JUNE 25-28, 2022 Volume 32 - No. 50 • 2 Sections – 18 Pages
Conservatives on US Supreme Court DATELINE USA Philippine American overturn nationwide right to abortion Friendship Day to FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
by JULIE
be held on July 9 in Cerritos, CA
CERRITOS – All roads will lead to this city as non-stop musical entertainment, Philippine cultural presentations, inspirational messages, product booths, food vendors, and workshops, await attendees during the Philippine American Friendship Day on July 9. Hosted by National Federation of Filipino American Federation Associations (NaFFAA) Greater Los Angeles in partnership with Los Angeles County’s 4th District Janice Hahn and LA Sheriff Alex Villanueva, this historic milestone promises to be the L.A. County’s largest Philippine American Friendship Day that had its roots in the City of Carson in 2021. It will be held from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Don Knabe Community Regional Park on 19700 S. Bloomfield Ave. in Cerritos. Among notable entertainers who will perform at the huge park overlooking the PAGE A4
AG Bonta affirms support for commonsense gun laws following Supreme Court decision
Other conceal and carry restrictions remain in effect in CA CALIFORNIA Attorney General Rob Bonta is reaffirming his support for commonsense gun laws in response to an opinion issued by the U.S. Supreme Court this week. In New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen, the high court held that New York’s requirement that a person show “proper cause” in order to receive a license to carry firearms in public is unconstitutional. Despite the ruling, Bonta reminds Californians that general prohibitions on carrying loaded and concealed firearms in public without a permit remain in effect. “Californians are committed to safeguarding our citizens, our children, and our future through commonsense gun laws,” said Bonta. “States still have the right to limit concealed carry permits to those who may safely possess firearms. Our office has been watching this issue closely. We are working with the PAGE A4
ROVNER Kaiser Health News
THE Supreme Court on Friday, June 24 formally overturned its 49-year-old landmark Roe v. Wade decision, and with it ended a half-century of constitutionally guaranteed abortion rights in the United States.
to allow the procedure now falls to individual state governments, and only 16, plus the District of Columbia, have passed laws to preserve the option, while two others have state constitutional protections that have been cited by state courts as protections for abortion. The majority opinion, whose signers included Justice Clarence Thomas and all three justices appointed by PAGE A2
Suspect arrested, faces hate crime allegation after attack on SoCal Fil-Am family by AJPRESS
WATTAH WATTAH FESTIVAL 2022. San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora douses the crowd with water using a fire hose at the annual “Wattah Wattah Festival” on Friday, June 24. It is traditional for people to get wet during the festival of Saint John the Baptist as a reminder of the baptism of Jesus Christ. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon
THE Southern California man suspected of attacking a Filipino American family last month has been arrested this week and faces several charges, including a hate crime allegation. Nicholas Weber, 31, of Sylmar, California was arrested by police, officials said on Wednesday, June 22, for the May 13 attack on the Roque family in North Hollywood. Weber faces one felony count of battery with serious bodily injury and one misdemeanor count of battery. The charges carry hate crime allegations, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. “The unprovoked assault on members of our community is wrong and will not be tolerated,” District Attorney George Gascón said in a statement. “Our message against violence and racial hatred must be loud and clear. We will hold accountable the people who commit hate crimes in Los Angeles County.” Around 10 p.m. on May 13, Patricia Roque, 19, PAGE A2
Kin of lawyer shot in Philadelphia thank PH gov’t for help, start crowdfunding for other expenses by KURT
DELA PEÑA Inquirer.net
AS the government promised to do everything it can to bring to justice whoever was responsible for the killing of John Albert Laylo and that it will help, especially in bringing home his remains, his family said they are at a loss for words to show how grateful they are. John Albert, a Filipino lawyer who was shot in the head in Philadelphia on Saturday, June 18, 4:00 a.m. EST (10:33 p.m. PHT) while traveling in an Uber car with his mother to visit relatives in the United States (U.S.), died on Sunday, June 19, 10:33 a.m. EST (10:33
p.m. PHT). His mother, Leah Laylo, suffered minor wounds from glass that shattered when the assailant—or assailants—fired six shots through the Uber car window. One of the bullets hit the 35-year-old lawyer in the head. Althea Laylo, sister of John Albert, told INQUIRER.net that the Philippine government has been a “big help” as it would President Rodrigo Duterte shoulder the expenses for the repatriation of her brother’s remains. “They have been offering counseling and have been checking out on us the entire process to make sure that we are coping well.
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Kai Sotto goes undrafted in 2022 NBA Draft by LANCE
AGCAOILI
Philstar.com
Kai Sotto
The 6-3 decision in the case, Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, was telegraphed in May by an unprecedented leak of an early draft of the majority opinion, written by Justice Samuel Alito. But even though the final, official version was slightly less strident than the leaked document, the impact is the same. The right to an abortion has been eliminated as if it never existed at all. The decision about whether
KAI Sotto was not selected in the 2022 NBA Rookie Draft on Thursday, June 23 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. No NBA team took a chance on drafting the 7-foot-3 center as his name was not called by Commissioner Adam Silver and his deputy, Mark Tatum, after 58 picks. Sotto, who was hoping to become the first Filipino homegrown talent to be drafted in the NBA, is automatically an unrestricted free agent. “I can’t really explain the feeling but it’s not a good feeling. I really worked hard and did my best to get here,” Sotto said in his interview on PlayItRight TV moments after the NBA Draft. “But it’s what happened. God has better Photo from Instagram/@kzsotto
Palace: Pres. Duterte turns down drug czar post under Bongbong Marcos admin by DAPHNE
GALVEZ Inquirer.net
MANILA — Outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte has declined the offer to serve as the drug czar of his successor President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Malacañang said. “The last offer that I saw was to head, to become the drug czar. Pero tinanggihan niya na iyon eh (he declined it already),” acting presidential spokesman Martin Andanar said Wednesday, June 22 when asked if the incoming administration had standing offers to Duterte. “Iyon ang lumabas sa pahayagan,” he added. (That’s what appeared in the news.) Marcos Jr. earlier said he was PAGE A4 open to including Duterte in his
plans for me and I won’t stop,” he added. Despite being undrafted, the 20-year-old Sotto still has a chance to chase his ultimate dream if he gets an opportunity to play in the NBA Summer League in July, where he can impress the coaches and scouts. However, Sotto and his camp disclosed that he wouldn’t be joining any teams in the Summer League. Sotto, a former Ateneo high school star, attended a dozen of pre-draft workouts with the New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Clippers, Chicago Bulls, Sacramento Kings, and Indiana Pacers. Sotto had an impressive stint with the Adelaide 36ers in Australia’s National Basketball League stint, where he averaged 7.6 points on 51 percent field goals, including a 39-percent shooting from
Malacañang file photo
Cabinet as a drug czar. Duterte is the father of his running mate Vice Presidentelect Sara Duterte. “We have not talked about it but I’m open to anyone who’s able to help in the government. Matagal na kaming magkabigan ni PRRD, noong mayor pa siya (We have been friends for a long time, back when he was still mayor). I’m sure if he wants to play a part, sasabihin naman niya sa akin (he will let me know). I am certainly open to all of that,” Marcos Jr. had said. Bongbong Marcos also said Duterte told him to continue his controversial war against illegal drugs, which has killed thousands of drug peddlers and users, and is the subject of a probe by the International Criminal Court.
A2 JUNE 25-28, 2022 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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FROM THE FRONT PAGE
Conservatives on Supreme Court... PAGE A1 President Donald Trump — Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett — said in no uncertain terms that 1973’s Roe, and a 1992 case that reaffirmed that right, Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey, were wrongly decided. “The Constitution makes no reference to abortion, and no such right is implicitly protected by any constitutional provision,” wrote Alito. “It is time to heed the Constitution and return the issue of abortion to the people’s elected representatives.” Chief Justice John Roberts, an abortion opponent who had telegraphed when the case was argued in December that he was in favor of upholding the Mississippi law at the center of the case, agreed with the judgment but filed his own, concurring opinion in which he said he would not have gone as far. “I would take a more measured course,” he wrote. “The Court’s opinion is thoughtful and thorough, but those virtues cannot compensate for the fact that its dramatic and consequential ruling is unnecessary to decide the case before us.” On the other hand, the three remaining liberals on the court,
Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, and Stephen Breyer, who is retiring at the end of this term, pulled no punches. “One result of today’s decision is certain: the curtailment of women’s rights, and of their status as free and equal citizens,” wrote Breyer, in a dissent signed by all three of the liberals. “Yesterday, the Constitution guaranteed that a woman confronted with an unplanned pregnancy could (within reasonable limits) make her own decision about whether to bear a child, with all the lifetransforming consequences that act involves. … But no longer. As of today, this court holds, a State can always force a woman to give birth, prohibiting even the earliest abortions.” It is hard to overstate the impact of the court’s action. While the Supreme Court has in the past reversed long-standing decisions, most notably in cases involving race relations, the court has never granted a right and then erased it. In this case, the impact is also immediate. Thirteen states have so-called trigger laws that ban abortion, set to take effect upon Roe’s reversal. Other states have had pre-Roe abortion bans that
could become active again, and some have post-Roe restrictions that are blocked by courts but could also take effect. In all, according to the Guttmacher Institute, which tracks reproductive health policy, 26 states are likely to ban or severely restrict abortion now that they are formally allowed to. Reaction from those who support abortion rights was swift, although there is little they can do immediately to stop the wave of bans or restrictions. The House of Representatives has a majority of members who support abortion rights in at least some circumstances, but any legislation that would write abortion protections into federal law would lack the votes in the Senate to overcome a filibuster. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, in a statement released quickly after the decision, said: “Today, the Republican-controlled Supreme Court has achieved the GOP’s dark and extreme goal of ripping away women’s right to make their own reproductive health decisions. Because of Donald Trump, Mitch McConnell, the Republican Party and their supermajority on the Supreme Court, American women today have less freedom than their mothers.”
PAGE A1 and her mom Nerissa, 47, were getting late-night snacks at the McDonald’s drive-thru on Victory Boulevard in North Hollywood when a dark blue jeep, driven by Weber, hit their car from behind. The younger Roque got out of the car and started taking cellphone videos of the damages. That’s when the suspect went to the side of their car and started throwing racial slurs with a mock Asian accent. The suspect threatened them by saying, “I’ll kill you,” Patricia recounted. While waiting for the police to respond to their 911 call, Patricia called her dad, Gabriel, who arrived in time to stop Weber who was trying to enter the car to get to Patricia. In the process of stopping the suspect from hurting his daughter who was seated in the passenger’s seat of the car, the 62-year-old father was pushed down to the pavement by the suspect. Gabriel
suffered injuries, including a broken rib and bruises on his arms. “My family and I were victims of anti-Asian hate. What initially started off as a minor traffic collision quickly escalated to verbal and physical assaults. We were taunted, ridiculed, and belittled because of our appearance as Asian Americans. Specifically, the suspect called us ‘ching chong’ and made squinting eye motions as he verbally threatened us,” Patricia Roque told the Asian Journal in a previous interview. After attacking her father, Weber reportedly turned to her mother and strangled her. “My mom tried to intervene to stop the attack on my dad. At that point, the suspect turned his anger and hate towards my mom and started strangling her with his bare hands. We all screamed for help. We all pleaded for the suspect to stop,” Patricia said.
She said a bystander helped stop Weber from further attacking her family. When the police finally arrived, Weber was taken by an ambulance to the hospital and later on, was released with a citation to appear in court last June 8 but he never did. The court issued a bench warrant for Weber after he failed to appear for arraignment on June 8. He was arrested for an unrelated matter in Orange County and held on the warrant. The case remains under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department, North Hollywood Division. The Roque family is continuing to call for a full investigation and “demand that this case be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Patricia said. The Filipino Migrant Center has created a fundraiser on its website for the Roque family’s physical and emotional recovery.
Suspect arrested, faces hate crime allegation...
DATELINE USA
A4 JUNE 25-28, 2022 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
Philippine American Friendship Day to be... PAGE A1
park’s picturesque lake include R&B singer Kiana Valenciano, Robin Nievera, Felson Palad, Sara Mislang, former Miss Saigon Emeben Baysic, Lyndon Apostol, Filipino American Symphony Orchestra (FASO), Garth Garcia, Club Magkaisa of Cerritos High School, Filipino Cultural School Ensemble, Pamana Kali, Carson Street Dancers, Playback Jukebox, Pamana Kali, The Rising Stars, Visual Movement, iDancers, and Hollywood Dance Moms, to name a few. A short parade on the site will kick off the festivities to be participated in by community leaders representing various Fil-Am organizations, City of Cerritos Council members and
other Fil-Am elected public officials accompanied by mounted sheriff deputies with a fly by helicopter. Dignitaries who will deliver their inspirational messages include State Treasurer Fiona Ma, LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn, A. Sheriff Alex Villanueva, Philippine Deputy Consul General Ambrosio Brian F. Enciso, Artesia Mayor Melissa Ramoso, Cerritos Mayor Chung Vo, Cerritos Councilmembers Lynda Johnson and Frank Yokoyama, Bellflower Mayor Pro Tem Sonny Santa Ines, Lakewood Mayor Pro Tem Ariel Pe, Carson Councilmember Arleen Rojas, Jessica Caloza, the Deputy Chief of Staff to Attorney General Rob Bonta and other elected Fil-Am public officials.
This year’s theme, according to organizers, “Together We Rise. The Time Is Now, will celebrate the extraordinary contributions and accomplishments of everyday Filipino Americans with our diverse community who have also contributed to the prosperity in our adopted country – despite its challenges as a nation in pursuit of perfect union.” This Philippine American Friendship Day festivity is in lieu of the July 4th which also used to be celebrated as Philippine Independence Day granted by the United States in 1946 until it was reverted back to June 12, the original proclamation of the country’s independence from Spain on June 12, 1898.
Kai Sotto goes undrafted in 2022 NBA... PAGE A1
deep, and had 4.5 rebounds and 0.7 blocks in 15.2 minutes in 23 games. Remy Martin of the University of Kansas and Ron Harper Jr. out of Rutgers, the two other
players in the NBA Draft who are of Filipino descent, also went undrafted. Harper, though, immediately signed a two-way contract with the Toronto Raptors, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Paolo Banchero was the No.1 overall pick by the Orlando Magic. Oklahoma City selected Chet Holmgren as the second overall pick, while the Houston Rockets drafted Jabari Smith Jr.
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Fil-Am community in Carson commemorates Jose Rizal Day JOSE Rizal Day was recently held in Carson, California. Councilman Jim Dear and Filipina American Councilperson Arleen Rojas led the birthday celebration of the Philippine national hero at the international sculpture garden near the Carson Community Center. Councilman Jim Dear said that Dr. Jose P. Rizal has inspired many men and women in the world to be patriotic. Councilwoman Rojas stressed that Dr. Jose Rizal urged nonviolent struggle for freedom. However, his novels have inspired the revolutionaries which led to the proclamation of independence of the Filipinos from the Spaniards in 1898. Planning Commissioner Frederick Docdocil encouraged the Filipino American youth to join future celebrations honoring Dr. Jose P. Rizal. The Rizal monument is located at the international sculpture garden near the Carson Community Center parking lot. Jim Dear and former Councilman Elito Santarina were instrumental in setting up the
Councilmember Jim Dear (fifth from left) and Filipina American Councilperson Arleen Rojas (third from right) led the recent Jose Rizal Day in Carson, California. Dreamers and Visionaries, CONFAA and Kalayaan Inc. were given certificates of recognition by Assemblyman Mike Gipson represented by Jun Aglipay (standing second from right).
monument. Community and business sponsors of the event were CONFAA, SEAFOOD CITY and Alex Cainglet Farmers
Insurance. The next event will be held on December 30, 2022 highlighting the heroic death of national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal. (Contributed by Fe Koons)
AG Bonta affirms support for commonsense gun...
PAGE A1
Governor and the legislature to advance legislation that is both constitutional and will maintain safety for Californians. In the wake of mass shootings in Buffalo and Uvalde, and with gun deaths at an all-time high, ensuring that dangerous individuals are not allowed to carry concealed firearms is more important than ever. The data is clear and the consequences are dire — more guns in more places make us less safe. In California, we are committed to passing and defending commonsense, constitutional gun laws that save lives.” Bonta reminds Californians that carrying a loaded firearm (whether openly or concealed) in most public places is generally prohibited unless a person has been issued a license obtained by applying through local law enforcement. In the Court's opinion, it held that New York’s law requiring an applicant for a concealed weapon (CCW) license to show “proper cause” in order to secure a license violates the Second Amendment. California similarly requires applicants for licenses to carry firearms in public to show
“good cause,” and is likely unconstitutional under Bruen. But other requirements remain intact. Individuals may obtain a permit through a sheriff or chief of police after: a successful background check, the completion of a firearms safety course, and proof of residency, employment, or business in the county or city within the county. On average, there are over 110 gun deaths each day and nearly 41,000 each year in the U.S. Guns are the leading cause of death among children and adolescents; with U.S. children being more likely to die from gun violence than in any other comparable country. California continues its efforts to advance laws and policies that save lives and prevent gun deaths. In 2021, California saw a 37% lower gun death rate than the national average. According to the CDC, California’s gun death rate was the 44th lowest in the nation, with 8.5 gun deaths per 100,000 people – compared to 13.7 deaths per 100,000 nationally, 28.6 in Mississippi, 20.7 in Oklahoma, and 14.2 in Texas. California’s gun death rate for children is also lower than other states, and is 58% lower
than the national average. Bonta stands with partners throughout the state to continue preventing gun violence strategically and aggressively by: • Advocating for commonsense gun laws including by sponsoring Assembly Bill 1594 to increase accountability for the firearm industry, working to strengthen federal laws to protect the public from ghost guns, and successfully defending California’s laws to prevent gun violence; • Seizing guns from prohibited persons in the Armed and Prohibited Persons System, and through multiagency sweeps in the Bay Area and Los Angeles County, conducting operations targeting individuals attempting to illegally purchase guns, and collaborating with local law enforcement partners; • Ending the sale of illegal firearms through litigation against ghost gun retailers, and by putting a stop to the sale of illegal assault weapons in Orange County; and • Improving transparency by expanding gun violencerelated data the California Department of Justice releases to researchers. (AJPress)
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DATELINE USA
LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 25-28, 2022
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Seniors with prediabetes should eat better, get Kin of lawyer shot in Philadelphia thank PH... moving, but not fret too much about diabetes PAGE A1
by JUDITH
GRAHAM Kaiser Health News
ALMOST half of older adults — more than 26 million people 65 and older — have prediabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. How concerned should they be? Not very, say some experts. Prediabetes — a term that refers to above-normal but not extremely high blood sugar levels — isn’t a disease, and it doesn’t imply that older adults who have it will inevitably develop Type 2 diabetes, they note. “For most older patients, the chance of progressing from prediabetes to diabetes is not that high,” said Dr. Robert Lash, chief medical officer of the Endocrine Society, commenting on recent research. “Yet labeling people with prediabetes may make them worried and anxious.” Other experts believe it’s important to identify prediabetes, especially if this inspires older adults to get more physical activity, lose weight, and eat healthier diets to help bring blood sugar under control. “Always a diagnosis of prediabetes should be taken seriously,” said Dr. Rodica Busui, president-elect of medicine and science at the American Diabetes Association, which recommends adults 45 and older get screened for prediabetes at least once every three years. The CDC and the American Medical Association make a similar point in their ongoing “Do I Have Diabetes?” campaign. Still, many older adults aren’t sure what they should be doing if they’re told they have prediabetes. Nancy Selvin, 79, of Berkeley, California, is among them. At 5 feet and 106 pounds, Selvin, a ceramic artist, is slim and in good physical shape. She takes a rigorous hourlong exercise class three times a week and eats a Mediterranean-style diet. Yet Selvin has felt alarmed since learning last year her blood sugar was slightly above normal. “I’m terrified of being diabetic,” she said. Two recent reports about prediabetes in the older population are stimulating heightened interest in this topic. Until their publication, most studies focused on prediabetes in middle-aged adults, leaving the significance of this condition in older adults
uncertain. The newest study by researchers at the CDC, published in April in JAMA Network Open, examined data about more than 50,000 older patients with prediabetes between January 2010 and December 2018. Just over 5% of these patients progressed to diabetes annually, it found. Researchers used a measure of blood sugar levels over time, hemoglobin A1C. Prediabetes is signified by A1C levels of 5.7% to 6.4% or a fasting plasma glucose test reading of 100 to 125 milligrams per deciliter, according to the diabetes association. (This glucose test evaluates blood sugar after a person hasn’t eaten anything for at least eight hours.) Of note, study results show that obese older adults with prediabetes were at significantly heightened risk of developing diabetes. Also at risk were Black seniors, those with a family history of diabetes, low-income seniors, and older adults at the upper end (6%-6.4%) of the A1C prediabetes range. Men were at slightly higher risk than women. The findings can help providers personalize care for older adults, Busui said. They also confirm the importance of directing older people with prediabetes — especially those who are most vulnerable — to lifestyle intervention programs, said Alain Koyama, the study’s lead author and an epidemiologist at the CDC. Since 2018, Medicare has covered the Diabetes Prevention Program, a set of classes offered at YMCAs and in other community settings designed to help seniors with prediabetes eat healthier diets, lose weight, and get more physical activity. Research has shown the prevention program lowers the risk of diabetes by 71% in people 60 and older. But only a small fraction of people eligible have enrolled. Another study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine last year, helps puts prediabetes in further perspective. Over the course of 6.5 years, it showed, fewer than 12% of seniors with prediabetes progressed to full-fledged diabetes. By contrast, a larger portion either died of other causes or shifted back to normal blood sugar levels over the study period. The takeaway? “We know that it’s common in older adults
to have mildly elevated glucose levels, but this doesn’t have the same meaning that it would in younger individuals — it doesn’t mean you’re going to get diabetes, go blind, or lose your leg,” said Elizabeth Selvin, daughter of Nancy Selvin and a co-author of the study. She is also a professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. “It’s OK to tell older adults with prediabetes to exercise more and eat carbohydrates evenly throughout the day,” said Dr. Medha Munshi, director of the geriatric diabetes program at Joslin Diabetes Center, an affiliate of the Harvard Medical School. “But it’s important to educate patients that this is not a disease that is inevitably going to make you diabetic and stress you out.” Many older people have slightly elevated blood sugar because they produce less insulin and process it less efficiently. While this is factored into clinical diabetes guidelines, it hasn’t been incorporated in prediabetes guidelines, she noted. Aggressive treatments for prediabetes, such as the medication metformin, should be avoided, according to Dr. Victor Montori, an endocrinologist and professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic. “If you get diabetes, you will be prescribed metformin. But it’s just nonsense to give you metformin now, because you may be at risk, to reduce the chance that you’ll need metformin later.” Unfortunately, some doctors are prescribing medication to older adults with prediabetes, and many aren’t spending time discussing the implications of this condition with patients. That was true for Elaine Hissam, 74, of Parkersburg, West Virginia, who became alarmed last summer when she scored 5.8% on an A1C test. Hissam’s mother developed diabetes in adulthood, and Hissam dreaded the possibility that would happen to her too. At the time, Hissam was going to exercise classes five days a week and walking 4 to 6 miles daily as well. When her doctor advised “watch what you eat,” Hissam cut out much of the sugar and carbohydrates in her diet and dropped 9 pounds. But when she had another A1C test at the start of this year, it had dropped only slightly, to 5.6%. “My doctor really didn’t have PAGE A8
We are still grieving, but because of the love and support from the government and the people praying for us, we are coping.” Althea personally thanked Elmer Cato, consul general of the Philippines in New York, who has been with John Albert’s relatives in the U.S. “checking on them, grieving with them”. She also thanked incoming Migrant Workers Secretary Toots Ople and Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., who told Cato on Sunday to “give him (John Albert) all the help you can, [the] Department of Foreign Affairs will pay”. Cato told Inquirer.net that it was Ople who alerted the consulate of the incident. He said John Albert and his mom were on their way to the airport to catch a flight to Chicago when shots were fired. He then went to the local hospital in Philadelphia where John Albert died. He was with leaders of the Filipino community in the US “to assure the mother (Leah) that we are there for them”. Cato said on Twitter on Wednesday (June 22) that he was expressing gratitude to Philadelphia mayor Jim Kenney and the Philadelphia police for their assurance that they will do everything they can to bring the perpetrator(s) to justice. For her part, Althea said, “My heart is truly filled with so much love and gratefulness because without the [help of the] government, we wouldn’t know what to do, it would really be a difficult process.” Family needs more help While the government will cover the expenses for the repatriation of John Albert’s remains, Althea said they are still raising funds for other expenses, like the wake and the funeral. “As many people would know, there are a lot of expenses. There are a lot of things we have to pay for, there are a lot of things we have to look into. We really need help. Any help will be greatly appreciated,” she said. For this reason, the family already started a GoFundMe (https://www.gofundme.com/f/ john-albert-jal-laylo) drive to raise the needed funds. Based on the website, John Albert’s family is trying to raise $25,000. So far, $12,023 has been raised from 178 donors. Endless violence? Althea said his brother is an
exceptional man: “A lot of friends reached out to me and they would say the same thing because he really is. He has a passion for people […] he’s very familyoriented, he would do everything just to make sure we are well.” However, John Albert was shot in what could be a case of mistaken identity, as stated by Cato. Police sources said the perpetrator(s) appeared to have fired at the wrong vehicle that was similar to what the perpetrator was chasing. The Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions said gun violence is a prevalent public health crisis in the US that impacts the health and wellbeing of people. Based on data released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 45,222 people died from gun-related injuries in the US in 2020, the highest compared to any other year on record. CDC said 54 percent of all gun-related deaths in the US that year were suicides (24,292), 43 percent were murders (19,384). It revealed that 535 were non intentional, 611 involved law enforcement, 400 were incidents with no determined circumstances. Based on the Small Arms Survey in 2018, the U.S. was the first on the list of countries with the highest civilian-held firearms per 100 residents: • United States: 120.5
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REGIONAL RAIL AUTHORITY RFQ NO. MTL2204691 Screw Spikes The Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA) is seeking quotes for Screw Spikes. Bid documents may be obtained at https://metrolinktrains.com/doing-business (free registration). Electronic Bids are due at 2:00 P.M. (PT) on July 1, 2022. For further information, contact Arisa Hicks, Contract Specialist, at (213) 452-0250 or hicksa@scrra.net 6/25/22 CNS-3597399# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)
• Yemen: 52.8 • Montenegro: 39.1 • Serbia: 39.1 • Canada: 34.7 • Uruguay: 34.7 • Cyprus: 34.0 • Finland: 32.4 • Lebanon: 31.9 For Althea, the implications of people carrying guns even if it is not in line with their work, is evident. This was the reason that she said that there should be a thorough investigation and checking before one could actually be licensed to carry a gun. “I feel that the reason why there are so many mass shootings, random shootings is because guns are so easily accessible […] Why is it something that is so easily accessible?” she said. As she heard that the shooting of her brother could be a case of mistaken identity, she said that whoever the real target is, “I hope and pray that they are safe. I hope nothing bad will happen to them”. She stressed that with the many lives lost because of gun violence, “I hope they (U.S. government) will do something.”
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REGIONAL RAIL AUTHORITY RFP No. C3146R-23 MOORPARK SAFETY ENHANCEMENTS The Southern California Regional Rail Authority (Authority) is seeking proposals from firms to provide Moorpark Safety Enhancements. Invitation for Bid (IFB) may be obtained via download at the Authority 's website as follows: http://www.metrolinktrains. com/doing_business. Electronic proposals must be submitted online at http://www. planetbids.com/portal/portal. cfm?CompanyID=13821# at or before 2:00 p.m. on July 28, 2022 For further information contact: Jaime Saucedo, Contract and Compliance Administrator at 213-452-0476 or email saucedoj@scrra.net 6/25/22 CNS-3597430# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)
A6 JUNE 25-28, 2022 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL
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OPINION
FEATURES
Improving livability
THANKS to the easing of COVID mobility restrictions, Metro Manila has improved by four notches in terms of livability. The annual Global Livability Index drawn up by the UK-based The Economist Intelligence Unit or EIU ranks cities or megacities based on four metrics: stability, health care, culture and environment, education and infrastructure. On a scale of one being the worst to the ideal 100, Manila – referring to the National Capital Region – scored 58.7 in the 2022 Global Livability Index, ranking 105th out of 139 cities, up from the previous year’s score of 53.4 and 109th place. Manila maintained its scores in infrastructure, stability and education, and improved in health care as vaccinations were ramped up as well as in culture and environment amid the economic reopening. Following the improvements attributed to the easing of COVID restrictions, Metro Manila will have to continue working on many other factors to improve livability in the country’s most densely populated urban center. The National Capital Region has long suffered from urban blight and has ranked low in sustainability studies. The 2022 Global Livability Index
included 33 new cities. If they were included in the rankings, Manila would have placed 133rd out of 172 cities. As in the past, affluent cities in advanced economies ranked at the top, with Austrian capital Vienna regaining first place. Conflict-torn Damascus in Syria was at the bottom. Some progress has been made in making Metro Manila more livable, with waterways being cleaned up and measures implemented to improve air quality. The COVID lockdowns promoted the use of bicycles, which in turn led to the creation of bike lanes. Healthcare facilities were boosted to deal with the pandemic. But the NCR continues to suffer from a host of problems that make the capital rank low in the livability index. This is a challenge that the next administration will have to confront. (Philstar.com)
Pinoy Kasi
Against hate
Editorial
MICHAEL L. TAN I THOUGHT I’d gotten my Father’s Day column done last week, way ahead of time, with “Rizal, the father” but I felt I had to do another fatherrelated column because of the month of June and two other commemorations besides Father’s Day. It’s Pride Month, commemorating events of 1969 in New York, when transgenders, gay men, and lesbians, tired of police harassment, fought back and triggered massive protest actions demanding full rights, first lesbians and gay men, later to become LGBTQ or, better, LGBT+, plus, plus, plus.
There’s also Juneteenth, commemorating an executive order issued on June 19, 1865, at the end of the American Civil War, emancipating African Americans. That executive order was only the beginning of a long and still ongoing struggle among African Americans for full civil rights, erupting into the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020 following police killings of African Americans. Only on June 19, 2021, was Juneteenth declared a federal holiday by U.S. President Joe Biden. Filipinos in the United States, along with other Asian-Americans, have also long been affected by racial discrimination. The violent incidents have been on the rise since the Trump administration and his anti-Chinese tirades,
Philstar.com photo
including blaming COVID-19 on the Chinese. The targets for racist hate crimes tend to lump people of color together, as was the case of Vincent Chin, a ChineseAmerican whose 40th death anniversary will be observed this June 24. He was beaten to death in Detroit with a baseball bat by a father and his stepson who thought Chin was Japanese. The two murderers were furious with the rise of Japanese cars, which they blamed for dislocating the American car industry. The two murderers of Chin were slapped with a $3,000 fine. They were never imprisoned. These days, I have wondered whether I’d feel comfortable having my children study and living in the U.S., as I did in my youth. Larger cities, supposedly more liberal and cosmopolitan,
have actually become more dangerous for people of color, as we know from the growing number of Filipino-Americans attacked in such public places as subways. We are talking not just about discrimination but about hate, targeted against people different from ourselves. But let’s not be smug and think of it solely as an American problem. We need to look at our own backyard, at how we discriminate against fellow Filipinos who are darker, of another faith, speak with an accent and are of a different sexual orientation. Our discrimination may seem mild but can easily morph into hatred. Fighting hate starts in homes, and I have to say fathers bear a heavier burden because fathers tend to internalize more of the prejudices of previous generations, and to express them openly, quick to curse the
“Intsik” for example, or to lash out, even hitting, a “bakla” son. My children are now coming of age, and I love hearing them say “I respect your choice” to each other, or in relation to other people who may look different and dress differently. They’re in a Jesuit school that tries hard to emphasize respect for diversity, but my children have also reported racism and homophobia, even putting down special children such as those with autism. Mild or spiteful, it is disturbing because it seems the discrimination is coming from their families, reinforced by their barkada. Make it a point to watch “Joe Bell” on Netflix, a true story from the 1980s about a workingclass father whose son comes out as gay. The father’s tough, but he tries to understand and accepts the son. Unfortunately, the son’s battles are fought in school, against bullies. Finally,
the son hangs himself, aged 15. Joe Bell vows to tour America on foot, talking mainly to schools with his antibullying messages and a plea for respect for all. The times may seem more liberal, but in reality, there is more hatred now, justified in the name of preserving values and traditions and, for men, defending home and hearth. Wars and civil strife often start with and are then fueled by discrimination. It takes so much more time and effort to argue for diversity, but there’s much more now on the internet offering tools for education around our common humanity. (Inquirer.net) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
*** mtan@inquirer.com.ph
BBM, the agriculture temp
Sketches
ANA MARIE PAMINTUAN JOSEPH Estrada, when he became president, concurrently held the interior and local government portfolio for a year. This was to ensure the continuation of his work when he was vice president. Serving as Fidel Ramos’ anti-crime czar reminded the public of Erap’s screen roles as heroic action star. The reel image helped propel Erap to Malacañang. Today romanticized images of politicians disseminated on social media vie with show business mythmaking in influencing election outcomes. But this is another story. The focus these days is on Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to take the agriculture portfolio “at least for now” when he assumes the presidency. Erap’s decision in 1998 showed the importance he gave to finishing his battle against the kidnapfor-ransom groups that targeted mostly the Tsinoy community. Within his abbreviated tenure as president, Erap won that war, largely thanks to his top cop, Panfilo Lacson, whose idea of “neutralizing” threats to public safety is similar in some aspects to that of Rodrigo Duterte. In the case of Bongbong Marcos, the speculation surrounding his decision to take on the agriculture portfolio inevitably focuses on his campaign spiel about bringing rice prices down to P20 per kilo.
BBM’s camp has since dialed down the campaign promise to an “aspiration” – something that even the current secretary of agriculture has said, in so many words, will need a miracle to attain in the near future. Here lies a risk for the incoming president, who will be facing not just a looming food crisis but also a continuing public health crisis plus a long festering crisis in education. There is also the record-high P12.76-trillion debt he is inheriting from his predecessor, although his economic managers are downplaying it and would not call it a debt crisis. His Super Ate Imee has acknowledged that BBM faces frighteningly high public expectations. And those expectations are highest in his most remarkable aspiration for P20 per kilo rice. Attaining that aspiration could require someone close to being a miracle worker. *** As BBM himself has correctly observed, the agriculture sector has “severe” problems. The risk in taking the helm of the Department of Agriculture (DA) is that he will get all the blame – and I mean all, even if Russia’s Vladimir Putin brings the world close to Armageddon – if things get worse in the sector. Also, the pressure to produce solid accomplishments in the sector, and ASAP, could distract BBM from the many other urgent issues demanding the attention of the nation’s highest official. The DA has jurisdiction not
only over crops, livestock, poultry and dairy production but also fisheries and aquatic resources, agribusiness and agroforestry. To boost rice production, BBM will need to rethink agrarian reform – meant to empower the marginal farmers who account for the overwhelming majority of those engaged in the sector. Our archipelago is still largely agricultural, but the farm sector continues to be associated with subsistence farming and handto-mouth existence, except for the handful of large agricultural estates. Ricelands are lying fallow, including the spectacular Banaue rice terraces, as youths see no bright prospects in a life of farming. Magtanim ay di biro; planting rice is never fun: this was a ditty we learned in childhood. Today, this is the reality for many youths in farming households. Even with mechanization, farmers lament that the machinery and other support services promised under the Rice Tariffication Act have not reached them. The farmers are asking incoming temp DA secretary BBM to revisit the rice tariffication law. Small plots of land for the landless, without sufficient farm support at every step from crop production to harvesting, marketing and bringing the commodities to consumers, largely failed to deliver the promised emancipation of peasants from poverty. Incentivizing the creation of farm cooperatives is supposed
President-elect Bongbong Marcos
to provide small farmers the advantages of economies of scale. To give us an idea of how the concept has fared after many years, the approach is now being repackaged as the creation of “mega farms” – as proposed by the guy in charge of the department that is mandated to make agrarian reform work. Producers of other crops such as onions and carrots, meanwhile, are complaining of another problem: unabated agricultural smuggling. The same complaint has been raised by those in the fisheries and aquaculture sector as well as poultry and livestock producers. *** The dairy sector has a different problem: insufficient domestic production. Promoting carabao breeding was one worthy idea of Joseph Estrada; the carabao center in Nueva Ecija needs more support.
Philstar.com photo
Greater local milk production will bring down the cost of milk formula for infants and milk used for supplemental feeding in public elementary schools. Prices of infant milk formula are so steep the containers are kept in locked display cases in some supermarkets because of the high incidence of shoplifting of these products. More affordable milk can help reduce physical and mental stunting due to poor nutrition, and ease hunger among children. Even before the food crisis is upon us, self-rated hunger nationwide, as indicated in reputable surveys, has been distressingly high. DA temp secretary BBM is expected to ease this problem, in addition to providing the P20 a kilo rice and bringing down the price of galunggong, with the GG supplied by local fishermen instead of sourced from China.
Having served as governor of a province with vast agricultural areas, BBM surely has a good grasp of the “severe” problems. But he will need highly competent persons for the actual day-to-day hands-on management of the DA, even as he manages the enormous public expectations of his presidency. BBM has already achieved a miracle of sorts, with his family’s spectacular comeback after 36 years. After this feat, anything should be possible. Perhaps Marcos 2.0 subscribes to the idea that one should never let a good crisis go to waste. Greatness springs from the worst of times and the toughest challenges. (Philstar.com) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
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DATELINE PHILIPPINES
Peso closes near 55 as BSP stays dovish MANILA — The Philippine peso on Friday, June 24 finished trading a hair's breadth away from the P55-per-dollar level, posting its weakest performance in nearly 17 years after the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas ignored calls for bigger rate hikes to fight inflation. The local currency capped the week at P54.985 against the greenback, weaker than its previous closing of P54.7. Data showed this is the peso’s worst performance since closing at P55.08 versus the dollar on Oct. 28, 2005 — the year the political scandal and electoral crisis known as “Hello, Garci” hit the Philippines under the Arroyo administration.
The decline came a day after the BSP hiked its policy rate by another 25 basis points, defying calls for a more aggressive action against inflation and amid an ultra-hawkish US Federal Reserve. "The recent weakness is likely due to market sentiment that the BSP is behind the curve in terms of rate hikes, especially since there were calls to be more aggressive yesterday," Domini Velasquez, chief economist at China Banking Corp., said in a Viber message. A weak currency could make imports more expensive for the Philippines. This, in turn, could further fan inflation. While other emerging market
currencies have also been on a freefall amid a rallying dollar, Jun Neri, lead economist at Bank of the Philippine Islands, believes the peso’s slump is something that should not be taken lightly. “The peso's YoY (year-onyear) decline is not more than 11% and is the third biggest decliner among major Asian currencies so I don't think we can downplay the decline as something common to everyone. Only the Japanese yen and the Korean won are weakening versus peso. Almost all else are strengthening versus the peso YoY,” Neri said in a Viber message. (Philstar. com)
Duterte to ICC: Bring it on by CATHERINE
S. VALENTE ManilaTimes.net
WITH less than a week left in his term, President Rodrigo Duterte said he is ready to face charges filed against him before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in connection with his ruthless war on drugs. In a speech during the awarding of Madayaw Residences Units in Davao City on Thursday, June 23, Duterte urged the ICC to stop threatening to investigate the alleged crimes against humanity committed during his administration. "Ang ICC, nakikinig man kayo, huwag na kayong magdrama ng idemanda-idemanda niyo (ICC, if you're listening, stop pretending you're going to file charges against me)," he said. As many as 12,000 people were killed during Duterte's anti-narcotics crackdown, mostly from poor communities, according to human rights watchdogs. At least 2,500 of the fatalities were considered to be victims of extrajudicial killings carried out by the Philippine National Police (PNP). In his Thursday speech, the President maintained that violence and fear are necessary in law enforcement, particularly in the fight against drugs. He also said he will continue
protecting police and military officials and officers who are facing charges even after he steps down from office on June 30. "Even if I'm no longer a mayor or a president, if it is done in the performance of duty, tutulungan ko kayo maski saan, abugado ako. Ilulusot ko kayo (I will help you to any extent. I am a lawyer, I'll help you get out of it)," said Duterte, a lawyer and a former prosecutor. He expressed confidence that he can justify their actions, especially if it has something to do with "arresting or fighting it out with the criminals and the NPA (New People's Army)." "Makapatay kayo ng lima, anim diyan (If you happen to kill five, six while in the performance of duty). You know, one burst of the Armalite, iba-iba ang matamaan, pati inosente (different people will be hit, even the innocent). Do not worry. That is part of the territory of fighting. I will be there to support you," Duterte said. "Paalamin lang ninyo ako, paalamin ninyo si Bong Go (Just inform me or inform Sen. Bong Go) and I will go there," he said. As long as what they did was in the performance of duty, Duterte assured the charged law enforcers the cannot lose. He credited the police and military for helping him rid Davao City of criminal elements, including narcotics
traffickers and users. "Without the support of the police and the military in the early days of my mayorship, I could not have succeeded. Davao would not be this beautiful, industrial building that would make our people happy," he said. Duterte, who started his campaign against illegal drugs on his very first day as President in 2016, said that on March 21, he would hold a dialogue with his successor, Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., to discuss the drug menace that continues to "haunt" the country. If Marcos is not keen on continuing the crackdown on illegal drugs, Duterte said he hopes somebody from Marcos' administration would be. He had urged his daughter, Vice President-elect Sara Duterte-Carpio, to ensure the continuation of the anti-illegal drugs campaign in schools. Duterte-Carpio has accepted the offer to become Education secretary in the incoming administration. "Biro mo 'yang Department of Education, maraming bata diyan. Do not ever allow contamination diyan sa ano (You deal with a lot of kids in the Department of Education. Do not ever allow them to be contaminated with drugs)," Duterte reminded his daughter.
SAVE YOUR HOME Iligtas ang inyong tahanan
Sasakupin ng California Mortgage Relief ang mga hindi nabayarang bayad. Tulong Sa Utang Sa Bahay para sa Paghihirap ng COVID. Tahasang Babayaran Ang Sa Inyo Ay Nagpautang Walang Sisingilin, Walang Babayaran Pabalik
Alamin Ang Iba Pa：
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Former PAL president Jaime Bautista is Marcos’ pick for DOTr secretary
MANILA — Businessman and former Philippine Airlines chief Jaime Bautista is president-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s pick to head the Department of Transportation, the latter confirmed Thursday. Incoming ES Vic Rodriguez confirmed this reporters in a text message. Bautista, president and chief operating officer of the flag carrier from 2004 to 2019, is inheriting a transport situation that both commuters and transport workers alike say is in crisis, with wanting transport capacity on the roads only exacerbated by skyrocketing fuel prices. He has also headed nine different companies, including serving as an independent director of Belle Corp., Premium Leisure Corp., and Nickel Asia Corp. Transportation woes Commuter and transport groups have urged incoming transport officials to rethink the DOTr's PUV modernization program and find long-term solutions to the oil woes faced by the sector. Outgoing Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade was initially rumored to be in consideration for the position, though groups representing workers in the sector protested the possible re-appointment. "We need leaders who will break the cycle of focusing on infrastructure projects intended to benefit only private vehicles while overlooking the needs of commuters, pedestrians, and cyclists," transport advocacy group
AltMobility PH said in a statement sent to media earlier. "We need leaders who will actively support and swiftly respond to transport-related crises such as public transport supply shortages and increasing oil prices." The Stop and Go Transport Coalition warned commuters that the public transportation crisis would possibly worsen under the incoming administration with incoming officials still likely to continue pushing for the public utility vehicle modernization program. "It's businesses that will profit from this. Maybe they only consulted businessmen, not the actual stakeholders," the group's leadership said at a press conference in May. "What we're appealing from the next government is to put a stop to the PUV modernization, which causes a lot of problems in our ranks," it also said. "I hope they don't take away our right to make a living." More transportation appointees Later Thursday afternoon, Marcos Jr. also named other key nominees in his administration's transportation cluster. Former Light Rail Transit Authority Deputy Administrator Cesar Chavez was named Undersecretary-designate for Rails of the DOTr, a position currently held by Transportation Undersecretary TJ Batan. Chavez, who President Rodrigo Duterte appointed to the same post in 2017, was described as
being "instrumental in securing the NEDA Board's approval for the Metro Manila Subway, PNR Manila to Calamba, PNR Manila to Bicol, and the Tagum-Davao-Digos Mindanao rail projects." He was formerly Assistant General Manager for Planning of the Metro Manila Development Authority, Chairman of the National Youth Commission, and youth sector Representative in the 9th Congress. Chavez also served as outgoing Manila Mayor Isko Moreno’s chief of staff. Veteran journalist and lawyer Cheloy Garafil was nominated Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Chairman-designate, the position currently held by lawyer Martin Delgra III. Garafil, a Service Director at the Committee on Rules of the House of Representatives, was a prosecutor for the Department of Justice and state solicitor for the Office of the Solicitor General after working in media for over a decade. Christopher "Chet" Pastrana was also announced as the next General Manager-designate of the Philippine Ports Authority, the current position of PPA GM Jay Santiago. Pastrana is currently President and CEO of supply and logistics conglomerate CAPP Industries and Chairman of Archipelago Philippines Ferries Corp., which operates FasCat ferries. (Jaime Bautista/Philstar.com)
Seniors with prediabetes should eat better... PAGE A5 much to say when I asked, ‘Why wasn’t there more of a change?’” Hissam said. Experts I spoke with said fluctuations in test results are common, especially around the lower and upper ends of the prediabetes range. According to the CDC study, 2.8% of prediabetic seniors with A1C levels of 5.7% to 5.9% convert to diabetes each year. Nancy Selvin, who learned last year that her A1C level had climbed to 6.3% from 5.9%, said she’s been trying to lose 6 pounds without success since getting those test results. Her doctor has told Selvin not to worry
but prescribed a statin to reduce the potential for cardiovascular complications, since prediabetes is associated with an elevated risk of heart disease. That conforms with one of the conclusions of the Johns Hopkins prediabetes study last year. “Taken as a whole, the current evidence suggests that cardiovascular disease and mortality should be the focus of disease prevention among older adults rather than prediabetes progression,” the researchers wrote. For her part, Libby Christianson, 63, of Sun City, Arizona, started walking more regularly and eating more protein after learning last summer that her A1C level
was 5.7%. “When my doctor said, ‘You’re prediabetic,’ I was shocked because I’ve always thought of myself as being a very healthy person,” she said. “If prediabetes is a kick in the butt to move people to healthier behaviors, I’m fine with that,” said Dr. Kenneth Lam, a geriatrician at the University of California-San Francisco. “But if you’re older, certainly over age 75, and this is a new diagnosis, it’s not something I would worry about. I’m pretty sure that diabetes isn’t going to matter in your lifetime.” (This story was produced by KHN, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation.)
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Getting a work visa, options for an overstaying tourist, and how to petition a nanny – Just some of the immigration questions Atty. Gurfinkel answers on part 4 of ‘Your Tanong, My Sagot’ on Citizen Pinoy CITIZEN Pinoy’s “Your Tanong, My Sagot” will air its fourth and last installment from Chicago with leading U.S. Immigration Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel answering more immigration questions from Kapamilya in Chicago and its neighboring areas. Cora wants to know if she can petition her niece from the Philippines to work at her newly opened restaurant. Jeffrey’s friend entered the U.S. as a tourist, but overstayed. He wants to know what options are available for his friend who is now undocumented, and if there are risks if she decides to return to the Philippines. Vany petitioned her daughter in January 2020
and received a receipt from the USCIS in February 2020. She is asking what are the next steps since she has not received any updates from the USCIS. Priscilla wants to know the required minimum income to be able to petition a family member as a nanny or babysitter. Atty. Gurfinkel answers these questions and more in Part 4 of “Your Tanong, My Sagot,” with Kapamilya from Chicago. Watch this brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, June 26 at 7:00 PM PT (10:00 PM ET thru select Cable/ Satellite providers), right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app. (Advertising Supplement)
Lovi truly finds family in ABS-CBN
Lovi Poe
YOUR TANONG, MY SAGOT FROM CHICAGO, PART 4. Leading U.S. Immigration Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel (4th from left) answers immigration questions from Kapamilya in Chicago, in Part 4 of Citizen Pinoy’s “Your Tanong, My Sagot”. Some of the questions Atty. Gurfinkel answers are – From Priscilla (2nd from left): How much must a person earn to petition a family member as nanny, caregiver, or babysitter?; From Jeffrey (left): My friend entered the U.S. as a tourist and overstayed. What are her options now that she is out of status? What will happen if she decides to go back to the Philippines? Watch this fourth and final installment of “Your Tanong, My Sagot” in Chicago on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, June 26 at 7:00 PM PT (10:00 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)
Amy on making life’s burden lighter: Depend on Jesus
MULTITALENTED actress Lovi Poe couldn’t help but turn emotional when looking back on her adjustment period at ABS-CBN. She had just transferred from her previous home network of 15 years, hence, feeling quite unsure on the first few days at work for her new teleserye, “Flower of Evil.” “It’s my first project so the transition wasn’t the easiest thing but with the help of everyone, I was able to go get past that challenged” a teary-eyed Poe said. She thanked not just with her co-stars but other crew members as well for comforting words. “Denise [Laurel] was one of the first person to talk to me and she made me feel comfortable and just like everybody. I have my moments with the audioman, si Kuya Adler, and our cameraman si Kuya Fred. My first day was difficult kasi parang all of a sudden I’m in a new environment. Everything’s new, everyone’s Amy Perez PAGE B6 Photo from Instagram/@lovipoe Photo from Instagram/@amypcastillo
By AllAn
PolicArPio Inquirer.net
TV host Amy Perez believes that in everything we do, we should always depend on Jesus as it will make life easier and simpler. Perez shared what she learned from the Bible about depending on the Almighty as seen in her Instagram post on Thursday, June 23, where she shared a Bible verse from Collossians 3:17 which says: “Whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” “According to John 15:1–8,
Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. He tells us that as we abide in Him we will bear much good fruit, and that apart from Him we can do nothing. We should read and meditate on these verses often because we have a tendency as human beings to be independent and self-reliant,” she said in her post. Perez thinks that “as you begin any project or task, take a moment to tell Jesus that you are depending entirely on Him for the grace, wisdom and strength to do it.” “This ensures that you will do PAGE B3
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Is the real estate market cooling off? By REALTOR
FELY QUITEVIS-BATEMAN
THERE are indications in the past few weeks that the real estate market seems to be experiencing a cooldown period after a long period of upward trends. According to First American Title’s market reports for the communities of Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Boulder City and Henderson, the market action index, or MAI, for these communities have fallen a bit from last month’s levels, although we are still at a seller’s market level. For Las Vegas, FAT’s market report states that MAI is down 64 from the previous month’s level of 72. Median list price of homes fell down a little bit to $585,000, with the median price of new listings pegged at $495,645, also trending a bit downward.
However, that is still good as per square foot price is still about $277, which shows a tremendous historical increase through the years. It is still considered a seller’s market in Las Vegas, as there is still not enough inventory in the market to satisfy demand, although inventory has been steadily increasing over the past few months. The average days on market is at 59, while the median days on market is holding steady at 21. The North Las Vegas area’s MAI has also fallen down to 79 from a level of 89 last month. The median list price of homes is at $469,900, with new listings having a median price of $459,999. Per square foot price has held steady at $243. While average days on market is at 52, which represented a decrease,
median days on market has been trending up and is at 21. The North Las Vegas area is still deemed to be a seller’s market. The same scenario is true for Henderson, whose MAI, per the FAT market report, fell down to 60 from a level of 69 last month. Inventory has increased in the area, with the median list price of homes and the median price of new listings both going down to $663,000 and $561,915 respectively. Per square foot price has increased to $301 for the area. Average days on market is at 56, while median days on market has held steady at 21. Finally, in the Boulder City area, the MAI has also fallen a bit to 49 from last month’s level of 56, but is still in seller’s market level. The median list price of homes in Boulder City is holding steady at $748,440, while median price of new listings actually increased to $715,000. Per square foot price is at $333. Average days on market and median days on market has decreased to 103 and 39, respectively. The current situation of the economy has contributed to the cooling off period, with many market analysts talking about inflation as well as the rising prices of gasoline due to world events (war on Ukraine and embargo on Russian oil, the pandemic and supply chain problems). A housing market crash, similar to what happened in 2008, should
not happen this time even if the economy is on a slowdown. The industry is better equipped to handle any downward trends in the real estate market. Due to the circumstances of the 2008 housing market meltdown, procedures have been put in place to protect consumers, including more transparency in the lending process for buyers as well as higher qualification requirements in order to get optimal rates. However, for the real estate market in Nevada, the cooling down period is not expected to last. Real estate prices in the state are still at lower levels when compared to some areas in the country, which is why more and more people are looking at living in Nevada due to more reasonable home and land prices. Unemployment has also been trending downward in the state, which may mean more money or income for people to put into a home if they intend to purchase one. A look at all the projects being planned in Las Vegas and neighboring communities shows continued interest in the area. With tracts of land being sold in record prices and large companies committed to developing their own competing projects aimed at attracting tourists, travelers, businesses and fun seekers of every age and size, construction should be aplenty and jobs
Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman’s (2nd from left) repeat investors in Pahrump, Clark Kenneth (extreme right) and Angelica (extreme left) Games from Palm Springs, CA have fallen in love with the fast developing town in Nye County, Nevada. With Realtor Quitevis-Bateman and the Games couple is Realtor John Abarabar of Rockwell Commercial Group.
Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman (left) feels so lucky to have as her client, wellloved dentist Dr. Phil Paleracio, who is investing in Pahrump and plans to build his second medical office on Homestead Road.
available in the coming years. Currently, inventory of homes has been increasing for Las Vegas and other neighborhoods. That bodes well for home buyers as they will have a number of choices to look at in their search for that dream house. Although still in a seller’s market, market conditions have dampened a bit – it has given buyers a little bit of wiggle room. While the real estate market may adjust itself and correct itself a bit after a long period of uptick, history suggests that real estate is still a sound investment. One only has to look at price comparisons from a year ago, a decade ago, or even a couple or more decades ago to see that land and home prices have risen on the average despite experiencing some periods of slump. I have been a realtor since 1988 Once again at Benihana’s in Westgate, celebrating the close of escrow of a client, and have seen how Las Vegas, Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman helps those who need business financing, including Virgilio P. Longakit Jr., for his unit at Tower 1, Turnberry Place. Photo above shows Pahrump and other neighboring loans for small businesses. For more information, call (702) 538-4948 or send (from left) Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman, Dr. Phil Paleracio, Virgilio Longakit Jr. communities have grown through and Mary Jane Cutshall. email to fely@precious-properties.com or fely.precious@gmail.com. the years. Many of my clients who
have invested in properties have seen their portfolio and wealth grow in time. Some have even taken advantage of market trends and have put their investments to good use via Airbnb, rentals and land banking. There are still opportunities for those who want to secure home or property in Pahrump, Las Vegas or other Nevada communities. I can help you, my kababayans, purchase your first home, or second home, or investment property and turn your dreams into reality. My company, Precious Properties, is a full-service company that has successfully helped its clientele find the best deals since 1988. You can reach me at 775-513-8447, 805-5592476 and 702-538-4948 for more information, or send me an email at fely@precious-properties.com or fely.precious@gmail.com. We have investors who buy houses in California and Nevada for cash and quick escrow in as short as 7
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What is the interactive process? Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights ATTY. C. JOE SAYAS, JR.
MoTHER Movement leads holding of twin events in LA THE International MoTHER Movement (IMM) led last weekend the commemoration of Philippine Independence Day and birth anniversary of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the county’s national hero. The important twin events were held in Los Angeles in a well-attended program highlighting the Filipino struggles for freedom from the clutches of foreign domination. Lending support to the occasions were organizations which included the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA), Tender Loving Care Family Support Group, Forever Young Seniors and the Orig Roa Clan Philippine. Hon. Jerimae Calderon, mayor of Angono, Rizal in the Philippines, graced the combined occasions as guest of honor and speaker. In her speech, the lady mayor extolled the gallantry and valor of Filipinos in their quest for freedom and justice. Speaking in the Tagalog-based Filipino national language, she said the people owe much to the country’s ancestors for their sacrifices and struggles and their intense yearning for independence. “Lingunin natin ang nakaraan na sumaksi sa kabayanihan ng ating mga ninuno upang matamo ang kalayaan ng ating Inang Bayan,” she said. “Sa pangunguna ni Gat Jose Rizal, ang ating pambansang bayani, nagtagumpay ang sambayanang Pilipino na makawala sa tanikala ng pananakop ng mga dayuhan,” the lady mayor of Angono added. Mayor Calderon also thanked and commended the International MoTHER Movement for its interest, initiative and concern in remembering two significant events in the nation’s history. Looking at Perla Bermudez Santos, IMM founding president and chief executive officer, she said: “Ako ay natutuwa at nagpapasalamat na may kilusang tulad ng International MoTHER Movement na nagmamalasakit at nagpapahalaga sa mga di-malilimutang yugto ng ating kasaysayan,” the Angono mayor emphasized. “Sa inyong malasakit at aktibong pamumuno, nagagawa ninyong malingon ang mga makasaysayang panahon… Ako ay bumabati sa iyo, Perla, at sa iyong mga kasama sa kilusan,” Mayor Calderon said. It is worth noting that Angono is a historic and picturesque town in Southern Tagalog. It is known for its hieroglyphics, an ancient form of alphabet that was discovered in a stonewall found in a remote place in the town. Angono is the birthplace of two honored National Artists of the Philippines. They are Maestro Lucio D. San Pedro, well-known musical composer and conductor and Carlos “Botong” Francisco who is famous for his paintings of Filipino rural sceneries, as well as customs and traditions. She recalled that her extensive stint working in a multicultural environment outside the Philippines — such as World Health Organization based in Geneva, Switzerland — developed in her the interest in helping others beyond the call of duty. She was only in her twenties then. It was augmented by her assignment for 14 years
in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia that gave her the impetus to promote the Bayanihan, a spirit and tradition inherent to the Filipinos. She further emphasized that her work in these foreign lands made her more attached to things Filipino, which includes— but not limited to— wearing the native costumes of the Philippines, eating the authentic Filipino food and appreciating the customs and traditions of her forebears. She also made special mention of Bayan Masaya which means Bayanihan sa mg Araw na Makasaysayan, one of the IMM salient projects. In a well-applauded presentation, the FilipinoAmerican community leader from Tarlac enjoined the audience to know more details about IMM by sending inquiries through email address motherpearl@outlook.com. The program began with the singing of national anthems of the Philippines and the United States Emilia Edrad and Teresita Nones led the singing of “Lupang Hinirang “ and “Star Spangled Banner,” respectively. Then, Engr. Rey Anton Roa, over-all coordinator of Bayan Masaya 2022 Event, delivered the opening and welcome remarks. It was followed by introduction of Bayan Masaya, IMM and its history, as well as its activities, programs and projects. This was made by Bermudez Santos. Dr. Art Flores, Grand Knight of the Knights of Rizal and former university professor in the Philippines and the United States, then gave an inspirational message. Other highlights of the Bayan Masaya event: Rosito “Loloy” Go, IMM dance and taichi instructor, rendered a vocal solo titled “Bayan Ko.” Johnie Estapia of the Knights of Rizal spoke on the topic “Life and Works of Dr. Jose P. Rizal.” The IMM Forever Young Seniors Dance Troupe, led by Cres Go, performed a dance number to the tune of “Ang Dalagang Pilipina.” Elizabeth C. San Diego, a former professor of the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) and retired official of the Department of Education, delivered a poem titled “Mabuhay ang Kalayaan!” Gloria Resurreccion, a very active community leader, head of Damas de Rizal, the lady counterpart of the Knights of Rizal and leader in FACLA, delivered the acknowledgements and closing remarks. She also served as the program emcee together with university professor Arturo Flores who is an exponent of the Tagalog-based Filipino national language although he is a Bicolano. Sidelights of the event included the Q&A trivia game show prepared and hosted by Cres Go and the light discourse on “taho” and “tapioca,” a favorite street food of Filipinos, especially those who belong to the so-called “masa.” Participants and audience of Bayan Masaya immensely enjoyed the event. Ang saya nila! Likewise, it is a municipality where paper machie called “higantes” are made and paraded around during fiestas and special occasions. In the middle of the program, Bermudez Santos made an introduction about IMM, highlighting its history and thrusts.
Reimbursement for community contribution towards a spouse’s education and student loan during marriage Barrister’s Corner ATTY. KENNETH URSUA REYES ONE of the biggest problem of millenials and Gen Z are educational cost and student loan debt. This eats up a large part of a households budget even among married couples. However, what happens to all the money paid towards one spouse’s education and student loans if the marriage fails and leads to divorce. Well, California Family Code Section 2641(b)(1) provides that upon divorce or legal separation, the community “shall be reimbursed” for its “contributions” to a spouse’s education or training that “substantially enhances” the spouse’s earning capacity. Under Family Code Section 2641(a), reimbursable community “contributions” means payments made with community or quasicommunity property for a spouse’s education or training or for the repayment of a loan incurred therefor, no matter where the parties resided when the payments were made. Family Code § 2641 reimbursement is not limited to education or training received during marriage. Rather, by its terms, application of the statute is governed solely by whether community funds were used to pay for the education or training. Thus, educational costs and loans paid with community funds are within the ambit of §
2641 reimbursement even if the education occurred before marriage. Marriage of Weiner, supra, 105 CA4th at 239-240, 129 CR2d at 291; In Marriage of Mullonkal & Kodiyamplakkil (2020) 51 CA5th 604, 607-608, 265 CR3d 285, 288, the court held that the community is entitled to reimbursement where spouse paid off student loans for education she attained before marriage with funds from her salary earned during marriage. In Mullonkal & Kodiyamplakkil, the trial court erroneously held § 2641 did not apply because, among other things, the student spouse (Wife) repaid her premarital education with her own earnings during the marriage, and the nonstudent spouse (Husband) failed to contribute to Wife’s education/ loan repayments and family expenses. “[B]ut nothing in [§ 2641] contemplates denying reimbursement to the community where the student spouse pays for her own education or where the nonstudent spouse did not somehow earn an entitlement to an equal share of the community. Indeed, the statute refers to community contributions to education, and makes no reference to the source of the community contribution.” Marriage of Mullonkal & Kodiyamplakkil, supra, 51 CA5th at 615-616, 265 CR3d at 294. At a minimum, reimbursable community expenditures include amounts paid for the student spouse’s tuition, fees, books, supplies and transportation. Fam.C. § 2641, Law Rev. Comm’n Comment,
23 Cal. L.Rev. Comm’n Reports 1 (1993) Beyond this, however, community expenditures are a reimbursable “contribution” only if directly related to the educational experience. Ordinary living expenses that would have been incurred regardless of whether one spouse was attending school such as rent, food and clothing, health care and entertainment, are not reimbursable under § 2641. Marriage of Watt (1989) 214 CA3d 340, 354, 262 CR 783, 791-792. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APLC This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APLC. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.
Q: I WORK for a mid-size company in Los Angeles. I was recently diagnosed with a serious illness that will require surgery and several weeks of recovery. I’m worried about my job and someone suggested I should let my employer know so the “interactive process” can begin. What is the interactive process and what should I expect from this? A: In California, employers with 5 or more employees are generally legally required to engage in a “good faith interactive process” when an employee requests an accommodation due to a disability, medical condition, or pregnancy. The interactive process is the way in which the employer determines whether and what kind of reasonable accommodation can be made to an employee. Reasonable accommodation is a change to an employee’s job tasks, or the way the job is done, or the work environment, which would allow the disabled employee to perform the essential functions of their job. If you need to go on medical leave due to a disability or pregnancy, the employer’s granting you the leave constitutes reasonable accommodation. In order for the employer to determine whether or not the employee needs reasonable accommodation, or what kind of accommodation, the employer and the employer must first engage in a good faith interactive process. The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are state and federal laws that prohibit
discrimination based on disability and also require an employer to engage in an ongoing, good faith interactive process with an employee to determine whether reasonable accommodation can be made to an employee with a known disability. The employer’s duty to engage in good faith interactive process may be triggered by any of the following situations: Request by the disabled employee (oral or written) • Employee notifies employer of restriction or limitations • Request by the employee’s representative (e.g., medical provider or family member) on behalf of the employee • Employee has missed several days of work due to illness or injury • Employee’s manager or supervisor notices deficits in employee’s job performance During the interactive process, the employee may be asked provide documents requested by the employer to support their request for reasonable accommodation (for example, a medical certification outlining the employee’s work restrictions). The employer may ask the employee directly what kind of accommodation they needed for them to do their job. During the interactive process, both the employer and employer must participate in a good faith dialogue to explore all possible accommodations. Engaging in interactive process keeps the lines of communications between employer and employee open in order to facilitate the disabled employee’s return to work. Consider the following case: Margarita Ramirez worked for World Oil Corp for 16 years. She started as a filing clerk and was eventually promoted to Collections Specialist. In 2016, Ramirez inured her right wrist, elbow and shoulder.
Her work restrictions were accommodated throughout her years of employment. However, despite these accommodations, Ramirez’s condition worsened and she underwent a right elbow surgery and took a medical leave of absence. In December 2018, Ramirez notified her employer that she was released to return to work with several restrictions. However, the employer decided to place her on a leave of absence as an accommodation, instead of engaging in interactive process and returning her to work. Ramirez resigned from her position in June 2020. The case went to trial. The jury found in favor of Ramirez and awarded her compensatory damages of $137,795 in past economic damages, $196,919 in future economic damages, $1.3 million in past non-economic damages, and $1.3 million in future non-economic damages. The jury also found by clear and convincing evidence that the employer acted with malice, oppression, and fraud and awarded punitive damages in the amount of $3,000,000. *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are confidential and at no-cost. You can contact the office at (818) 291-0088 or visit www.joesayaslaw.com. [For more than 25 years, C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. successfully recovered wages and other monetary damages for thousands of employees and consumers. He was named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is a past Presidential Awardee for Outstanding
Tri Counties Bank and National Asian American Coalition launch down payment assistance program CHICO, CA — Tri Counties Bank announced on June 22 a partnership with the National Asian American Coalition (NAAC), to provide a Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Program that will launch on July 7, 2022. The DPA Program aims to assist qualifying low- to moderate-income home buyers, especially in underserved communities, to fund down payments on home purchases. The new program will be coordinated through the NAAC, while Tri Counties Bank will offer mortgage loan financing to borrowers. Tri Counties Bank is also providing financial support to NAAC. Qualifying home buyers can receive a forgivable loan of up to 3% of the price of the home (with $10,000 maximum) for down payment assistance. First-time home buyers may also be able to obtain additional down payment assistance from Tri Counties Bank through the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco’s WISH program that provides up to $22,000 for a down payment. “Tri Counties Bank is pleased to partner with the NAAC and bring this program to fruition,” said Rick Smith, President and CEO of Tri Counties Bank. “Our goal is to strengthen and grow our communities, including those that have been underserved, by providing potential low- to moderate-income buyers with the means to achieve the dream
of purchasing their first home.” The program is available through NAAC to home buyers in Tri Counties Bank’s Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) assessment areas. Participants must also meet income requirements and qualify for a first mortgage through Tri Counties Bank. The down payment assistance loan can be forgiven if the home is not sold, given away or otherwise conveyed or refinanced within five years of the mortgage closing date. Otherwise, the loan will be recovered pro rata by the NAAC at 20% per year and used
for future DPA Program loans. “One of the biggest barriers of first-time homebuyers owning a home is the lack of down payment assistance,” said Faith Bautista, President and CEO of National Asian American Coalition. “The Tri Counties Bank DPA Program will help increase homeownership in low-to-moderate income communities, as well as bridge the gap of wealth and income inequality.” Interested home buyers can contact the NAAC regarding the DPA Program at 650-952-0522 or www.NAAC.org.
Ai-Ai grieves over death of adoptive mother AI-AI delas Alas is mourning over the passing of her aunt and eventual adoptive mother Justa delas Alas who passed away a few weeks before turning 94 years old. The comedienne paid tribute to her adoptive mother by showing moments from the latter’s 90th birthday celebration on her Instagram page Thursday, June 23. “Mamimiss kita (I will miss you) mama, mommy, mother goose, mudrakels and originally inay,” she said. “90th [birthday] n’ya ‘to. Hindi na n’ya inabot. Sa July 19, dapat 94 na s’ya.” (This was her 90th birthday. She did not make it. On July 19, she would have turned 94.) “[Di bale], mama. Good life ka naman at saka hindi ka nahirapan sa pag-alis mo. The best ka
talaga Lord, super pray ako kanina na ‘wag ka mahirapan and hindi nga,” Delas Alas added. “I love you and thank you sa pagmamahal, pagalaga, at pagpapaaral sa akin. Rest ka na mama. Kamusta mo ako kay Lord and Mama Mary.” (No worries, mama. You had a good life and you did not suffer before you left. You really are the best Lord, I was super praying earlier that [mama] would not suffer and [she] did not. I love you and thank you for the love, care and for giving me education. Rest now mama. Send my regards to Lord and Mama Mary.) Fellow celebrities Zsa Zsa Padilla, Iza Calzado and Rita Daniela were among those who sent their condolences to Delas Alas and her family. (By Dana Cruz/Inquirer.net)
Amy on making life’s burden... PAGE B1 it with His help rather than laboring in your own strength and abilities,” she stressed. “Any burden is lighter when it is borne by two instead of one; therefore, I urge you to ask for and receive all the help you can from God, who never grows weary! Then, after having successfully completed your task, remember to thank God for His help,” she said.
In the end, she shared this prayer: “Father, forgive me for all the times I have labored in my own strength. I recognize that I need You at all times, and I want to abide in You so that I may bear good fruit. Thank You, in advance, for giving me more than enough strength, wisdom and creativity to carry out the tasks ahead of me. Help me to always lean and rely on You. Thank You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
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Are PPP and other federal pandemic loans dischargeable in bankruptcy? MANY self-employed individuals have relied on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and other federal pandemic loans to rescue their businesses from going under. If you notice, many restaurants that we go to pre-pandemic have shuttered up permanently despite using up PPP and other loans. Sure the PPP loans helped a lot to keep employees employed, and for the business to continue paying rent for the premises, but lockdown after lockdown has decimated a lot of restaurants. What can the business owner do if revenues are cut by more than half? In fact, some businesses had zero revenue, from $100,000 a month of gross receipts down to almost nothing. Will Uncle Sam come to collect PPP loans? Soon enough, Uncle Sam will start collecting on the PPP loans. I have four clients who are already in this situation. Maybe they can ask for debt forgiveness first for the PPP loans since that’s a feature of these loans. There’s certainly a 50/50 chance that all or a portion may get forgiven; but what about the rest of it, or all of it that is not forgiven? Can bankruptcy wipe out or discharge the PPP loans? To answer this question, we refer to Section 523 of the bankruptcy code. It provides for exceptions to discharge. If PPP loans are excepted from discharge by Section 523, then it’s not dischargeable. Nothing in Section 523 as it is currently worded suggests that PPP loans are excepted from discharge. Therefore, PPP loans are dischargeable in bankruptcy.
Pastor’s Notes reverend rodeL g. BALAgtAs IT’S my associate pastor’s last Sunday in our parish. The archbishop assigned him to another parish after four years of service at Incarnation Church. We’ll miss his presence, presiding of Masses and other liturgies, and administering of other Sacraments. Personally, I’ll be missing his company in the rectory. I’ll
EMPLOYMENT
Debt Relief
Atty. LAwrence yAng $100K PPP loan obtained in 2020 The debtor owns a restaurant that obtained a $100,000 PPP loan in 2020. He used the $100,000 to buy a brand new Mercedes Benz S500, fully loaded. Can he discharge his PPP in bankruptcy? No, he cannot. Why not? Section 523 excepts from discharge loans that were “fraudulently” obtained by the debtor. Obviously, if the debtor had indicated in the PPP loan application that he was going to use the PPP loan to buy an expensive car, Uncle Sam would not have given him the loan. But his PPP loan application stated that he was going to use the $100,000 to continue running his restaurant, specifically the funds were going to be used to pay rent and to pay employees, that’s why Uncle Sam gave him the PPP loan. But let’s say, the debtor actually used the $100,000 PPP loan to pay his employees and to pay rent for the premises. With the $100,000, he was able to continue operating at a loss for two years. Now that it’s 2022, the pandemic is still around but there’s no more lockdown. His restaurant does take-outs and allows some indoor dining, but sales are still way low and he doesn’t have any more money to continue
operating. He decides finally to shut the door and stop operating. But here comes Uncle Sam knocking on his door, asking him to pay back the $100,000. What should he do? As I said, he can ask for loan forgiveness for all or part of the $100,000 since he actually used the money to pay employees and rent and to keep the business going for two years. Whatever is not forgiven, he can use bankruptcy to discharge because PPP loans are not excepted from discharge. Seven of my high school classmates passed away in 2021. They have all gone to meet their creator. I would like to mention their names here: Ricardo A, Victor Y, Jerry L, George C, Jimmy G, Edward N and Ricardo D. Three died of COVID, one slipped and fell in the bathroom, one of heart attack, two of cancer. I pray all of them are in heaven with our Lord enjoying eternity with their loved ones. *** Disclaimer: None of the foregoing is considered legal advice for anyone. There is absolutely no attorney-client relationship established by reading this article. *** 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)
We shall do bravely! miss having meals, praying with him, and sharing our experiences of priesthood and faith life. I hope I have been a great mentor and example to him in my zeal for the Gospel, ministry, and building up a faith-filled, welcoming, and joyful community of faith. A priest’s life also involves changes, moves, and transitions, which are not easy to do. But that’s the reality of life for most of us. Regarding work, there are no permanent addresses or absolute terms of service. At times, we go where
God wants to take us or decide to move, change jobs or retire after prayerful discernment for our benefit. It’s crucial to trust in God’s providence, abidance, and guidance during these circumstances. As St. Paul tells us in this Sunday’s (June 26) Second Reading (Gal 5:1, 13-18), we must live and be guided by the Spirit. With this attitude, we have nothing to fear. With God, we shall do bravely, Psalm 108 tells us. In this Sunday’s First Reading (1 Kgs 19:16b, 19-21), PAGE B7
EMPLOYMENT
Maximizing recovery in personal injury cases DEAR Attorney Tan, I was driving home and was at a complete stop when another driver rear ended my car. I was not feeling well after the accident, as my back seemed very tight and stiff. I took some days off from work. After a week, I contacted the other driver’s insurance to report the claim. The insurance adjuster for the other driver said they would fix my car, and offered me $500.00 for my injuries. Is that enough? I do not know where to go from here. –K.K. Dear K.K., The first step is to make sure that any injuries that you have suffered in the accident are examined and treated. You can recover treatment costs since they are considered “economic damages” that you suffered due to the accident. You can also recover for time away from work as “economic damages,” even if you used paid time off or sick leave. The term “economic damages” means “objectively verifiable monetary losses including medical expenses, loss of earnings, burial costs, loss of use of property, costs of repair or replacement, costs of obtaining substitute domestic services, loss of employment and loss of business or employment opportunities.” Civil Code Section 1431.2(b)(1). A person’s claim for economic damages apart from medical expenses are often overlooked and not pursued by persons who settle their accident cases on their own, or with the assistance of inexperienced counsel. Loss of earnings are often a significant part of an injured
person’s claim for economic damages. Damages are recoverable for both past and future lost earnings. To recover for past lost earnings, a person must prove the amount of income or earnings that he/she has lost to date. To recover damages for future earnings, a person must prove the amount of income or earnings that he/she will be reasonably certain to lose in the future as a result of the injury. CACI No. 3903C. How are past lost earnings proven? Medical records, which show the doctor authorizing a release from work or giving instructions to restrict work activities, can support the time taken off from work due to the injury. For those self-employed, medical providers typically do not provide a release from work; however, medical records should record work restrictions placed by the medical provider. After showing that the time off was justified, the next step is to value the lost earnings. A letter from a person’s employer that outlines the amount of time that one has lost as a result of his/her injury, the loss of benefits, and the rate of pay during the time of loss is evidence of the value of one’s loss of earnings claim. Other supporting documents include pay stubs, time cards, and tax returns. The monetary
value of sick leave and vacation time that are used due to the injury are also recoverable. For those self-employed, earnings history as reflected by tax returns and profit and loss statements can help prove the value of lost earnings. Similar supporting documentation must be presented for future lost earnings. Apart from economic damages, you can recover “general damages,” which are damages for the pain, suffering, and inconvenience due to the accident. If you were suffered injury in an auto accident or someone’s premises, please contact our office to discuss your case. To maximize monetary recovery, it is important to have the assistance of an experienced attorney in presenting your personal injury claim. *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** 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 (CAALA) and American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). He is a former member of the Board of Governors of the Philippine American Bar Association (PABA). LAW OFFICES OF DARRICK V. TAN, 3580 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90010. Tel: 323639-0277. Email: info@dtanlaw.com (Advertising Supplement)
Lovi truly finds family in...
PAGE B1 new. And it was hard. As the day went by, I wasn’t myself at the beginning. “Ang sabi sa akin ni Kuya Adler and ni Kuya Fred, ‘Huwag ka mag-alala, nandito kami para sa ‘yo.’ That’s when I realized that yes, I’m part of a new family now. And these people want to see me do well,” the actress shared. “Flower of Evil,” is loosely based on the 2020 South Korean drama series of the same title. Poe play Iris, a female detective married to Jacob, played by Piolo Pascual. During the launch, Poe’s co-stars and the people
working behind the camera took the time to laud the actress in her performance for the series. An emotional Laurel also shared, “It’s so intimidating to come into a place and you’re the new girl and then you’re the lead and you have a lot of responsibilities on your shoulders. [Poe] carried, she didn’t complain.” Poe’s leading man, Pascual, also said, “Going to the bubble, I have to say that Lovi is one of the most, if not the easiest, leading ladies I have worked with. It was so easy to get into the scene with her because she was very willing, she was very open and she was very sensitive.” (ManilaTimes.net)
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Asia Pacific Fashion Week presents fast-rising children’s clothing designer Chewy Jang CHEWY Jang (Joo Yung Jang) is the CEO of Kid’s Dream, a special occasion children’s clothing brand that inspires young girls to feel beautiful and confident on their special day. Whether it be a birthday, communion, life milestones, or holiday occasions — Kid’s Dream is here to celebrate them! Chewy – one of the designers to be showcased at Asia Pacific Fashion Week 2022, a global platform for emerging designers to be held in Los Angeles and Las Vegas in August 2022 – takes pride in her active involvement in her business and locally in her city, LA. Kid’s Dream is also proud of its fashionable and high-quality designs, which are all produced in the United States. As a family-owned kids apparel brand designed and made in Los Angeles, Kid’s Dream is sold directly online, as well as through an extensive wholesale network that spans over 35 countries through 500 authorized retailers worldwide. A quick pivot during the pandemic Taking control of how COVID has suddenly impacted her business, Chewy quickly pivoted to make fabric face masks and started LA Face Masks. Chewy is now also the CEO of LA Face Masks. As a local manufacturer located in Los Angeles, Chewy quickly produced face masks to save her business and also donated thousands of masks to hospitals and frontline workers. A dream come true Chewy grew up in Los Angeles
AN IMMIGRANT SUCCESS STORY. Children’s clothing designer Chewy Jang immigrated from South Korea at the age of 5, and is now CEO of Kid’s Dream, a special occasion children’s clothing brand.
since immigrating from South Korea at the age of 5. Her parents worked as sewing contractors in downtown Los Angeles because, back in South Korea, this was their trade, and the garment area in LA was booming at the time. Because there was minimal competition from abroad, much of the clothing sold in the United States was created in Los Angeles. Her parents began sewing dresses for a few “special occasion girl’s dress” companies in 1998 after starting their own sewing contractor business. Kid’s Dream was their biggest customer. When the owner decided to sell the company in 2011, her parents leaped at the chance. Chewy, who graduated from
We shall do bravely... PAGE B6 Elisha showed this attitude of courage when he decided to follow Elijah and succeed as a prophet, abandoning his work in the field and attachment to his family. He knew that he could fulfill this prophetic call through God’s “double blessings,” which happened after Elijah’s ascension into heaven by a whirlwind. This Sunday’s Gospel (Luke 9:51-62) also urges us to trust in God’s strength through the Holy Spirit when he calls us to follow him, to live by his words and teachings in these challenging times of the world and the Church. “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of man has nowhere to rest his head,” Jesus told his disciples after expressing their willingness to follow him. It meant they should be ready for the uncertainties, sacrifices, rejections, and other difficulties that awaited them to be disciples of Jesus. And like the disciples, we also must be ready and brave to fulfill the responsibilities and meet the challenges and hardships of Christian discipleship. The reward of faithful
discipleship is great in heaven and on earth. Fr. John Kavanaugh alluded to it in Victor Frankl’s words in The Doctor of the Soul: “As soon as we lend our minds to the essence of human responsibility, we cannot forbear to shudder: there is something fearful about human responsibility. But at the same time, something glorious… It is glorious to know that the future of the things and the people around us is dependent—even if only to a tiny extent—upon our decision at any given moment. What we actualize by that decision, what we thereby bring into the word, is saved; we have conferred reality upon it and preserved it from passing.” Blessings to all! *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.
Chewy Jang is very proud of her fashionable and high-quality designs, which are all produced in the United States. Photos courtesy of Chewy Jang
Marlborough School and received her Bachelor’s in Finance and Management from Santa Clara University Leavy School of Business, became president of the company, with her parents assisting her with manufacturing. Chewy had always wanted to be an entrepreneur, so having the chance to run this firm and expand the Kid’s Dream brand was a dream come true. Chewy’s father died of cancer a few years ago, and Kid’s Dream is his legacy. Kid’s Dream has expanded dramatically since 2012. Chewy is more determined than ever to keep Kid’s Dream running smoothly for the benefit of her
family, employees, and clients. A global platform Chewy is eager to showcase Kid’s Dreams’ latest collection of flower girl dresses, Easter dresses, Communion dresses, graduation dresses, holiday dresses, and baptism gowns in a global platform that is the APFW, slated in two iconic American cities. The first show is on August 6 (Saturday), at 5:00 p.m., at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, a historic landmark on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the heart of Los Angeles. The second show is on August 13 (Saturday), at 5:00 pm, at the Decades Event Center, located in Vegas Pointe Plaza, Unit 168, 9175 S Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas. Both events are organized by One Global Management Company Inc., an international events production and talents development agency based in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles leg of APFW enjoys the support of Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles, Philippine Department of Trade and Industry-Los Angeles office, Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) and the Asian Journal Multimedia Group. Main sponsors also include The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, Trending Beverages Inc., Napa Valley Distribution Inc., Montemaria Cellars, House of Pacquiao Wine, Individual Health Care, Lombard by the Bay, Premier Asia Pacific Real Estate
Chewy Jang is a young entrepreneur striving to increase her market share in the children’s apparel industry.
Kid’s Dream, a special occasion girl’s dress brand headquartered in Los Angeles, creates beautiful dresses for girls 6 months to 14 years.
& Development, and Icon Model Group. The Las Vegas edition of APFW is co-organized by InterEdx, Dynasty Exchange Ltd. LLC., headed by Dr. Lee Dedicatoria,
in cooperation with Asia on Earth, Dynasty Ventures, Club Paradisia, World Edoption, Royal Blue Staffing, Lend with Love and Decades Event Center. (Advertising Supplement)
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