Trustee, debtor mutually dismiss adversary claims for $1-M
THE client’s company filed for Chapter 7 relief as it was bankrupt. It had two warehouses and rent for one was $15,000 a month, while the other was $20,000 a…
Category: Business
Covering the week’s most noteworthy business news impacting the Filipino-American and Global Filipino community.
Read More
Filipino-owned bakery and restaurant Goldilocks now open at SFO’s Harvey Milk Terminal 1
SAN FRANCISCO – As businesses across America are forced to shut down due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Goldilocks Filipino Bakeshop and Restaurant opens its newest North…
Despite minor damages, Fil-Am restaurants stand in solidarity with protesters in LA County
EARLY morning on Tuesday, June 2, Mary Jane Rempola received a call from an employee that the front glass door of Bagnet in Panorama City had been shattered amidst the…
LA County prepares to reopen salons, restaurants as case numbers continue to rise
CALIFORNIA Governor Gavin Newsom on Friday, May 29 announced that Los Angeles County — one of the most concentrated hubs for COVID-19 in the country — can now reopen restaurants,…
LA City Council proposes $100 million in rent relief for residents
A NEW Los Angeles City Council motion is seeking to use $100 million in federal funding for the city’s Emergency Renters Assistance Program. The proposal, filed by Los Angeles City…
Returning to work in this pandemic: Do you need reasonable accommodation?
“However, the Order goes on to say that all persons living within the County of Los Angeles should remain in their residences whenever practicable.” Q: SINCE the shelter-in-place order, I…
12 states that don’t tax retirement income (Part 2 of 2)
PENNSYLVANIA • Retirement income: No state tax on your 401(k), IRA or pension income except if you retire early. • Social security benefits: No state income tax on your Social…
Uber driver needs Chapter 7 relief for $50K credit cards
THE client is in his 50s. Believe me, 50s is still young. He has been divorced more than 10 years ago and now lives by himself. He used to own…
Las Vegas casinos set to open next week with new guidelines
“The world has changed, and Vegas is changing with it.” That’s the new ad campaign slogan put together by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), the organization behind…
Should you wait to file bankruptcy until later?
A LOT of people in debt often already know what they need to do once they realize that bankruptcy is their only way out. But they usually delay the decision…
Report: Asian Americans lead use of digital alternatives to traditional TV viewing
Asian Americans are the leading consumer segment in the United States in favor of digital devices and streaming platforms as alternatives to traditional television consumption, according to a new report…
12 states that don’t tax retirement income (Part 1 of 2)
ALASKA •Retirement income: No state tax on your 401(k), IRA or pension income. • Social security benefits: No state income tax on your Social Security benefits. • Income tax: No…
Are you harmed if your paystubs are incomplete?
Why employees should look at their paystubs JULIE Gunther started working as a flight attendant for Alaska Airlines in 2015. In 2017, she sued her employer in a class action,…
Senior passes away right after Chapter 13 plan confirmation
AT 90 years old, this senior was my oldest client. Everything came crashing down on him during his golden years unfortunately. He had a business, which looked like it never…
Market Bounce Back?
By Martin Santiago THE chairman of the Federal Reserve on Sunday said the central bank has not exhausted its power to help the economy get through the coronavirus pandemic. Fed…
Start thinking of bankruptcy now as a possible option later
THE coronavirus has put a lot of strain on people’s ability to pay their debts. With a lot of employees getting laid off in massive numbers, they are staying at…
Senators Marcos, Lacson urge PH to lure US businesses
TWO Philippine senators recently suggested that economic managers should direct American businesses leaving China to consider the country for their relocation plans. According to Senator Imee Marcos, recent news that…
PH airlines extend flight suspensions to May 31
The Philippines’ major airlines have all announced that their flights are canceled for the rest of May, in compliance with the government’s new quarantine guidelines. Budget airlines AirAsia Philippines and…
How to tell if demand for taxes is from the IRS or from scammers
THE IRS will never: • Call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. The IRS does not…
Termination after medical leave may be disability discrimination
“California law prohibits discrimination based on disability or medical condition. The employer has a duty to provide reasonable accommodation to disabled employees to enable them to work despite their disability.”…
Pay commercial rent payment or file Chapter 7 for a fresh start with no debt?
“Now is the time for kindness and our humanity to shine forth, to help each other not get sick, by wearing face masks, gloves and self isolating and helping our…
PH House committee OKs bill granting ABS-CBN provisional franchise until end of October
A PHILIPPINE House of Representatives committee on Wednesday, May 13 approved a bill granting the media giant ABS-CBN a provisional franchise until the end of October. The House of Representatives…
LA County’s stay-at-home order likely to be extended for another 3 months
AS Los Angeles County’s “safer at home” order is slated to expire this week, officials are now recommending that it be extended for another three months in a continued effort to…
Warning: Never hire a debt settlement company
A LOT of people who are burdened with credit card debt often don’t know where to turn for help. They see all the ads on TV, internet, etc. by so-called…
Who won’t get stimulus checks?
THE following groups won’t get stimulus payments: • Children who are 17 or 18 years old (those claimed as dependents by another). • Many college students between the ages of…
Unable to pay commercial lease due to coronavirus
THE clients are a husband and wife in their sixties. They operate a retail business that provides a service. There is no corporation or LLC. In other words, clients are…
Firing employees for taking leave to care for a family member may be illegal
STANLEY Vincent worked as a Patrol Officer for the California Highway Patrol for seven years. The Daily Journal reports that Vincent was fired from his job when he took three…
Business owners must never, never give up!
AS the world economy grounds to a complete halt, a looming recession is at our doorstep and deaths and infections continue to surge everywhere, it is time for business owners…
Is it a buyer’s market again?
by: Martin Santiago A BUYER’S market refers to a situation in which supply exceeds demand. Driven by pandemic fears, shutdowns and job losses, U.S. home prices are expected to dip between 2…
8 Pinoys make Gold House 2020 list of 100 most impactful APIs
In its yearly roundup of the 100 most impactful Asian and Pacific Islanders (APIs), the nonprofit organization Gold House named eight Filipinos and Filipino Americans who have made significant contributions…