairman of the IATF after Roque told the Vice President to “offer solutions” instead of criticizing how the government handled travelers stranded by lockdowns. The former senator said the Palace should let Robredo lead the IATF if it “really wants to flatten the curve.” “Kung si Vice President Leni ang mamumuno at magpapatakbo ng IATF, mas marami itong magagawa at siguradong mas maganda ang kampanya natin laban sa Covid-19 (If Vice President Leni is leading and running the IATF, it can do more and our campaign against Covid-19 will be better),” Trillanes said. Robredo’s office raised almost P60 million for pandemic response, including dormitories, safety gear and free shuttle rides for health workers; extraction and test kits for the coronavirus; and food and care packs for frontliners. While he acknowledged Robredo’s contributions in the fight against Covid-19, Roque rejected Trillanes’ dare as he maintained that the former lawmaker was
Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo
only twisting his statement to gain “political relevance.” “Be that as it may, this does not diminish the fact we acknowledge the contributions of the Vice President in the fight against Covid-19. She is helping in her own ways and if her intentions are genuine, there is no need for her to be appointed or designated in the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), as suggested by the former Senator,” Roque said. “We call on Mr. Trillanes not to twist my statement for the sake of political relevance and just do his share to alleviate the plight of our people amid this pandemic. It is only through our solidarity and cooperation can we heal and recover as one,” he added. President Rodrigo Duterte himself commended Robredo’s efforts in helping Filipinos in need amid the Covid-19 crisis. Duterte previously offered the top post in the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs to Robredo after she criticized the administration’s bloody drug war. But Robredo’s stint as antidrug czar ended after 19 days, when she was fired by Duterte. n
ManilaTimes.net photo
In memory of Eduardo ‘Danding’ Cojuangco... PAGE A6 cio-economic and political reform laws, including some of our humble landmark initiatives – the Bases Conversion Law, which converted the former U.S. military bases into Filipino industrial parks and satellite cities, and the Build Operate Transfer (BOT) Law, and which was later adopted by various countries around the world. In early June of 1992, following the intense electoral battle among seven presidential candidates and our own desire to reach out to those who slugged it out with Ramos in the presidential race, we sought a meeting with Danding and he warmly
received us in his New Manila residence. Ramos was then leading in the national canvassing being conducted jointly by the Senate and the House of Representatives. Danding, a true cavalier and statesman, fully understood that a post-election crisis would not be good for the country and made it clear that he would do his part in avoiding possible political chaos. On our invitation, he later met with Ramos in our then Dasmarinas Village residence. In that meeting, Danding chose the path of reconciliation, solidarity and cooperation without setting any conditions. He gave paramount
importance to the country’s interests, more than any other consideration. Danding’s contributions to national development have carved a wide and unique niche in our country’s history. The San Miguel Corporation, which he and his incomparable associate, Ramon Ang, successfully established into the largest food, beverage and industrial conglomerate in the Philippines and Southeast Asia is truly a pride and honor of the Filipino people for all generations and an inspiration for Asians. Certainly, Danding Cojuangco is one of the great Filipinos of our time. n
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DOH could be liable for the death of so many Filipinos — Leachon by Bella
Perez-ruBio
Philstar.com
MANILA — A former adviser to the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases on Thursday lauded the Office of the Ombudsman’s decision to investigate Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and other officials for their response to the COVID-19 crisis. “If it’s one of the most powerful agencies of the law that is criticizing you, this only concretizes what [I’ve] been saying that the ‘QUEEN OF BRIDGES’. The Jones Bridge’s old glory is back after its recent restoration to its near-original design, as shown in this photo taken Department of Health’s response on Wednesday, June 17. Filipinos have been visiting the bridge at night to take Instagram-worthy photos of Manila’s “Queen of Bridges”. to this crisis has been slow. Their PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan data management is bad. Their execution of their plans is bad. This isn’t right and it is possible that they are liable for the death of many Filipinos because the data they are churning out is so late — and this data is so important,” Tony Leachon told ABS-CBN in Filipino. sin taxes two years ago, the cash it’s not for me to say — elective, by Kristine Joy Patag Leachon further slammed the crunch is not expected to be felt maybe we can delay that.” Philstar.com Morales said the agency is left until 2022 when 2020 revenues DOH for its poor management of COVID-19 data in the country, goMANILA — The Duterte ad- with no choice but to tap its re- will be considered. “So with all this development, ing as far as calling it “useless.” ministration’s budget restraint serves for now, helping keep the He particularly criticized the during the pandemic is creating institution, which is also fund- there is a widening of the gap classification of funding holes in other public ing COVID-19 treatments, afloat. between expenditures and col- department’s fresh and late cases, saying this projects, including President Ro- But the problem remains for uni- lection,” Morales said. “We will be fine this year, but drigo Duterte’s flagship health- versal healthcare, whose fundcare-for-all policy that now risks ing is mandated to mostly come next year it is going to be chalgetting unfunded as revenues from excise revenues on tobacco lenging. So that’s the picture,” and alcohol that are projected to he added. “That’s why it’s very dry up. important that we can restart the To stop the “financial hem- drop this year. by Jomar Canlas ManilaTimes.net To make matters worse, Mo- economy as soon as possible.” orrhage,” Ricardo Morales, Budget challenges, howevpresident of Philippine Health rales said some funds originally DESPITE his victory before Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), dedicated for UHC were already er, are not unique to universal the state health insurer, said on reallocated for pandemic re- healthcare. Throughout the pan- the Senate Electoral Tribubal demic and when the lockdowns (SET), which junked two comFriday the agency is now begin- sponse. “The fiscal space is really very started in March, the govern- plaints that sought to disqualify ning to “identify which benefits we can suspend temporarily” tight,” Budget Undersecretary ment has struggled to fund con- him as senator, Aquilino “Koko” while waiting for normalcy to Laura Pascua said in a text mes- tingency programs that were not Pimentel III is not yet free from anticipated when the current criminal charges that he is facreturn and premium collections sage. P4.1-trillion outlay was crafted ing before the Department of ‘Sin’ taxes decline to recover. Justice (DOJ). In 2018, health department last year. The problem involved the amIn a viber message, DOJ ProsAs a result, belt-tightening bitious universal healthcare law data showed P71.2 billion of enacted last year and was poised the government’s health budget measures were imposed, leav- ecutor General Benedicto Malfor a pilot run this year until the came from sin tax collections, ing some projects unfunded. A contento said the charges of viocoronavirus disease-2019 (CO- which from 2013 were getting a supplemental budget authority lation of COVID-19 quarantine VID-19) pandemic happened. In boost from legislation hiking tax- from Congress would have been protocols filed against Pimentel turn, premium collections from es every year. The amount from a long-term fix, but the govern- were still alive. Malcontento added that the members dropped, while a hike excise levies in 2018 accounted ment is firm it cannot ask for on monthly fees from overseas for 43% of the P166.7 billion budget augmentation by only re- complainant, Rico Quicho, forworkers were halted in April fol- budget of both PhilHealth and lying on more debts and without mer dean of the University of Makati College of Law, was new revenues. the Office of Health Secretary. lowing public backlash. “We’re still working on the asked to comply with procedural But with ‘sin’ tax collections As a result, Morales is now projecting P100 billion in reve- down 39% annually in the first solution. I think it’s premature requirements of the complaint. Quicho lodged the complaint nue shortfall beginning next year five months, economic managers to bother the president when we led by Finance Secretary Carlos will come to him with a prob- against Pimentel before the DOJ to 2024. via electronic filing. “Those life-saving benefits like Dominguez III are already find- lem,” the PhilHealth chief said. The case is still undergoing “We should come to him with dialysis, we cannot stop that,” he ing ways to bridge the financexplained over ABS-CBN Chan- ing gap. Pascua said since for a solution. That has not yet been preliminary investigation. The chief prosecutor said the nel. “But benefits for hip replace- budgeting purposes, universal obtained. Too early to bother the department would rule on the ments, transplants that can be — healthcare funding is based on president,” he added. n
Fund woes may force PhilHealth to suspend some benefits
kind of reporting was not being done in any other country. “[If you have around 7,000 cases which are backlogged, how will the [IATF] make a decision? Their old data cannot be used to determine quarantine intervention or any intervention because its not fresh data,” Leachon told ABS-CBN in a mix of Filipino and English. Leachon on Wednesday announced that he would no longer serve as the adviser to Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the chief implementer of the national action plan against COVID-19. He told CNN Philippines that he believes he was asked to resign, saying Duque and presidential spokesperson Harry Roque did not like the way he publicly expressed his comments on the lapses of the DOH. “It’s as if the Department of Health is playing around but these are lives... for every wrong decision [the department] make[s], so many lives are lost,” Leachon said in Filipino. Ombudsman Samuel Martires said he ordered the creation of two investigating teams to look into the following issues:
• Delayed procurement of [Personal] Protective Equipment and other medical gears for healthcare workers • Alleged lapses and irregularities that led to death of health workers and rising deaths and infections among medical frontliners • Inaction in the release and processing of compensation for healthcare workers who were severely ill with COVID-19 and who died • Confusing and delayed reporting of COVID-19 deaths and confirmed cases The health department on Wednesday said it welcomes the investigation. “[Health] officials will willingly cooperate with the authorities to ensure utmost transparency throughout the duration of the investigation and beyond,” the department said in a statement. However, the ombudsman said that his office started the probe prior to the March 15 lockdown, but investigators “were given a runaround by some DOH officials and personnel by referring us from one department or office to another.” n
Pimentel not yet off the hook at DOJ charges after the submission of all the original complaints and attachments by Quicho. “We ordered the complainant to comply with procedural requirements, such as submission of original complaints and attachments. If he will not comply, then [the complaint will be] submitted for decision,” he said. Malcontento added that once Quicho complied with the requirements, Pimentel would be asked to submit his counteraffidavit and then the DOJ would rule on the case. “If he will comply, [Senator Pimentel] will be given 15 days to submit his counter-affidavit,” he said. Assistant State Prosecutor Wendell Bendoval, the handling prosecutor of the case, issued a subpoena and ordered the conduct of a preliminary investigation against the senator. Pimentel was slammed by many in social media and by the management of the Makati Medical Center on March 24 after accompanying to the hospital
his wife Kathryna who was about to give birth. At the time, he was a person under investigation, or PUI, and should have observed strict home quarantine after being exposed to a COVID-19 patient. Pimentel was later found positive for COVID-19. Worse, it was confirmed that he went shopping at S&R supermarket after a CCTV footage was released that he indeed roamed the shop. Quicho earlier said Pimentel had committed several violations, including his failure to disclose his health status while a Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine was in force. The National Bureau of Investigation is conducting a separate criminal investigation of the senator. On Tuesday, the SET dismissed for lack of merit two quo warranto petitions against Pimentel that sought to nullify his eligibility to seek reelection in the May 2019 race to the Senate. n
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Supreme Court DACA decision is ‘reprieve,’ not victory Immigration Corner Atty. MichAel Gurfinkel, eSQ ON June 18, 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its DACA decision, but it did not actually uphold DACA. Instead, it based its decision on procedural technicalities, that the government did not properly terminate or rescind it. The DACA decision is more like a temporary reprieve, rather than a victory. Pres. Trump has vowed to continue his efforts to terminate DACA. The Supreme Court specifically stated, “The dispute before the court is not whether DHS may rescind DACA. All parties agree that it may. The dispute is instead primarily about the procedure the agency followed in doing so.” *** “We do not decide whether DACA or its rescission are sound policies… We address only whether the agency complied with the procedural requirement that it provide a reasoned explanation for its action. Here the agency failed to consider the conspicuous issues of whether to refrain forbearance and what if anything to do about the hardship to DACA recipients.” By way of background, Pres. Obama implemented DACA in 2012. Five years later, in September 2017, DHS issued a memo to terminate DACA because it was “unlawful.” Lawsuits followed, challenging DHS’s justification for terminating the program, and a second DHS memo was issued in June 2018, adding additional reasons for terminating the DACA
program. That was the issue with the Supreme Court The Supreme Court stated that the justification for revoking DACA had to be based on the original 2017 memo, and DHS could not add or cure deficiencies by the later 2018 memo, adding new reasons or justifications. The Supreme Court noted that DHS could have dealt “with the problem afresh by taking new agency action.” Had DHS started over and issued a new memo rescinding DACA, rather than trying to supplement or amend the original memo, it would’ve been okay. Instead, DHS stuck with the original memo. Therefore, DHS was limited to the agency’s original reasons or justification in its 2017 memo. Had they started over (or anew) with just the 2018 memo, DHS might have won. For example, I face similar issues regularly, when a client consults about a denial. We evaluate whether it is better to appeal that denial or file a new petition or application. Often, it is faster and easier to file a new case, rather than trying to cure the defects of the previous filing. In the DACA case, DHS decided to “double down” and continue to rely on its original 2017 memo to justify its termination of DACA, rather than just “refile” in 2018. Pres. Trump has already vowed to continue his efforts to terminate DACA. That’s why this decision is only a temporary reprieve, and would not result in a green card for a DACA recipient. Perhaps there are ways by which a DACA person could be eligible for a green card. If they have work authorization, and an employer is willing to petition them, that could be an avenue, if they are eligible to adjust status in the U.S. or are eligible for a provisional waiver. That’s why DACA recipients should consult
with an attorney to determine if there are legitimate ways to legalize their status, rather than relying on their DACA work authorization forever. I also blame Congress for this problem. Where is Congress in passing the DREAM Act, which was a way for DACA applicants to get green cards? It was only because Congress refused to act that Pres. Obama implemented the DACA program. When Pres. Trump proposed to terminate DACA, he put it off for six months, expressly stating he was doing so to give Congress time to act. They did not. If only Congress would pass the DREAM Act, that would end the uncertainty and anxiety now being suffered by DACA applicants. *** Michael J. Gurfinkel has been an attorney for over 35 years and is licensed, and an active member of the State Bars of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different and results may depend on the facts of the particular case. The information and opinions contained herein (including testimonials, “Success Stories”, endorsements and re-enactments) are of a general nature, and are not intended to apply to any particular case, and do not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader. WEBSITE: www.gurfinkel.com Follow us on Facebook.com/GurfinkelLaw, Twitter @GurfinkelLaw and YouTube: US Immigration TV Call Toll free to schedule a consultation for anywhere in the US: 1-866-487-3465 (866) – GURFINKEL Four offices to serve you: LOS ANGELES ∙ SAN FRANCISCO ∙ NEW YORK ∙ PHILIPPINES (Advertising Supplement)
by Ritchel
Mendiola AJPress
Lea Salonga
ABS-CBN photo
I N T E R N A T I O N A L LY- a c claimed singer Lea Salonga on Tuesday, June 16, trended on Twitter after airing her frustration over the country’s current political climate. “Dear Pilipinas, p***** ina, ang hirap mong mahalin (Dear Philippines, f**k, you’re hard to love),” she wrote on Facebook on Monday, June 15. While the singer did not specify the cause of her outburst, she was seen leaving comments on a post about the
country’s “rotten” system made by Constitutional Reformist advocate and Correct Movement founder Orion Perez. “I want to think fixing the system is possible still, albeit difficult. But we may now be beyond that point,” Lea said. She continued in a separate comment, saying: “Here’s my problem... I don’t possess a lot of trust in the things I see and read, even if and when the sources are supposed to be those in which we should be able to have unquestionable trust. Second, I house a conPAGE B2
Spyros Bros get standing ovation on ‘America’s Got Talent’ by Jan
Milo SeveRo Philstar.com
FILIPINO duo Spyros Bros stole the spotlight at the 15th season of “America’s Got Talent.” Filipino siblings Marco Angelo and Marc Albert of Spyros Bros impressed judges on their audition for the reality show as they entertained the crowd in manipulating the yoyo like a toy to the tune of a Fall Out Boy song. “I love everything about you. I’ve never seen somebody more excited just to be here, and that makes us excited and feel like we’re at the best, biggest party on Earth. And you guys were incredibly entertaining,” judge Howie Mandel said. Their performance received a standing ovation from the audience and the judges, including Simon Cowell and Sofia
Marco Angelo and Marc Albert of Spyros Bros
Photo from Instagram/@spyrosbros
Vergara. In their Instagram account, the Spyros Bros said their longtime dream was fulfilled by joining the reality TV show. “A long time ago, a dream was made in 2010. 10 years in the making, TONIGHT it finally
comes true at 8pm on NBC. #AGT will show our FULL episode with backstory and judges reaction. This is just the beginning!” Spyros Bros said. “Thank you all so much who supported us through our journey!” they added.
EntErtainmEnt
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‘Rape exists because of rapists’: ABS-CBN singers allegedly Jennylyn takes stand vs victim shaming sacked for conversation by Jan
Milo Severo Philstar.com
ACTRESS Jennylyn Mercado is the latest celebrity to take a stand against rape and victim shaming. In her official Facebook page, the “Descendant of the Sun” actress said victim blaming should be abolished. “Victim Blaming. Nakaugalian na ng ibang tao sisihin ang isang rape victim. Kasalanan daw nila dahil sa galaw o suot nila. Pasensya na po, but this thinking is backwards,” Jennylyn said. She added: “Rape exists because of rapists.” “Paano ninyo mairarason ang mga biktima na mga bata at matanda na hindi naman nakasuot ng sinsabing ‘sexy
na pananamit’? Walang pamantayan ng pananamit ang rape at sexual harrasment,” she stressed. She explained that the only person that needs to blamed for the rape is the rapist. “No. You don’t blame the victim for choosing to be ‘malandi’ in your eyes. For choosing to wear revealing outfits. For choosing to put herself in a dangerous position. For being at the wrong place and time (madilim na lugar at gabi),” Jennylyn said. “There is no reason whatsoever that can justify a person getting sexually assaulted and no excuse for the assailant to commit the act. Blame the person who chose and chooses to rape her.” Jennylyn Mercado
on franchise renewal
By Jan
Milo Severo Philstar.com
GMA photo
Angel balks at ‘real-life Darna’ title: I have no hero complex By Marinel
Cruz
Inquirer.net
THEIR aim to help people in need may be similar, but actress Angel Locsin said she just doesn’t measure up to Darna in strength of character. Fifteen years since A ngel portrayed the fictional Filipino comics superheroine created by Mars Ravelo, she has remained the most popular Darna. She has been hailed the “real-life Darna” several times for showing heroism off-camera by taking part in various charitable causes and bei ng proact ive in supporting emergency response. Last December, she made it to Forbes Asia’s list of top philanthropists. “Since I once played Darna a long time ago, it’s a big compliment to still be associated with her today. I know how pure at heart Darna is, as well as [her alter-ego] Narda. We may have the same intention of helping people, pero walang wala ako sa kalingkingan nila,” she pointed out. “I have no hero complex. I just believe that when there’s a will there’s a way. I will continue to help in different ways. Helping doesn’t always have to involve giving away money.” Angel assumed that because people know her, they would take photos of her “while on t he f ield,” pa r t ic ipat i ng i n relief operations or doing her job as a Red Cross volunteer. “I’m just a simple person. I’m not even rich. I’m not a millionaire. I believe that there are more people out there who are active on the field but aren’t given the same recognition and importance.” The actress added: “They are the people we want to pay tribute to. In the show, we will feature stories of unique individuals, who actually lead a life like Darna’s. They are the real superheroes of today. For them,
FORMER Kapamilya singer Daryl Ong revealed the reason why he and co-singer Bugoy Drilon were allegedly banned by ABS-CBN. In a recent YouTube video blog (vlog), Daryl narrated that it was his “harmless” comment on the ABS-CBN franchise that made their former home network ban them. He recalled that they were in Iloilo for a show when he and Bugoy talked about the signature campaign for the franchise. He said Bugoy told him that the drive only needed 60,000 signatures to complete. “Sabi ni Bugoy na 60,000 na lang ‘yung kulang para mabuo yung one million. Ako naman nakita ko rin ‘yun, ang pagkakakita ko naman 60,000 pa lang ‘yung nagsasign. So sabi ko kay Bugs [Bugoy], ‘Hindi, hindi 60,000 na lang, 60,000 pa lang at anong petsa na?... Wala na ‘yan, malabo na ‘yan, hindi na ‘yan aabot kasi 60,000 pa lang, anong petsa na?’” Daryl shared. “Tapos nagdagdag ako ng comment na sabi ko, ‘Mahirap ‘yan, naku malabo na ‘yan, mahirap ‘yan, kalaban ba naman nila
Darly Ong, Bugoy Drilong and Michael Pangilinan
ang gobyerno, si presidente ba naman ang kalaban, so malabo na yan’,” he added. Their conversation, however, was recorded and reached an ABS-CBN executive. “After nu’n, pagbalik namin ng Manila, miniting kame, ako, ni Ate K, ‘yung manager namin, tapos kinuwento nya na ‘yun na nga ah, ‘Daryl, banned kayo ni
Photo from Instagram/@imdarylong
Bugoy sa ABS’,” Daryl said. Although their relationship w it h A BS-CBN tur ned sour, Daryl said he’s thankful for the network for his career. He added t hat he created the vlog to express his side especially since people are accusing him and Bugoy of being ungrateful for recently guesting in GMA Network.
Angel Locsin is an active participant in relief operations. Photo from Instagram/@therealangellocsin
I will gladly sit back, away from the limelight, and give them the recognition they deserve.” Angel was referring to the public ser vice program t hat she is currently hosting, titled “Iba ‘Yan.” It airs every Sunday at 6:15 p.m. on the Kapamilya Channel. A ngel said she had never been comfortable as a TV show host. “Make me act, or jump off a building, or have a dog run after me. I’d be more comfortable doing those things than host a show. But when my network bosses pitched the concept to me, I realized that this is the kind of program people need to see during these difficult times,” she explained. “Iba ‘Yan,” said A ngel, is a show t hat inspires people and make them feel proud that they’re Filipino. During a recent Zoom presscon organized by A BS-CBN, Angel was asked to talk about her personal heroes. She said among them was the late env i ron menta l ist Gi na Lopez ,
whom she ad m i r ed for t he latter’s bravery. “I know that she was able to help a lot of people, but I admired her more when she fought to eliminate illegal mining in the country. She didn’t care if she went head-on with r ich and inf luent ia l people. She also fought for the rights of indigenous people. Her life had been very inspiring,” Angel recalled. Angel said she also admires fel low act ress A n ne Cur t is, her partner in the “Shop and Sha re” f u nd ra iser, wherei n they sell preloved things online to raise money for people displaced by the pandemic. “Bilib ako kay Anne. I know it’s difficult and very demanding to be a new mom, but she is still very hands-on. She does this while breastfeeding her child,” she added. Made to recall the time she first became an active participant in relief operations, Angel looked back on her experience PAGE B3
Aubrey Miles with Troy Montero
Photo from Instagram/@troymontero
Aubrey, Troy talk homeschooling, Father’s Day during lockdown By ratziel
San Juan Philstar.com
AHEAD of the Father’s Day celebration this coming Sunday, celebrity couple Aubrey Miles and Troy Montero gave some advice for parents now seeing more of their kids around the house due to the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. With the lockdown in place, Aubrey and Troy need to keep an eye out for their now-college-student and eldest son Maurie, younger son Hunter who’s in the sixth
grade and one-year-old daughter Rocket. Homeschooling “With us, we have a college student now. So he’s doing his own thing. He has to be on his own, lock his room, so we have nothing to do with it. He’ll just say, ‘Mom, food, water’,” Aubrey shared in an exclusive interview with Philstar.com organized by Tuason Racing. Maurie has continued with online courses and has relatively adjusted. “You know, it’s funny because when the school year ended for him... they would continue with the online courses and things like that. And he would complain and go it’s different but you know everyone has to adjust. He actually lives in a dorm so that’s totally changed. It’s great that he’s always home now because usually he just comes home on the weekends but he’s been able to adjust quite a bit, a bit easily,” Troy recalled. According to both parents, Hunter has had a more difficult time adjusting due to the lack of face-to-face interaction and guidance from teachers. “But for the younger one, I think it’s definitely harder because even though they use tablets instead
of school books, the online thing is really quite difficult,” Troy relayed. “It’s quite an adjustment especially since they really do need the teachers there to explain things and to walk through with them at that age wherein if it’s just worksheets or it’s just let’s say looking at our tablet, you know of course when you’re that age you’re gonna have a lot of questions so that just falls back to mommy and daddy. And then we’re like, ‘Oh my God, when’s the last time we did like this kind of math?’” Aubrey added that there are a lot more distractions like toys and television in the home setting. “So dito we have to be quiet, turn off everything, need to do this, so lahat kami we need to participate also, we have to support.” Troy said that setting aside time to help out their younger son was crucial given the circumstances. “And I’ll be honest, we’re still kind of weighing what we’re going to do. I mean obviously there is no face to face school right now for him. It would be online. So we’re kind of looking at options right now because...he has to continue with his lessons but it’s just so different. PAGE B4
Lea trends on... PAGE B2 spiracy theorist in my head, one that I do try to quell in order to stay focused on the long game. Third, there is always a sense of fear that if anyone pisses off the wrong guy, one can get shot in broad daylight.” “Criticism of one’s government shouldn’t be considered an expression of hatred, but one of love and a desire to see the country succeed. I would like to think that in a functioning democracy, this should never be anyone’s fear, that their criticism would land them in jail, or worse, a corpse lying on a curb,” Lea wrote in another comment. The current “The Voice Philippines” coach also shared an article about an exhibition of the clothes women wore when they were sexually assaulted or raped. “This needs to be reposted. There is no dress code for rape. Stop blaming victims for crimes done against them. Sole responsibility should be on the rapist. Full stop,” she said. Her statement was in response to the controversial
”advice” made by a Quezon province police station that urged women to dress appropriately to avoid being sexually assaulted. Lea’s posts and comments spurned her fans to trend “I stand with Lea Salonga” on Twitter, showing their solidarity with her. “Do you remember the time when we needed the RH bill passed? Lea was at the forefront of the artists industry who advocated for it. She has always been sensible. Others just refused to see it. I STAND WITH LEA SALONGA,” one netizen tweeted. “Celebs are bound to say things not everyone will like. SHE’S NOT PERFECT. BUT THIS, RIGHT HERE, IS REAL ACTIVISM IN SUPPORT OF OUR RIGHTS. LISTEN CLOSELY. This is not just the voice of a world-class singer-it’s also the voice of a concerned citizen. I STAND WITH LEA SALONGA,” another one said. Lea, in response, tweeted: “To everyone that has my back, thank you. You have my appreciation. I am very grateful.”
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Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS COVID-19 stat update Globally (as of June 16, 2020, 16:11 GMT): 8,169,122, deaths 440,544, new cases - 60,455, new deaths, 1,948; USA: 2,189,253, deaths - 118,122, new cases - 6,303 new deaths, 233 ; Philippines: 26,781, deaths - 1,103, new cases 361, new deaths, 5; China: 83,221, deaths - 4,634, new cases - 40, new deaths – 0; and counting, involving 213 countries. The “new” stats are for the previous 24 hours (as of June 16, 2020, 16:11 GMT). China’s reported figures may not be reliable. A few weeks ago, we wrote that a new wave of COVID-19 could emerge, if we, the people, did not behave wisely and properly. Recent resurgence and spikes have led to re-imposition of new lockdown in many cities/countries around the world resulting from lack of discipline and breach of the COVID-19 guidelines by people (crowd formation, not using masks, and not doing social distancing), aggravated by unruly protests and demonstrations. People’s behavior is the sole determinant of whether there would be more waves of COVID19 forthcoming, besides the present resurgence and when this pandemic will ultimately end. If this tragedy worsens or lingers, only we, the people, the one and sole potential spreader of this virus, singularly deserve the blame. Jogging causes injuries In the 60s and 70s, jogging was considered the best form of exercise to attain physical fitness. We have enough medical information today to show that jogging has many attendant injuries to the hip joints, ankle joints, back, etc. from the constant jarring, complications which will manifest years down the line. Regular ambulation to brisk walking, depending on the ability and tolerance of the individual, is now the preferred form of physical exercise for cardiovascular fitness. Walking confers the same benefits, minus the injuries seen among joggers. Check with your physician before embarking on an exercise regimen. Harmful herbal products Most herbal products have not been scientifically investigated the same way all western drugs on the market have been studied and tested. Not all herbal medicines are dangerous but many have been shown to cause kidney failure, liver failure, cancer, clot blockages in the kidney veins, seizures, etc. Some of them have caused deaths. Not too long ago a Chinese herb known as Aristolochia
Medical tips and pearls
fangchi or A. fangchi was linked to kidney failure and urinary cancer. This herb is used in Chinese medicine to treat asthma. A. fangchi is also an ingredient in a Belgian weight-loss formulation, where the linkage was discovered. This was not the first time where herbal medicines have caused severe, if not fatal, complications. The problem is that these herbal products are marketed as food supplements, thereby escaping the strict scientific scrutiny and testing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration routinely subject all drugs submitted for FDA approval before they are sold to the public. Hundreds of herbal preparations flood the market with medically unfounded and ridiculous claims (with moneyback guarantee) as effective agents for practically all diseases known to man – weight reduction, sexual potency, antiaging, enlarging female breasts, or penis, etc. Unfortunately, there are enough victims out there who are willing to part with their money, falling prey to the unscrupulous entrepreneurs of this multi-billion-dollar industry. Strategy to sleep better Statistics reveal that over 100 million people in the United States do not regularly get a good night’s sleep, and that about another 33 million have occasional sleepless nights. Sleep is very important for a healthy body and mind. Adults need 8 full hours of sleep and teenagers about 9 to 10 hours. Some helpful tips from the Mayo Clinic Sleep Disorder Center: (1) Stick to a schedule; don’t sleep late on weekends; (2) Don’t eat or drink a lot before bedtime; (3) Avoid caffeine and nicotine; (4) Exercise in the afternoon; (5) Slightly cool room is ideal for sleep; (6) Sleep only at night; don’t take afternoon naps; (7) Keep the bedroom dark and quiet, since darkness and silence is more conducive to sleep; (8) Make your bed comfortable; (9) Take a hot shower or bath before going to bed; and, (10) Do NOT rely on sleeping pills, some of which are “habit-forming” and have side effects. Breast cancer risks Some of the important risk factors include: smoking; having a mother, sister or daughter with history of having breast cancer; having a first birth at age 30 or older; having had previous breast cancer; having breast diseases that predispose to breast cancer; laboratory evidence of a specific genetic mutation or change that increases the susceptibility to breast cancer. In the U.S., about 180,000 new cases of breast cancer was diagnosed in 1997. The risk increases with age. About 80% of breast cancer occur in women 50 and older. It is uncommon under 40 but the risk is espe-
cially high among women who are over the age 60. Regular medical breast examination and mammography (yearly or every two years depending on your physician’s advice) will help a lot in early detection and cure. Causes of acne There are main risk factors that lead to the development of acne: hormonal changes, especially among teenagers; buildup of bacteria (lack of proper hygiene), overproduction of oil, and irregular shedding of dead skins cells, some birth control pills, fatty diet, stress, medications like cortisones, greasy cosmetics. Self-care includes washing and keeping your face and skin clean with a lot of cool (not warm) water and using acne lotion but not astringents and facial scrubs; avoiding skin irritants like oily acne concealers, greasy cosmetics, sunscreens, masks; keeping hair off your face; avoiding picking or squeezing blemishes. If your meticulous and careful personal regimen does not improve the situation after a couple of months, or if the problem gets worse, seek dermatologic consultation. Vegan diet Vegans (pronounced VEEguns) are vegetarians – people who do not eat meat or meat products, poultry or fish. Their diet consists mainly of plantbased foods, such as vegetables, fruits grains, legumes (peas and beans), nuts and seeds. This might be carrying it a bit too far. For a healthy meatless (no pork, no beef) diet, we suggest the addition of fish, which has Omega-3 oil that is good for the heart, and daily multivitaminmineral complex. Those who do not eat red meat (pork and beef, etc.) and eggs, whose diet includes only fish, vegetables and fruits, have been found to have 50% lower death rates from cardiovascular diseases, and 25% to 50% lower death rates from cancer. The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people to live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, a Public Health Advocate, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: philipSchua.com and FUN888.com; Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com.
Kyline puts debut on hold By Honey
orio-escullAr Philstar.com
BECAUSE of the pandemic, Kyline Alcantara might postpone her “Maleficent-inspired” debut in September and her 18th-birthday gift to herself, a vacation in Bali, Indonesia. “It can wait until all of this is over,” she told The STAR in an e-mail interview. “Syempre we don’t want to take a risk hanggang wala pang vaccine. It’s better to stay indoors talaga unless you have important things to do like work.” She can’t wait for the day when she can resume work on the TV adaptation of Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit which also stars Nora Aunor and Mylene Dizon. “We were about to tape some crucial scenes when the lockdown was imposed. I know that the GMA executives and the production people are now crafting the guidelines and protocols for the safety and security of the artists, plus the staff and crew. It is better to be safe,” Kyline said, adding that while she already misses acting, she’s thankful that she can showcase her craft in singing and dancing via the on-
Kyline Alcantara: Things can wait until the pandemic is over. Philstar.com photo
line edition of All-Out Sundays. “Somehow kumportable naman po ako mag-perform online, but iba pa rin po kasi yung may audience na nagpa-participate at nakakahalubilo ninyo kasi nakakapagpa-hype pa rin yun ng performance namin. But, we don’t want to put them at risk
and we need to abide sa guidelines na ini-implement so for now, virtual hugs po and high five muna kami with the audiences.” Meantime, you can see Kyline in the rerun of Kambal, Karibal (KK) on GMA 7, the show that made her a star to be reckoned with. “(I feel) nostalgic. Kambal, Karibal will always have a special place in my heart. Utang na loob ko sa KK kung ano man ang meron ako ngayon. Every moment I had on that show was the best for me.” While on lockdown, Kyline grabbed the chance to learn new things like cooking, baking and playing the guitar. “I realized na marami pa pala akong hindi alam sa buhay gaya ng pagluluto or learning a new talent like playing the guitar. Carpe diem! Seize the day and make the most out of it. I believe that life is wonderful and beautiful if you keep it the way God wants you to enjoy life.” She also took advantage of her free time to visit her grandparents in Bicol before the ECQ (Enhanced Community Quarantine) was implemented.
Angel balks at ‘real-life... PAGE B2 when Tropical Storm “Ondoy” h it t he cou nt r y i n September 2009. “I still didn’t have enough savings at that time, even though I’ve already been working as an actress for many yea r s. I d id ma nage to buy luxury items for myself. You’ll see a lot of us celebrities wearing and using these expensive stuff, especially when we travel abroad.” She recalled: “When Ondoy hit us, I looked at all the stuff I bought and felt really guilty.
Because I bought them I then didn’t have enough money to spend for donat ions. T hat’s when Anne and I first thought of ‘Shop and Share.’” A nd b e c au se A ngel s a id she felt their donations “still weren’t enough,” she volunteered to help Red Cross repack goods and distribute them. “I also donated blood. These are examples of things you can do to help without having to shell out a huge amount of money,” she pointed out. It was also during this time
when Angel was able to reflect on why she became an actress, a public figure. “I said, maybe this was why I lasted this long in this industr y, why people listen to me and respect me. I need to set a good example for them, to help spread awareness of the need to give a helping ha nd. I’m not per fec t . Ang dami kong sablay, but I’d like to believe that when people see me helping, they’ll be inspired to help, too. There’s more to celebrities than doing TikTok videos!”
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 20-23, 2020
Iya: Motherhood changed how I saw my own mother By Boy
ABundA Philstar.com
IYA Villania is embracing life gloriously. She is blessed with a wonderful family and an enviable career. She has been in the entertainment industry for quite a while now. Over the years, the public has seen her evolve into a mature and confident woman that she is today. Iya talks about her relationship with husband Drew Arellano. “The best thing about being married to Drew is that he’s affectionate and silly. He always assures me that everything will be okay. I also love that I’m married to someone whose job is to travel! I think everything he learns on his trips is invaluable and it’s great that he can share it with me and the kids.” For Iya, the most memorable trip she has taken with Drew was their honeymoon in California, where they did nothing but hike. Iya reveals that, unknown to many, Drew can actually dance. Wow! She loves waking up next to Drew and her kids Primo and Leon. “It means I’ve been given another day to live and love. And what could be better than waking up next to those who mean the world to me?” The Arellanos make a happy family as seen from their online posts brimming with fun and love. They are social media stars with large digital followings. Motherhood is an exciting and fulfilling adventure for Iya that has taught her valuable life lessons. How did motherhood change her? “It changed how I saw my own mother. The respect I have for her multiplied as I became familiar with the kind of sacrifices I go through for my children. I never really thought much of all that my mother did for me until I became a mother myself,” she shares. Her favorite parts of being a mom are seeing her kids happy and experiencing their love. However, it is horrible for her to watch them go through sickness or pain and not being able to do much as a parent. Iya aspires to be the best person for her kids and to be around them for as long as she can. Their family is now looking forward to Baby No. 3. Iya enthuses, “I pretty much already have everything I need
Iya Villania Photo from Instagram/@iyavillania
because I’ll just be reusing everything. It’s really just a matter of trying to stay fit, controlling my weight gain and doing what I can. I’m hoping these will help me recover faster so I can be up and about for my family as soon as I can.” Iya wants her kids to grow up as God-fearing, loving and respectful individuals. Iya wears different hats as a daughter, a wife and a mother. According to her, she is a mother first right now because the love and attention her children need from her cannot be replaced by anyone else and her absence will be difficult for children their age to understand and accept. She is sure that Drew and her mother would understand. Iya manages her time being a wife, a mother and a celebrity. She is regularly seen on GMA 7 television shows Mars Pa More and 24 Oras’ Chika Minute segment. “It’s actually very doable with the kind of work schedule that I have. As a husband, Drew isn’t very demanding. So when he has special requests and needs me, then I’m there. Most of my time is spent on being a mother because with children ages three and one, they really look for my attention. I also feel that this time is very crucial in child rearing and instilling values.” She explains that it is nice being a working mom because work time allows her to do something for herself. She is grateful to have
B
a kind of work that allows her to still have time with her family. As a TV presenter, Iya shares, “I’ve evolved with really getting comfortable with who I am and what kind of personality I am when on stage or in front of the camera. I think gaining more familiarity with the language has also helped a lot. I can communicate better even if at times I still get bulol. I absolutely love what I do and feel so blessed to be where I am and to have what I have.” Iya admits she gets starstruck with Judy Ann Santos. “She may be a friend but my respect for her as an artist and as a person makes me look up to her in awe of everything she can do as an actress, chef, wife, mother and as a selfless person.” Iya works hard but she also knows the importance of having “me” time. For her, it is time at the gym, time in the car on her phone heading to work and having a good massage. She spoils herself buying athletic wear and shoes as well as desserts. “I’m pretty much the same Iya whether people are watching me or not. I don’t have anything to hide. I’m as casual, crazy and free spirited off-cam as I am oncam.” In fact, it doesn’t take much for her to wind down before getting sleep. All she needs is to take her make-up off, put her pajamas on and she’s good. The faster she can get to bed to sleep, the better. Meanwhile, Iya talks about the COVID-19 crisis. “I’ve learned that sometimes there are things in life that you absolutely have no control over so always be quick to adjust. Appreciate what you have, the time you have and even the life you have. Many lives were taken during this period. People lost loved ones. Cherish your family and friends because you don’t know how long you have them. Respect others, think about others and don’t be selfish. I feel that Mother Earth is trying to tell us something. We need to take care of her!” How does she pray? “I normally pray quietly but because I’m trying to get Primo familiar with praying, I’ve been praying out loud. I pray mainly thanking God for the day that was and for what we have. The only things I ask for are good health and protection for my family and loved ones and for guidance so I would do what pleases Him.”
B June 20-23, 2020 • LA WeeKenD ASIAn JOuRnAL
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The Black Lives Matter Movement Pauleen: Vic is awesome in any color and its impact on our lives By Ricky Lo Philstar.com
The Prophetic Voice ReveRend Rodel G. BalaGtas RICK Caruso’s honest letter to his fellow Angelenos last Sunday, July 14, 2020 in the Los Angeles Times on the brutal death of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter protests still rings through my mind. It got me thinking about my perception and understanding (and the lack of it) of the struggles, anguish, and oppression that our black brothers and sisters have experienced. His message cuts through the heart, ref lecting well-thought and well-discerned words. What struck me most about his message is his “act of contrition.” He wrote: “Redemption requires admission. It requires contrition. I know I can never fully understand what the Black community experiences: fear, pain anguish, oppression, and inequality. Over the past two weeks I have listened and tried to gain under-
standing. What became clear to me is that, as well-intentioned, I have been, and as hard as I’ve tried, I’ve fallen short. I’ve tried my best over many years to help in the best way I know how to support and work with organizations that serve the most underprivileged children in Watts. I realize now that I need to do more and haven’t done enough and for this I am sorry.” These words have made me ponder on my sins of omission, such as not speaking up more often against racism, inequality, and injustice, and allowing these evils to go on. They made me realize too of my failures of not being more welcoming to and engaging with people of other races. Caruso’s message also caused me to think about our vision, mission, and work as a Church, particularly at my parish, Incarnation Catholic Church. Shouldn’t we, too, take the lead of decrying all forms of racism, inequality, and injustice? Should we not also take a stand as a Christian community against human inequality and systematic unfair treatment of people in the black communities? For a direct reference to our
black brethren’s struggles and pains also implies the truth that other races long to receive equal and just treatment in society. As Caruso rightly put, “in order for all lives to matter, Black lives must matter.” Shouldn’t we take a closer look then at how we relate with one another in the parish to determine our strengths and weaknesses? The Gospel this Sunday is appropriate to Caruso’s pleas for action. “Fear no one. Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. What I say to you in darkness, speak in the light; what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.” The darkness of racism, inequality, and injustice is revealed and proclaimed to the whole world. The shame of oppression has come out open again. It takes courage to do it, but this prophetic movement and protest bring a transformation of the hearts and minds of our leaders and citizens and positive changes in government and society. *** Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.
KC confirms having ‘happy’ love life By Jan
MiLo SeveRo Philstar.com
AC T R ESS KC Concepcion op ene d up ab out h av i ng a “happy” love life. In an inter view wit h Toni Gonzaga for “I Feel U” last Sunday, June 14, KC said she’s now looking for a serious relat ionsh ip now t hat she’s getting older. “Okay naman ako. May mga kausap ako and thank you Lord na kinikilig ako,” she said. “Kasi siyempre ang hanap natin ngayon, ‘yung medyo mas deeper. Hindi na ‘yung for play, play. Sasabihin ko sa inyo kapag dumating ‘yun,” she added. In her inter view with Tim Yap recently, KC described her ideal man.
“Somebody t hat is established, somebody that is respected, somebody t hat has values that resonate with me, somebody who actually cares and shows that and is able to express that. I want to be able to be of value to the people that are in my life,” she said. KC i s n o w r o m a n t i c a l l y linked to international music star and “T he Voice Phi lippines” coach Apl.de.ap. Recently, Apl l was seen in the comments section of the live video of KC and Judy Ann Santos. It can be recalled that KC and Apl reportedly started officially dating last December. They were also seen together i n a n exclusive club i n Los A ngeles, Califor nia last OcKC Concepcion tober.
IF you believe friends, Vic “Bossing” Sotto is just a wee bit older than the years marked in that Beatles song, but he doesn’t seem to mind even if his silver locks tell the whole story. He looks remarkably silver-lined, more appealing to women sixtyfour and below. I’m sure you agree if you watch Bossing in the “new normal” edition of Eat, Bulaga with him WFH (working from home) and wife Pauleen Luna as his Zoom “camera woman.” Excuse me for being “judgmental” but...the cat is aching out of the bag...Bossing is “sex-ty six” (doesn’t look it!) and Pauleen is thirty-one. Age doesn’t matter, does it? “Vic looks awesome in any hair color or style but this particular color (salt and pepper) suits him best!” Pauleen said (with exclamation point!) in a free-wheeling e-mail chat with The STAR. “I think he has more appeal with this hair color. Not everyone can pull this color off and he is looking his best with it!” A pleasant revelation: “I cut Vic’s hair during ECQ (Enhanced Community Quarantine) and I must say that it is nerve-wracking! I’ve never felt more nervous in my whole life! Hahahahaha!!!” But Pauleen has thankfully spared their daughter Talitha (who’s turning three in November). “I’m scared that cutting it would ruin her beautiful curly locks.” Asked what she and Vic have discovered about each other during the lockdown, Pauleen
Married for four years with a beautiful twoyear-old daughter, Pauleen Luna and Vic Sotto are proving that, yes, in love age doesn’t matter. Photo from Instagram/@pauleenlunasotto
was candid, “Honestly, we were talking about how we both married right! Hahahaha!!! I love how easy this quarantine has been for us, relationship-wise, because we don’t really fight or argue. I think we’re past that stage already. It’s either that or our personalities are really just so compatible that we didn’t mind being stuck with each other for months! As a matter of fact, we realized how important family time is because of this quarantine.” How is their daily routine like compared to pre-lockdown? “Well, now we’ve kinda adjusted back to normal. We broadcast Eat, Bulaga! from home every day. I, on the other hand, work behind the camera these
days. We really try to limit our exposure to people that’s why Bulaga has decided to put me behind the camera first, which I love. By the way, it is definitely a different but fun experience.” How has she adjusted to married life so far? “During the lockdown, we were able to assess our priorities in life. We realized how vital it is to be present around Talitha during her growing years. So if this lockdown has a silver lining, it is the bond that we have built with our daughter. As a matter of fact, she loves doing everything as a ‘family,’ like she would say ‘family sleep,’ ‘family eat,’ ‘family blanket’...meaning we should all do it together. I am glad na sa oras namin during quarantine, nabuo niya ‘yung konsepto ng family.” They have been together for nine years, married for four. “I am definitely well-adjusted already but, of course, on-going pa rin ang pagkilala namin sa isa’t isa. So far, it’s been awesome. Like what I said, we are so compatible and I think it’s the reason why this marriage is so easy.” And as a mom, Pauleen described herself as very playful. “But when it comes to rules, I am very strict as well. I really believe that parents should be firm when it comes to discipline. And since Talitha knows na kayangkaya niya daddy niya, hahaha!!!, ako na ang nag di-disiplina.” People are saying that the lockdown will lead to a baby boom end of the year. Hmmmm, any chance for her and Vic to give Talitha a baby brother or a baby sister? “Yes,” Pauleen said. “Hopefully soon. God willing.”
Aubrey, Troy talk homeschooling...
PAGE B2 I don’t wanna be also in a rush... We’ll just take it day by day.” Father’s Day Aubrey said that the family will still stay home on Father’s Day even as quarantine measures relax. “We are not planning to go out just because it’s open now, you can go out. We’re still gonna stay home, we’re still happy here, we’re planning to celebrate our Father’s Day here.” Her message to Troy for FaPhoto from Instagram/@itskcconcepcion ther’s Day? “Get whatever you
want. Thank you for being patient to me and to the whole family. Thank you for making me happy, the most happy with you, never change. And I love you. Face to face ‘yun ah.” The lucky man, meanwhile, advised other dads to be proactive when it comes their families. “I’m not saying you have to be the boss, but you really need to take control of your house in whatever role you need. Whether it’s being a tutor for the kids or whether you’re helping mom or staying out of her way, you just
have to try to be that glue of the house that makes it all stick and makes everything still together.” He confessed that he’s been trying his best to be that “glue” for his own family and hopes that the crisis could at least bring them closer together. “Because you know I think... one day when all this goes over, I think I want my house to be better for it. And all of us to you know, if we got closer, maybe there’s a chance we even love each other even more because of what has happened.”
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10 tips to amend your personal federal income tax return Tax Tips VictoR Sy, cPA, mBA & RogeR L. oRieL 1. YOU can amend to correct a previously filed tax return Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ. 2. Amend your return if you discover errors such as filing status, dependents, total income, deductions, or credits. 3. Use Form 1040X to amend your U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. 4. You can also use Form 1040X to correct an electronically filed return. 5. File Form 1040X within three years from the date you filed your original return or within two
years from the date you paid the tax, whichever is later. 6. If you are amending more than one tax return, prepare a separate 1040X for each year and mail them in separate envelopes. Enter the year of the return at the top of Form 1040X. 7. If the changes involve another schedule or form, attach that schedule or form to 1040X. 8. You do not need to file an amended return for math errors as the IRS will be probably catch it and make corrections automatically. You also do not need to file an amended return because you forgot to attach forms such as W-2s or schedules (IRS normally requests those forms). 9. If you are filing to claim an additional refund, wait until you have received your original refund before filing Form 1040X. You may cash that check while waiting for any additional
refund. 10. If you owe additional tax, file Form 1040X and pay the tax as soon as possible to limit interest and penalty charges. Interest is charged on any tax not paid by the due date of the original return, without regard to extensions. *** Victor Santos Sy graduated Cum Laude from UE with a BBA and from Indiana State University with an MBA. Vic worked with SyCip, Gorres, Velayo (SGV - Andersen Consulting) and Ernst & Young before establishing Sy Accountancy Corporation in Pasadena, California. *** He has 50 years of experience in defending taxpayers audited by the IRS, FTB, EDD, BOE and other governmental agencies. He is publishing a book on his expertise - “HOW TO AVOID OR SURVIVE IRS AUDITS.” Our readers may inquire about the book or email tax questions at vicsy@live.com.
Abandonment of green card Tapat Sa Batas Atty. RheA SAmSon ANG green card o permanent resident card ang patunay na ang isang indibidwal ay may lawful permanent resident (LPR) status sa U.S. Subalit ang LPR status ay hindi talagang permanente sapagkat maaaring magkaroon ng determinasyon na tinalikuran ng green card holder ang kanyang LPR status. Ang pagabandona ay maaaring maging isyu kapag ang LPR ay bumabalik ng U.S. pakatapos ng mahabang biyahe sa labas ng U.S. Ang LPR na papasok sa US pagkatapos ng matagal na panahon na pagkawala dito ay maaaring tanungin ng Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) Officer tungkol sa kanyang matagal na pagkawala. Ang CBP ay maaaring magkaroon ng determinsayon na tinalikuran na ng LPR ang kanyang LPR status. Ang mga tanong tungkol sa pag-abandona ng LPR status ay kadalasang lumilitaw kung
ang LPR ay nasa ibang bansa ng mahigit na isang taon. Ang LPR na nagbabalak na manatili sa ibang bansa ng mahigit sa isang taon ay kailangang mag-apply ng re-entry permit. Hindi siya makakapasok ng U.S. sa pamamagitan lang ng green card. Maraming LPR ang naniniwala na kapag sila ay may re-entry permit, ito ay garantiya na sila ay hindi na matatanong tungkol sa pag-abandona ng LPR status. Ngunit mali ang paniniwalang ito. Ang pamantayan sa determinsayon ng isyu ng pagabandona ay kung ang LPR ay may objective intention na bumalik ng U.S. pagkatapos ng maikling biyahe. Ang mga sumusunod ay maaaring maging batayan nito: (1) family ties – ang LPR ba ay may family ties sa U.S.? O ang pamilya ba ng LPR ay nasa labas ng U.S. at wala silang intension na tumira sa U.S.? (2) trabaho – ang LPR ba ay may trabaho sa U.S. na maaari niyang balikan? O ang trabaho ba ng LPR ay nasa labas ng U.S.? (3) tax returns – ang LPR ay nag-file ng tax returns bilang U.S. resident? (4) club memberships at iba pang community ties – ang LPR ba ay may mga kaugnayan sa ibang club o organisasyon sa
U.S.? (5) mga ari-arian – ang LPR ba ay may-ari o umuupa ng mga ari-arian sa U.S.? O ang mga pag-aari ba ng LPR ay nasa labas ng U.S.? Ang LPR na gustong manatili sa labas ng U.S. ng isang taon ay kailangang magpakita na hindi pa siya nag-abandona ng kanyang LPR status sa pamamagitan ng paggawa ng ng mga sumusunod: (1) kailangang magbayad siya ng buwis bilang resident alien; (2) kailangang may bahay siya o umuupa ng apartment; kailangan ding bayaran niya ang mga utility bills ng mga ito; (3) kailangang mayroon siyang U.S. credit cards at bank accounts na kanyang ginagamit (4) kailangang may babalikan siyang trabaho sa U.S.; (5) kung ang trabaho niya ay sa labas ng U.S., kailangang ipakita niya na ang trabahong ito ay pansamantala lamang. *** A green card or permanent resident card is proof that an individual has lawful permanent resident (LPR) status in the U.S. However, LPR status is not necessarily permanent as there can be findings that an LPR has abandoned his LPR status by failing to mainPAGE B6
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 20-23, 2020
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Waiver of joint petition to remove conditional permanent residency on a marriage entered less than two years THE Immigration Marriage Fraud Amendments of 1986 (IMFA) requires an alien obtaining a green card through a marriage less than two years old to come back at the end of that two years with the petitioning spouse and show that they are still married or, if the marriage was terminated, to show that the marriage was entered in good faith before the USCIS will issue them a permanent (unconditional) green card. Any alien who obtains a green card through a spousal petition by virtue of a marriage entered less than twenty four months before the status is obtained will only receive a conditional green card under INA §216(d). To remove this condition, both spouses must file a form I-751 with the USCIS within 90 day period preceding the expiration of the conditional green card along with other supporting documents showing the marriage was entered in good faith. However, sometimes alien spouses are not able to file this Joint Petition to remove the condition on their green card because the couple got divorced or are in the process of filing a divorce and is having difficulties getting the cooperation of the US citizen spouse. When the alien spouse falls into this situation, it is still possible for
Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth URSUA ReyeS them to obtain their permanent green card by filing a waiver. The waiver must be based on one of the following reasons 1) Extreme hardship would result if such alien is removed 2) The qualifying marriage was entered in good faith by the alien spouse, but … has been terminated (divorce or annulled), and the alien was not at fault in failing to timely file the joint petition and attend the interview; or 3) The qualifying marriage was entered into in good faith by the alien spouse and during the marriage the alien spouse or child was battered by or was the subject of extreme cruelty perpetrated by the US citizen parent or permanent resident spouse or parent and the alien was not at fault in failing to file the joint petition and attend the interview. INA §216(c)(4); 8 CFR 216.5 If you have a conditional green card and your are having difficulty obtaining cooperation from your US citizen spouse in signing a joint petition to remove
this conditional green card, you should consult an attorney to assist you in planning for and obtaining a waiver. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APLC This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes was President of the Philippine American Bar Association for 2005. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. Mr. Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APLC is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com; visit at www.kenreyeslaw.com (Advertising Supplement)
Senior has $900 in social security vs $35K credit cards
THE client is 63. She divorced 20 years ago. Now, she lives by herself. Last year, at 62, she decided to get her social security. At 62, you only get 70% of what you would get if you got your social security at 66. You get full social security benefits at 66, but at 62, you get only 70%. At 70%, the client only gets $900. If she waited four more years until she turned 66, she would get $1,200. That’s the way it works. Why do some people wait until 66 while others apply at 62? Get social security at 62 or 66?
Debt Relief
Atty. LAwRence yAng I’ve asked many clients about this matter. Those who apply at 62 think that at least their still alive now at 62 so they might as well get social security. What if they died at 64? Might as well get back some of your money now since you’ve contributed so long to get your money
back. With every paycheck, an amount is deducted from your salary as your social security contribution so you’re just getting your money back. If you died at 65 and are not married, the money you contributed to social security just goes back to the government. If you’re married and your social security is higher than your spouse, then your surviving spouse gets your higher social security, but get this: your spouse loses his or her own smaller social security benefit. I mean, that sucks and PAGE B6
B June 20-23, 2020 • LA WeeKenD ASIAn JOuRnAL
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Discrimination due to sexual orientation or transgender status is illegal, says US High Court GERALD Bostock worked man. If he was a woman attractas a child welfare advocate for Protecting ed to men, he would not have Clayton County, Georgia. As been fired. This is discriminaan official of the juvenile court Employee tion on the basis of sex. and under his leadership, the & Consumer The same analysis applies to county won national awards for transgender status. Again, the its work. After a decade with Rights employer has two employees. the county, Mr. Bostock began The first employee was born participating in a gay recre- Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. male but now identifies as a ational softball league. Soon affemale. The second employee The high court answers: No. was born female and continues ter, influential members of the community allegedly made dis- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act to identify as female today. If paraging comments about Mr. of 1964 prohibits discrimination the employer fires the first emBostock’s sexual orientation in the workplace on the basis of ployee for being transgender, and participation in the league. race, color, religion, sex, or na- the employer is intentionally He was eventually fired for tional origin. “An employer who penalizing that person identi“conduct unbecoming a county fires an individual for being ho- fied as male at birth for traits mosexual or transgender fires or actions that it tolerates in an employee.” Donald Zarda worked as a that person for traits or actions employee identified as female skydiving instructor at Altitude it would not have questioned in at birth. In other words, if the Express in New York. After members of a different sex. Sex transgender female employee several seasons with the com- plays a necessary and undisguis- was born female, or if she had pany, Mr. Zarda mentioned that able role in the decision, exactly remained male, she would not he was gay. Days later, he was what Title VII forbids.” have been fired. Here again, the The high court began its anal- employee’s sex plays a part in fired. Aimee Stephens worked at ysis by noting that the ordinary the employee’s firing. R. G. & G. R. Harris Funeral public meaning of the statute’s The high court concludes: Homes in Garden City, Michi- language when the law was ad- “By discriminating against hogan. When she was hired, Ms. opted is plain and straightfor- mosexuals, the employer inStephens presented as a male. ward: “An employer violates Title tentionally penalizes men for But two years into being attracted to her employment, men and women she began treatfor being attracted “An employer who fires an ment for despair to women. By disindividual for being homosexual and loneliness. Clicriminating against nicians diagnosed transgender peror transgender fires that person for her with gender sons, the employer dysphoria and recunavoidably distraits or actions it would not have ommended that criminates against questioned in members of a different persons with one she begin living as a woman. In her sex identified at sex. Sex plays a necessary and sixth year with the birth and another company, Ms. Stetoday.” In either undisguisable role in the decision, phens wrote a letof these scenarios, ter to her employer the employer inexactly what Title VII forbids.” explaining that she tentionally subjectplanned to “live ed the employee to and work full-time as a woman” VII when it intentionally fires adverse action in part because after she returned from an up- an individual employee based of their sex, which the law procoming vacation. The funeral in part on sex... If the employer hibits. home fired her before she left, intentionally relies in part on an Issued by the highest court, telling her “this is not going to individual employee’s sex when this decision which applies the deciding to discharge the em- Civil Rights Act of 1964, a fedwork out.” Each employee sued their ployee—put differently, if chang- eral statute, impacts employrespective employer, alleging ing the employee’s sex would ment conditions throughout unlawful discrimination on the have yielded a different choice the country. Prior to this rulbasis of sex. In Mr. Bostock’s by the employer—a statutory vio- ing, California already prohibits case, the Eleventh Circuit held lation has occurred.” discrimination on the basis of The high court pointed out that gender expression and sexual that the law does not prohibit employers from firing employ- “it is impossible to discriminate orientation. ees for being gay and so his against a person for being ho*** case could be dismissed. Mean- mosexual or transgender without The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. while, in Mr. Zarda’s case, the discriminating against that indi- welcomes inquiries about this topic. Second Circuit concluded that vidual based on sex.” The court All inquiries are confidential and at nosexual orientation discrimina- then goes on to explain via an cost. You can contact the office at (818) tion violates Title VII and al- example: An employer has two 291-0088 or visit www.joesayaslaw. lowed his case to proceed. In employees, both of whom are at- com. [For more than 25 years, C. Joe Ms. Stephens’s case, the Sixth tracted to men. Both employees Sayas, Jr., Esq. successfully recovered Circuit held that Title VII bars are similar in all respects, except wages and other monetary damages employers from firing employ- that one is male and the other for thousands of employees and ees because of their transgen- female. If the employer fires the consumers. He was named Top Labor male employee because he is at- & Employment Attorney in California der status. All three cases reached the tracted to men, the employer dis- by the Daily Journal, consistently U.S. Supreme Court, which now criminates against him for traits selected as Super Lawyer by the has to answer this question: or actions that it tolerates in the Los Angeles Magazine, and is a past Can an employer fire someone female employee. Which means Presidential Awardee for Outstanding simply for being homosexual or the male employee was singled Filipino Overseas.] out for firing because he was a transgender? (Advertising Supplement)
Filing bankruptcy: Is it good or bad for you? Minding Your Finances Atty. rAymonD BulAon PEOPLE with overwhelming debt problems during this difficult time are asking a lot of questions. Are you scared of being sued and having creditors getting judgments against you and garnishing your wages and levying your bank account? What would happen to your home or business if you fall behind on your debt obligations and are unable to catch up? What is the worst that creditors can do to you? Are you afraid of losing what little you have and wonder how you are going to survive if you can’t even pay for life’s basic necessities like rent, mortgage, food, transportation, etc., let alone pay your bills? Making the right decisions is critical to your financial survival when facing debt problems. No one ever wants to be in this situation, and it could be one of the most challenging situations you’ll ever face in your life. But don’t despair. At one time or another, everyone experiences financial challenges in their lives. At this time, there are milling of people who have lost their jobs or have had their hours cut due to the virus. Some people who thought they were just temporarily laid off during the lock down are finding out that they don’t even have a job to go back to. It’s not your
fault because it is not something that you have caused. During times of financial crisis, millions of people have looked at bankruptcy as a way of getting debt relief. And in most cases, had they not filed for bankruptcy, there would have been no other way for them to start a new life free from the burden of debt. You have rights under federal law to file bankruptcy and get immediate relief from debt. Although you may have heard bad things about bankruptcy, it is really is nothing more than a legal remedy that allows you to regain control of your finances so that you can get back on your feet as quickly as possible. Of course, it is not the answer to all financial problems but when appropriate for your situation, it may be the only way for you to get out of the mess you’re currently in. Brief ly, Chapter 7 allows you to cancel or discharge your debts but in return, you must give up whatever nonexempt assets you may have. The good news is that most people don’t have much and whatever little they have; they are often protected by the exemption laws in bankruptcy. So, it is a misconception that “once you file bankruptcy, you will automatically lose everything.” The truth is that most people keep everything they have (homes, cars, bank accounts, retirement plans, etc.) and they lose nothing at all. Chapter 13, on the other hand, is a debt reorganization or debt consolidation plan. The court requires you to submit all your income information as well as a monthly
budget to assess your ability to pay. Your Chapter 13 plan payments will be based on the surplus income as determined by the Court. Chapter 13 allows you to keep valuable property such as your home or car (although you were behind on your mortgage and car payments at the time of filing) and will stop foreclosure and repossession immediately on the day your case is filed. Credit card debts are included in your monthly payment under Chapter 13 and, in most cases, they can be significantly reduced or even totally eliminated. Being in debt is not the end of the world. There are options available and the sooner you act, the sooner you will be on your way to getting the relief that you need badly. If you have not read my book, “What You Need to Know Before Filing Bankruptcy”, you can download it free of charge at www.beforefilingbk.com. For a free evaluation of your case, please call our office at Toll-Free 1-866-477-7772 to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you. *** NOTE: Due to the virus lockdown, I am currently offering consultations via phone or video. Please call the office to schedule your appointment with me. Questions? Email me at gethelp@ rjb-lawoffices.com. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped over 5,000 clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call RJB Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1-866-477-7772. (Advertising Supplement)
Reinstatement for surviving beneficiaries of an I-130 petition filed by deceased relative
DEAR Attorney Tan, My U.S. Citizen mother filed an I-130 immigrant petition on my behalf, which has a priority date in February 2000 and which has been approved. She filed the I-130 petition after I came to the U.S. in 1999 as a tourist from the Philippines. Since my arrival, I have lived in the U.S. and have been out of status. Since I was petitioned as an unmarried adult daughter, I was advised that I had to wait several years to get a green card. Recently, my mother passed away. Can I still get a green card through my mother’s petition? -H.P. Dear H.P., When your mother passed away, the I-130 that was approved on your behalf was revoked by operation of law pursuant to 8 CFR Section 205.1. However, depending on the facts of a particular case, all is not lost. You may be eligible to get a green card pursuant to INA Section 204(L). Under INA Section 204(L), relief from an automatic revocation of an I-130 petition is available to certain surviving relatives. Surviving relatives who are eligible to seek 204(L) relief include a 1) principal or derivative beneficiary of an I-130 petition that was filed by a deceased permanent resident or U.S. Citizen, and 2) derivative beneficiary of an I-130 petition that was filed by a permanent resident or U.S. Citizen where the principal beneficiary has died. Section 204(L) relief
Legal Advice Atty. DArriCk tAn is also available to derivative beneficiaries in I-140 employment-based petitions where the principal beneficiary has died. Another requirement for Section 204(L) relief is that the person seeking relief must have “residence” in the US. What is meant by “residence?” It is your primary home or principal actual dwelling place. At least one beneficiary must have resided in the U.S. when the petitioning relative died, and must continue to reside in the U.S. when seeking Section 204(L) relief. It is worth noting that all beneficiaries of a petition can benefit from Section 204(L) relief as long as at least one of the beneficiaries meets the residence requirement. Further, although “residence” is required, Section 204(L) does not require actual physical presence in the U.S. when the relative died. In your case, it appears that you are eligible to obtain a green card. You are a principal beneficiary of an I-130 petition filed by your US Citizen mother. Further, you appear to meet the residence requirement in that you have been in the US since your arrival in 1999—you resided in the US when your mother passed away, and currently reside in the US. A check of the
USCIS visa bulletin indicates the priority date for the I-130 petition filed by your mother on your behalf is current, so you can file an I-485 adjustment of status application, requesting reinstatement of the I-130 petition filed by your mother pursuant to Section 204(L). As a sidenote, Section 204(L) relief is also available if one’s relative died while the I-130 was pending, not only after the I-130 petition was approved. Section 204(L) relief therefore is broader than Humanitarian Reinstatement of a petition under 8 CFR Section 205.1, which can only be requested by the principal beneficiary when the petitioner him/herself has died, and after approval of an I-130. Relief under Section 204(L) is discretionary, and can be denied if factors in support of relief are not presented properly. It is accordingly recommended that you seek the assistance of an experienced attorney. *** Darrick V. Tan, Esq. is admitted to practice law in California and Nevada. Mr. Tan is a graduate of UCLA and Southwestern University School of Law. He is a member of the Consumers Attorney Association of Los Angeles and is a former member of the Board of Governors of the Philippine American Bar Association. *** LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: 323-6390277. Email: info@dtanlaw.com (Advertising Supplement)
Senior has $900 in social... PAGE B5 is totally unfair. Both you and your spouse worked a lifetime to contribute to social security and just because one of you dies, the other loses his or her own social security. This is just one of the ways you get shafted by your Uncle Sam. So the only viable way you can beat this absurd outcome is this: both you and your spouse have to stay healthy and safe until the ripe old age of 98. Living to 98 with your spouse Of course, this is easier said than done. God has to allow you and your spouse to live until 98. And by living up to 98, I mean, you’re both healthy and well all the way up to 98 and just suddenly die in your sleep. I know couples that live this long and just die one week apart. Now that’s a full life. We all know how fragile life is. One day you’re alive and well, the next day you’re gone. Kobe comes to mind, right? Accidental death. Or, George Floyd, Rayshard Brooks, and Breanna Taylor who are now the focus of the BLM protests. These are all very young people who did not have to die only if the police had love in their hearts, not racial hatred. What did Jesus say? “Love one another as I have loved you.” Only love can conquer hate. Jesus also said: “Do unto others as you would them do unto you.” So police reform has been a long time coming and is way overdue. But any kind of reform will not work unless there is a real change of heart from hate to love. I mean if you hate the guy, there’s nothing the guy can do to make him treat you well and with respect,
right? He doesn’t like the way you look, the way you talk, the way you breathe, the way you eat, the way you smile, the way you laugh. He just hates everything about you. He hates that you exist and are standing in front of him. You can reform everything, but without a change of heart from hate to love, police reform may improve things a little. Sure, ban the chokehold that helps a little. But if this guy hates your very being, your very guts, your very existence no amount of police reform is going to work. Back to the client: Her social security is $900. She doesn’t work anymore. But she owes $35,000 of credit cards. Here’s the problem: She needs $1,100 of minimum card payments every month to keep the $35,000 of cards current. This is like David vs. Goliath. David was a teenager vs. Goliath who was the 8-foot tall warrior of the Philistines. Lucky for David, God was on his side. God told David to use his slingshot to hit Goliath on his forehead with a smooth stone. That’s how David killed Goliath. Now how is the client going to wipe out her $35,000 of credit cards now that her social security is only $900 and is not even enough to pay $1,100 of minimum card payments? She has decided to use Chapter 7 as her slingshot to kill the credit card giants. Yes, God is on her side too. She survived cancer 10 years ago so God still wants her to live on because God still wants her to stay here on earth to do some things for Him. Business can’t pay $30K it owes The second client is still young, around 40s. She is a
part-owner of a corporation that has been affected negatively by the virus. The company owes $30,000, which it can no longer pay because there is just no business coming in. Creditors have been sending the company demand letters for payment. You know how nasty creditors can get. They want their money and they want it now, the virus notwithstanding. When push comes to shove, it’s time to have the company file for Chapter 7. The company doesn’t have major assets anyway. It still has some cash, about $20,000. That cash can be used to pay employee salaries. When the salaries are paid, then it’s time to file the case. Creditors will be given notice by the court to file their claims in the bankruptcy case. The trustee will administer the assets, if any. If there are no viable assets, then the case will end with the finding that there are no assets to distribute to creditors. The owners can set up a new company to do the same business and service the same clients when things get back to normal and business goes back to normal. *** Disclaimer: None of the foregoing is considered legal advice. Each case is different. *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in Bankruptcy, Business, Real Estate and Civil Litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 20274 Carrey Road, Walnut, CA 91789 or 1000 S. Fremont Ave., Mailstop 58, Building A-10 South, Suite 10042, Alhambra, CA 91803. (Advertising Supplement)
Abandonment of green card... PAGE B4 tain permanent residence in the U.S. Abandonment may be an issue when re-entering the U.S. after a long trip abroad. An LPR who attempts to reenter the U.S. with his green card after prolonged absences may find that Customs and Border Patrol Officers (CBP) believe that he has abandoned his residence. Questions regarding the abandonment of LPR status usually arise when the LPR is abroad for at least one year continuously. An LPR who plans to be outside the U.S. for more than one year must apply for a reentry permit as he will not be able to enter the U.S. with the green card alone. Many LPRs believe that having a re-entry permit is a guarantee against a finding of abandonment but this is not the case. The standard in abandonment is whether or not the LPR had an objective intention to return to the U.S. after a relatively short trip abroad, fixed by some early event. Factors to consider in-
clude the following: (1) family ties – does the LPR have family ties in the U.S. with whom he is in regular contact or are his close family members in another country with no plans to move to the U.S.? (2) job – does the LPR have a job in the U.S. which he can return to or is he working outside the U.S.? (3) tax returns – is the LPR filing taxes as a U.S. resident? (4) club memberships and other community ties – is the LPR actively connected to clubs or other organizations in the U.S.? (5) property – does the LPR own or rent property in the U.S. or does the LPR own or rent property in another country? An LPR who wants to spend time outside the U.S. may show that he has not abandoned his status as LPR by doing and retaining relevant documentation on the following: (1) he must pay U.S. taxes as a resident alien; (2) he must own or rent property in the U.S. and pay utility bills and other bills for that property; (3) he must
have and use U.S. credit cards; (4) he must have an use U.S. bank accounts; (4) he must maintain close ties with family members in the U.S.; (5) he must maintain employment in the U.S.; (6) if working abroad, he must be able to document that the work abroad is temporary. *** ATTY. RHEA SAMSON is the principal of SAMSON LAW FIRM, P.C. She has been a member of the State Bar of California for over 15 years and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines for over 20 years. Atty. Samson received her Legal Management degree from the Ateneo de Manila University and her Juris Doctor degree from the Ateneo Law School. She was a Professor for over 10 years, teaching Obligations and Contracts, Labor Laws and Social Legislation and Taxation Law. Atty Samson is the author of The Law on Obligations and Contracts (2016), Working with Labor Laws-Revised Edition (2014) and Working with Labor Laws (2005). SAMSON LAW FIRM, P.C., 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1710, Los Angeles, CA 90010; Phone: (213) 274-4561; Email: info@ samsonlawfirmpc.com.
(Advertising Supplement)
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