1 April 8-14, 2021
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA EDITION
www.pnewstoday.com
THE PREMIER FILIPINO-AMERICAN NEWSPAPER IN THE U.S. SINCE 1961
Vol. 60 No. 35 April 8-14, 2021
NEWS AND VIEWS YOU TRUST
PHL TO HIT 1-MILLION COVID CASES THIS APRIL
Estrada, defense chief, 126 Presidential guards, 143 Orthopedic Center staff infected with virus By ALFRED GABOT Editor in Chief
MANILA - The Philippines could have more than 1 million COVID-19 cases before the end of April, after cases surged to 819,164 with 14,059 fatalities by April 7 as the high-risk areas of Metro Manila and four nearby provinces entered their second week under the hard lockdown officially called enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). Page 9
Newsom: Economy to reopen by June 15 By Jo Erlinda Maufit
President Duterte
Estrada
PHL in desperate measures to end COVID-19 second wave By Be�ng Laygo Dolor, Editor MANILA – The government will no longer extend the extended community quarantine (ECQ) once it ends on April 11, but will instead take what are considered desperate measures to arrest the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic. With most private and public hospitals in Metro Manila already filled to capacity, one measure being considered is to convert entire floors of hotels which are still operating into hospital extensions. Health undersecretary Leop-
oldo Vega backed the proposal first suggested by the Philippine College of Physicians as well as Senator Nancy Binay to convert empty hotel floors to temporary hospitals. Vega said, “they can do that for mild and asymptomatic, even with controlled moderate cases.” It’s a big idea “that can lessen up the impact on the health system capacity,” added Vega, known as the country’s “treatment czar.” But because there Page 8
Magalong
Lorenzana
FilAms celebrate Bonta’s appointment
By Jun Nucum SAN FRANCISCO - Promi- Becerra as the Attorney General nent leaders of the Filipino com- and their messages of appreciation munity mostly based in the San to Newsom and congratulations to Francisco Bay Area turned out in Bonta were expressed from as far celebratory mode as the first Fili- as the Philippine Senate many of pino American elected to Califor- which were sent to this writer. nia State Assembly achieved a new In her congratulatory letter, milestone in being appointed Attor- Philippine Senator Risa Hontiveros ney General. sent her heartfelt Mabuhay greetThe Fil-Am leaders were ec- ing to Bonta “on your historic apstatic after Governor Gavin New- pointment as California’s first ever som appointed 18th California Dis- Filipino-American Attorney Gentrict Assemblymember Robert Rob eral, one of the most important law Bonta to succeed newly confirmed enforcement posts in the United U.S. Department of Health and States.” Human Services Secretary Xavier “When we met in Page 8
SACRAMENTO – California Governor Gavin Newsom declared the state may fully open its economy by June 15 if two criteria are met. Newsom made the statement as California surpassed a major milestone in the fight against COVID — admin- Page 8
NaFFAA forms anti-hate task force WASHINGTON, DC - The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) has formed a dedicated Hate Crimes Task Force in response to the rise in attacks on Asian Americans. The Hate Crimes Task force will be dedicated to identifying any and all resources to ensure the safety and well-being of our community members, the organiPage 9 zation stated.
Pacquiao to haters: Fight me instead
Canepa: State to come back roaring VIEWS & COMMENTS
SHOWBIZ
BUSINESS
When May IRS Tax Debts be discharged in Bankruptcy?
Luis Manzano weds Jessy Mendiola in Batangas resort
Villar wealthiest Filipino in Forbes world billionaires’ list
Page 14 By A�y. Lozano
Page 18
Page 15
$1.00= P48.73
as of April 8, 2021 1:30am
P3
P24
PESO-DOLLAR RATE
P3
Page 8