SBA tightens loan eligibility rules, barring green card holders and foreign ownership
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Small Business Administration has imposed new restrictions on its capital programs that will require all businesses seeking SBA-backed loans to be owned entirely by U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals with a principal residence in the United States or its territories, according to updated agency guidance.
The revised rules take effect March 1, 2026, and rescind a limited ownership exception introduced by the agency in late 2025. December policy allowed limited foreign ownership
On December 19, 2025, the SBA issued a procedural notice updating its lending standards under Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) 50 10 8. That guidance permitted businesses applying for SBA financing to have up to 5 percent aggregate ownership held
Trump administration narrows 2030 census test to two Southern sites, raising stakes for representation and funding
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Census Bureau has scaled back a major field test intended to prepare for the 2030 decennial census, limiting 2026 on-the-ground operations to two Southern locations and removing four other sites that were previously selected. Under the revised plan, the 2026 census test will take place only in Huntsville, Alabama, and Spartanburg, South Carolina. Earlier Census Bureau planning documents had identified six test locations nationwide, including sites in Colorado, Arizona tribal lands, western North Carolina, and western Texas, chosen to capture a broad range of geographic, technological, and demographic conditions.
The test is designed to help the bureau refine methods for counting populations that were undercounted in 2020 and to evaluate
SAN DIEGO
House panel dismissal of impeachment complaints vs. Marcos Jr. awaits plenary action
House justice panel dismisses two impeachment complaints against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., but the cases remain subject to House plenary action before becoming final under constitutional procedure.
by AJPress
— A ranking National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac) official on Thursday called on all “public and government peace communicators” to help combat ongoing disinformation campaigns of the communist insurgents and their allies in Metro Manila.
“We call on the public and all government peace communicators to commit—fully and unequivocally—to this effort. Through disciplined execution, unified messaging, and active public participation, we can cultivate informed, resilient, and peace-oriented communities,” NTF-Elcac executive director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. said in a statement. He said Metro Manila, also known as the National Capital Region (NCR), has long been a “critical theater” in the government’s campaign against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).
“As the political, economic, and information hub
denies SEC fraud charges
MANILA — Despite an appeal from former President Rodrigo Duterte, a lawyer for drug war victims remained confident that the pretrial hearing for the crimes against humanity case against him would proceed as scheduled in the International Criminal Court (ICC). Lawyer Kristina Conti said there is no other pending issue that may delay the four-day
Sotto keeps Senate presidency as leadership discussions surface
by AJPress
MANILA — Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III remained at the helm of the Senate on Wednesday following a day of internal meetings that revived speculation about a possible leadership transition, with senior senators confirming that discussions had taken place but stressing that no formal action was initiated.
The talks unfolded during the Senate session on February 4, 2026, when lawmakers held caucus discussions during breaks in plenary proceedings. Despite heightened attention, no motion to reorganize Senate leadership was raised on the floor, and the chamber later resumed session before adjourning. Interest intensified after reports of senators holding separate meetings within the Senate
confirmation of charges hearing set on Feb. 23 at the ICC headquarters in The Hague, the Netherlands.
According to Conti, her clients have been anxious about the start of the long-delayed hearings, but the Pre-Trial Chamber I (PTC) has already introduced measures in consideration of the former President’s health, suggesting that Duterte may be required to personally appear at the hearing.
MANILA — Real estate and retail tycoon Manuel “Manny” Villar Jr., whose Villar Land Holdings Corp. is in hot water for alleged market manipulation and insider trading, has denied being involved in any unauthorized practice to defraud investors.
In a statement in response to the criminal complaint filed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) against Villar Land, the former senator insisted that his company has “consistently upheld the highest standards of good corporate governance.”
nancial status.
MANILA — Civil society leaders and progressive groups on Monday filed two separate impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte, citing betrayal of public trust over the alleged misuse of confidential funds, culpable violations of the Constitution, graft and corruption, bribery, and other high crimes.
The first complaint was endorsed by the Makabayan coalition, with former lawmakers France Castro and Neri Colmenares among the complainants, while the second was filed by a group led by Kiko Aquino Dee, coconvener of Tindig Pilipinas, and was joined by Akbayan Rep. Percival Cendaña and Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila de Lima.
In the first complaint, three grounds for impeachment were mentioned:
• Betrayal of public trust due to Duterte’s alleged gross abuse of discretionary powers over the P612.5 million in confidential funds
“All our businesses and officers understand that corporate good governance is essential for building trust among investors and fostering sustainable growth. In fact, we welcomed and fully cooperated when the SEC began its fact-finding investigation,” he said.
Villar said his group is committed to transparency and compliance with existing rules and regulations being enforced by both the SEC and the Philippine Stock Exchange.
Further, he said they have consistently disclosed material developments and continue to coordinate with regulatory bodies regarding the company’s fi-
“In all my years as an entrepreneur, from the time I helped my mother sell shrimps and fish in Divisoria to leading one of the most successful businesses in the country, I have never engaged in illegal practices designed to defraud customers and investors, or unduly benefit myself or the companies I own,” Villar said.
The SEC on Jan. 30 filed a criminal complaint against Villar Land, formerly known as Golden MV Holdings Inc., its related entities and their respective officers for market manipulation and insider trading.
Manuel “Manny” Villar Jr. STAR / File
by richmoNd mercurio Philstar.com
by Faith argosiNo gabriel Pabico lalu Inquirer.net
Orange County/Inland Empire, Northern California, Las Vegas, New York/New Jersey
House panel dismissal...
PAGE 1
One complaint, filed by private complainant Andre de Jesus, was dismissed by a vote of 42–1, with three abstentions. A second complaint endorsed by the Makabayan coalition failed to secure a declaration of sufficiency in substance after seven members voted in favor and 39 voted against.
Lawmakers supporting dismissal said the complaints did not satisfy the minimum legal standard to move forward.
Allegations assessed on procedural grounds
The complaints cited alleged constitutional violations, betrayal of public trust, and assertions related to budgetary and public spending matters, among the grounds enumerated in the Constitution. The President has denied wrongdoing.
The committee emphasized that its ruling addressed procedural sufficiency only and did not
make findings on the accuracy or truth of the allegations. The action does not determine criminal, civil, or administrative liability.
Evidence and nexus questioned Committee chair Gerville Luistro said members raised concerns over the quality and admissibility of evidence, including reliance on materials that were not authenticated or certified. Lawmakers also cited the absence of a clear nexus linking the alleged acts to the constitutional grounds for impeachment.
Under House rules, impeachment complaints must demonstrate both factual basis and legal relevance at the sufficiency stage.
Plenary approval required for final disposition
Despite the committee vote, impeachment procedure requires that the panel’s report be transmitted to the House of Rep-
resentatives plenary. Only after plenary action does the House’s disposition become final.
To advance an impeachment case beyond dismissal, at least one-third of all House members must vote to overturn the committee’s recommendation. If that threshold is met, the complaint would be transmitted to the Senate for trial. Absent such a vote, the committee’s dismissal stands. Luistro said the impeachment process “is not yet completely over” until the plenary acts on the report.
Divergent reactions
Complainants and their endorsers criticized the panel’s action, arguing the allegations merited fuller debate before the House. Malacañang, meanwhile, welcomed the dismissal, reiterating that the complaints lacked factual and legal basis and characterizing the outcome as a reflection of due process. n
Duterte expected to personally attend...
She pointed out that a hearing would run for only three hours in one day, with long breaks in between hearing days. The confirmation of charges hearing is scheduled from Feb. 23 to Feb. 24 and on Feb. 26 to Feb. 27, with a full-day break on Feb. 25. It was originally set on Sept. 23, 2025.
Huge consideration
“Huge consideration was given to Duterte for his medical condition,” Conti told reporters on Wednesday, citing the former president’s earlier pronouncements that he cannot sit or stand for long.
“If he waives his appearance, then that’s his fault. But as far as I heard, he didn’t request to appear by video … So, I think he could be present at the next hearing,” noted Conti.
“It is the right of the accused to be present and to contest the charges against him. That is precisely the focus of [the issue on] fitness to stand trial. You are supposed to be there to understand the processes and the charges being thrown against you,” she said.
Duterte, who turns 81 years old on March 28, has been detained at the Scheveningen prison complex in The Hague, the Netherlands since his arrest in March last year.
Last week, the PTC I ruled that the ex-president is “able to exercise his procedural rights and is therefore fit to take part in the pre-trial proceedings,” although his lawyers asked the chamber for leave to appeal the decision.
Duterte’s lawyer Nicholas Kaufman said in their 19-page appeal dated Feb. 2 that Duterte suffered “extraordinary injustice” at every stage of the proceedings, particularly over his health.
The defense lawyer argued that Duterte was denied a fair litigation when the ICC Registry denied him access to his medical records and a neuropsychologist nominated by the defense was initially barred from examining the former president.
The PTC then appointed a panel of medical experts without stipulating a reason, and later ousted two neuropsychologists from the panel. The defense was also not given an opportunity to contradict the panel’s medical findings, Kaufman argued.
Meanwhile, New York-based Human Rights Watch noted on Wednesday that the current human rights situation in the country was just as bad under the Marcos administration as it was during Duterte’s leadership. n
Sotto keeps Senate presidency...
PAGE 1
complex. A social media post by Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, showing a group of senators together and referencing “power sharing,” added to public speculation. The image included Sotto and Loren Legarda, alongside several other lawmakers.
During the latter part of the session, Legarda briefly presided over the chamber — a procedural occurrence that drew notice given the day’s earlier discussions. Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri later moved for adjournment.
Speaking to reporters after the session, Sotto confirmed that conversations had taken place within the Senate regarding a possible leadership transition before the end of the 20th Congress, but emphasized that there was no finalized agreement or timetable. He underscored that any change in leadership would depend on majority support.
Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito characterized the idea of term-sharing as informal, describing it as casual discussion rather than a concrete plan. Zubiri similarly said the Senate majority remained intact and dis-
president. If elected in the
missed suggestions that an effort to reorganize leadership had materialized during plenary. Accounts among senators varied on how to characterize the day’s events, with some describing the discussions as exploratory and others acknowledging competing views about Senate leadership. What remained undisputed, however, was that no vote was held and no resolution or reorganization motion was introduced to replace
da would become the first woman to serve as Senate president, a development that would mark a historic milestone for the chamber. As of publication, however, Sotto continues to serve as Senate president, with any potential transition dependent on majority consensus and subsequent Senate action. n
the Senate
future, Legar-
Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III (left) and Sen. Loren Legarda shown in separate photos
On February 4, 2026. Legarda emerged as the central figure in internal discussions on a possible leadership transition after briefly presiding over the chamber, though no motion to reorganize Senate leadership was raised and Sotto retained the presidency. Photo source: File photo / Philippine Senate)
Former President Rodrigo Duterte attending an International Criminal Court hearing remotely. SCREENGRABBED FROM THE ICC
STABLE PRICES. Fresh vegetables abound at the Divisoria Market in Manila on Wednesday (Feb. 4, 2026). Acceleration in the prices of several food items and fuel is seen to bring the January 2026 inflation rate to 1.4 percent to 2.2 percent, but the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said these factors can be partly offset by stabilizing vegetable prices. PNA photo by Yancy Lim
Illinois, California join WHO outbreak network after U.S. withdrawal
by AJPress
CHICAGO/SACRAMENTO — Illinois and California have moved to independently align with the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN), a WHO-coordinated system for outbreak surveillance and emergency response, following the United States’ formal withdrawal from the World Health Organization in January 2026.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker announced on February 3, 2026 that the state would join GOARN, cit-
ing the need to maintain access to global early-warning alerts, technical expertise, and coordinated response capabilities. California Gov. Gavin Newsom made a similar announcement earlier, on January 23, 2026, positioning California as the first U.S. state to join the network. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services confirmed that the United States completed its withdrawal from the World Health Organization on January 22, 2026, following a one-year notice period tied to a decision by President Donald Trump. The
WHO said it regretted the move, warning that the decision could weaken global and domestic health security.
GOARN brings together hundreds of public-health institutions worldwide to share outbreak intelligence, deploy technical assistance when requested, and support training and preparedness. State officials in both Illinois and California emphasized that participation does not replace federal public-health authority but is intended to preserve situational awareness and coordination amid shifting national policy. n
Younger Democrats mount primary challenges against veteran incumbents
by AJPress
WASHINGTON — A number of younger Democratic candidates are launching primary challenges against long-serving members of Congress, arguing that generational change is needed as the party approaches the 2026 midterm elections.
The contests are largely unfolding in safely Democratic districts and reflect an internal debate over experience, representation, and leadership style rather than sharp ideological divisions.
In California’s 7th Congressional District, Sacramento City Council member Mai Vang, 40, is challenging Doris Matsui, 81, who has represented the district
since 2005. Vang has framed her campaign around generational representation and local economic concerns. Matsui’s campaign has pointed to her legislative record and seniority in Congress.
In Mississippi, 33-year-old attorney Evan Turnage is running against Bennie Thompson, 78, a longtime civil rights leader and senior House member. Thompson has emphasized his experience while noting that primary elections allow voters to choose among candidates.
Similar challenges have emerged elsewhere, including in Tennessee, where activist Justin Pearson, 31, is challenging Steve Cohen, 76, and in Connecticut, where former Hartford may-
or Luke Bronin, 46, is running against John Larson, 77.
Incumbents generally hold significant advantages in fundraising and name recognition, while challengers argue that new leadership is needed to reflect shifting voter priorities, including housing affordability, economic security, and political engagement.
Several senior Democrats have also announced retirements ahead of 2026, ensuring some degree of generational turnover regardless of primary outcomes. Party leaders remain divided on whether competitive primaries strengthen democratic participation or risk diverting resources ahead of general elections. n
House Republicans propose federal voting changes ahead of midterms
by AJPress
WASHINGTON — House Republicans have introduced legislation that would impose new nationwide standards on how states conduct federal elections, including restrictions on universal voteby-mail, a ban on ranked-choice voting for federal general elections, and new voter identification requirements.
The bill, introduced in late January and referred to the House Administration Committee, would
prohibit states from automatically mailing ballots to all registered voters for federal contests, requiring voters instead to formally request mail ballots. Exceptions are included for overseas and military voters.
The proposal would also bar the use of ranked-choice voting in elections for Congress and the presidency, while leaving state and local races unaffected. Additional provisions mandate voter-verifiable paper ballots, tighten voter registration list
maintenance, and require documentary proof of U.S. citizenship for applicants using federal mail registration forms.
Republicans say the measure would standardize election rules and strengthen confidence in federal elections. Democrats and voting-rights groups argue it could restrict access and invite legal challenges.
The legislation emerges as the Trump administration and lawmakers turn attention to the 2026 midterm elections. n
SBA tightens loan eligibility rules...
PAGE 1
by foreign nationals, as well as U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals whose principal residence was outside the United States.
The exception applied to the SBA’s primary loan guarantee programs, including the 7(a) working capital program and the 504 real estate and equipment financing program.
New guidance rescinds exception and tightens eligibility
In guidance issued in early February, the SBA formally rescinded the December notice and eliminated the 5 percent ownership exception. Under the revised rules, 100 percent of a borrower’s direct and indirect owners must be U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals who maintain a principal residence in the United States, its territories, or possessions.
The updated policy further specifies that lawful permanent residents, commonly referred to as green card holders, are not eligible to own any percentage interest in a business seeking
SBA-backed financing. Businesses with even indirect ownership by an ineligible individual do not qualify.
The SBA generally does not issue loans directly, except in disaster assistance programs, but guarantees loans made by private lenders. Those guarantees often allow borrowers to obtain lower interest rates and longer repayment terms than conventional commercial loans.
SBA cites domestic ownership focus In an emailed statement reported by the Associated Press, an SBA spokesperson said the revised rules are intended to ensure that taxpayer-backed loan guarantees are directed to businesses fully owned by U.S. citizens or nationals residing domestically.
The agency has not announced any transitional provisions beyond the March 1 effective date.
Congressional Democrats criticize policy shift Democratic members of the House and Senate Small Busi-
ness Committees criticized the change, saying it departs from prior SBA practice and will restrict access to capital for businesses with legal permanent resident owners. In a joint statement, ranking members of the committees said the policy reverses the December 2025 guidance and excludes green card holders from participating in SBA lending programs, which they described as inconsistent with the agency’s mission to expand small-business access to credit.
Part of broader changes to SBA lending standards
The revised citizenship and residency requirements follow a series of SBA updates over the past year that have narrowed eligibility and revised documentation standards across multiple loan programs.
The SBA has not issued additional guidance indicating whether further changes to its capital program eligibility requirements are planned. (AJPress)
Trump administration narrows 2030 census...
PAGE 1
operational changes proposed for 2030, including expanded online self-response, updated field enumeration procedures, and a pilot program involving U.S. Postal Service employees in census outreach and data collection roles.
The issue carries significant national consequences. Accurate census counts are required under
federal law to apportion seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and to guide the distribution of more than $2.8 trillion in annual federal funding, which is allocated through population-based formulas used by numerous government programs. Errors or undercounts can directly affect political representation and the flow of resources to states and local communities for the next decade.
Some census researchers and advocates have expressed concern that limiting the test to two metropolitan areas may reduce opportunities to evaluate counting methods in harder-to-enumerate communities. Census officials have said the agency remains committed to producing a complete and accurate count in 2030 despite the narrower testing footprint. (AJPress)
U.S. President Donald Trump
White House photo
Evidence of infra kickbacks to surface at the proper time – Rep. Leviste
by Gabriel Pabico lalu Inquirer.net
MANILA — Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste has promised that even as he travels to several countries, evidence regarding kickbacks from the infrastructure corruption issue will come out at the proper time.
Leviste, in a statement sent to the media on Thursday, reiterated that he did not want to travel abroad, as it was only based on an appeal from his mother, Senator Loren Legarda.
The Batangas solon initially said last January 30 that administration allies asked him, through his mother, to “go abroad and stop releasing evidence” regarding the infrastructure corruption investigation.
“I do not want to go abroad. I asked the permission of Congress because some administration representatives appealed to my mother that I go abroad instead of me continuing to release evidence regarding the proponents of anomalous DPWH projects,” he said in Filipino.
“More than the Cabral files, evidence that would show the acceptance of kickbacks are with me. I was advised that this is not the right time to release these. Even so, I have prepared videos so that whatever happens to me, the truth will come out,” he added, referring to the files supposedly in the
hands of late and then – Public Works Secretary Maria Catalina Cabral. Leviste claimed that once evidence of kickbacks come out, people would understand why he has been under constant attacks.
“Once this evidence is released, you would understand why I am being attacked, because they fear what I might release. Even so, we will not be shaken by accusations without bases, and truth will come out at the right time. And once that time comes, I hope you would understand why I was asked that this is not the right time.”
When he was asked when would be the right time to release the evidence, Leviste said that he has been advised that now is not the right time because those who can corroborate the evidence have not spoken yet.
“I have been advised that now is not the right time because others have not spoken out who would corroborate the evidence. Just like in the Cabral files, while there is a benefit in releasing the truth to the public, it is also important that others with the evidence are not afraid to testify about it so it will not be questioned,” he said.
“The public needs to support the current or former Cabinet secretaries and undersecretaries with knowledge about kickbacks to become whistleblowers, so they will know they will be protected and have the courage to speak up,” he added.
Whatever happens, Leviste said he hopes no other witnesses would be silenced or found dead.
“I hope no more witnesses will be found dead or fall off a cliff to silence them. But if this happens, it would be good to leave some files, affidavit, or recordings to trustworthy people, so that the truth would not be buried,” he said.
Leviste, a neophyte lawmaker, has been one of the more controversial figures from the House of Representatives of the 20th Congress.
Leviste first made suggestions regarding how to lower project costs and avoid corrupt practices, before eventually accusing fellow lawmakers of wrongdoing.
In November, Leviste claimed to have obtained documents that implicated lawmakers and contractors in terms of “pre-ordering” DPWH projects at the National Expenditures Program level — or having projects assigned to a particular lawmaker or contractor even before Congress gets to deliberate on the budget.
Leviste said the document came from files given to him by Cabral.
When Cabral died, Leviste claimed to have a copy of the documents previously in the late official’s possession.
The claim set off discussions as to how Leviste obtained the document, whether these were credible, and the lawmaker’s goal behind the exposé. n
When health insurance costs more than the mortgage
by Renuka Rayasam KFF Health
When Noah Hulsman, who owns a skate shop in Louisville, Kentucky, learned he no longer qualified for federal subsidies to help him pay for his “gold” Affordable Care Act health plan, the 37-year-old opted for skimpier coverage. But the deductible is about a quarter of his yearly income.
Loretta Forbes realized she would have to drop her plan after her monthly ACA marketplace premiums jumped tenfold in 2026. So the 56-year-old, who lives outside Nashville, Tennessee, started rationing her rheumatoid arthritis medications. Her husband, Jim, gave up on his fledgling handyman business and started looking for a job with insurance coverage.
And when Nicole Wipp learned the monthly premium for her family’s ACA plan would be more than their mortgage payment, she and her husband decided to drop their family plan and buy coverage only for their 15-year-old son.
After crunching the numbers, Wipp, 54, a self-employed lawyer in Aiken, South Carolina, said she and her family made the tough call.
“We decided that, ultimately, it would be better for us to gamble.”
Despite a contentious backand-forth and the longest government shutdown in history last fall, the GOP-led Congress allowed enhanced ACA subsidies, which had helped millions of Americans cover all or part of their marketplace premiums since 2021, to expire on Dec. 31. With the loss of the subsidies and health care costs already surging, more middle-income people face tough decisions about their health coverage this year.
Hulsman, Forbes, and Wipp don’t qualify for Medicaid, the public insurance program for those with low incomes or disabilities. But like many others, they are being squeezed by the increasing costs of groceries, housing, and other necessities. Rising monthly health insurance premiums, along with copayments, high deductibles, and other out-of-pocket medical costs, can often push families like these to the brink.
More than 80% of Americans said their cost of living has increased in the past year, according to a January poll from KFF, a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News. Health care costs ranked at the top of their concerns, with about two-thirds saying that they are somewhat or very worried about affording health care — more than said the same about other necessities, such as food and housing, the poll found.
“Premiums are getting quite unaffordable for a lot of people. The cost of both health care and other basic needs is rising,” said Cheryl Fish-Parcham, director of private coverage at the health consumer group Families USA. “This is an especially critical time for Congress to do
KFF Health News)
something.”
Most Republican lawmakers have refused to renew the enhanced subsidies. Most of the public says that inaction by Congress was the “wrong thing,” according to the KFF poll. Instead, GOP lawmakers have advocated for an expansion of health savings accounts and for more plans with lower premiums and steeper deductibles and copays that don’t reduce overall costs.
President Donald Trump released an outline of a health plan in January with few details about how to lower out-of-pocket costs for millions of Americans. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which he signed in July, is expected to leave millions uninsured over the next decade as it reduces federal health spending by nearly $1 trillion, mostly from Medicaid.
Already about 1.2 million fewer people have signed up for plans for this year under the ACA, also known as Obamacare, according to federal data. Health policy analysts expect more people to stop making payments and drop coverage in the coming months. ACA marketplace insurers have said that they are charging 4 percentage points more in 2026 because they expect healthier people to drop plans as enhanced tax credits expire, leaving more sick and high-cost patients.
Rising costs and lack of congressional action are forcing many to make “untenable choices,” said Joan Alker, executive director and co-founder of the Center for Children and Families at Georgetown University.
“People are faced with absorbing this huge financial and health risk,” she said. Forbes, the woman with rheumatoid arthritis near Nashville, had been on an ACA marketplace plan since 2018. But this year she and her husband, Jim, dropped their coverage after learning the monthly premium would jump from $250 to $2,500 because the enhanced subsidies expired. Jim, 59, gave up his handyman business and began searching for a job with health insurance.
“We were like: ‘OK, we can’t breathe. We’re gonna tap out,’” said Forbes, who was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2021. Last year she lost her job at a retirement facility because she couldn’t work after she had a hysterectomy.
Villar denies SEC fraud charges...
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The SEC charged Villar Land with violations of the Securities Regulation Code for making false or misleading statements and engaging in acts constituting fraud or deceit upon investors, claiming that the company’s disclosures distorted its share prices and misled the investing public.
Villar said Villar Land has yet to receive a copy of the SEC complaint with the Department of Justice the (DOJ).
“Hence, my knowledge is limited to what has been reported by various media outlets. I understand that the DOJ would now have to evaluate the complaint and determine if preliminary investigation will be warranted,” Villar said.
Villar, however, assured the public that Villar Land would respond to all the allegations in the proper forum.
“We will fully cooperate with an impartial investigation that
fosters due process, protects the public’s welfare and ferrets out the truth,” Villar said.
“And, finally, I am confident that justice will prevail and I, my family and our companies will be exonerated of all these baseless charges,” he said.
Villar Land’s share price plunged by 8.85 percent to P608 apiece yesterday from the previous day’s P667. Its 52-week high is P933, while its 52-week low is P601.
The SEC’s charges stemmed from the commission’s investigation into Villar Land’s public disclosures and trading activities.
According to the SEC, Villar Land’s public disclosure of its 2024 financial statements reported a substantial increase in total assets to P1.33 trillion and net income of P999.72 billion from P1.46 billion in the previous year.
The company attributed the increase to a revaluation of its
real estate holdings.
The SEC alleged that these figures were disclosed to the investing public before the completion of the company’s external audit.
The commission said that the company’s independent auditor subsequently clarified that the financial statements had not yet been fully audited, particularly with respect to the valuation of significant properties.
When the audited financial statements were later submitted, the SEC said Villar Land reported significantly lower amounts than those earlier disclosed, with total assets of only P35.7 billion.
The SEC’s complaint further alleged that related entities, including Infra Holdings and MGS Construction, engaged in trading activities that created artificial demand and supported the price of Villar Land shares. Infra Holdings is owned by Virgilio Villar, the brother of Manny. n
Gov’t communicators urged to counter Red...
PAGE 1 of the country, NCR is deliberately targeted as a primary battleground for propaganda and psychological operations,” the NTF-Elcac official added.
A day before their ACA coverage lapsed, her husband got a job offer at a property management company that provides health coverage. In January, they learned that Forbes was approved for Medicare because of her disability. The $155 monthly premium is automatically deducted from her disability check, she said.
Forbes’ Medicare plan starts in February, just in time for her next cancer screening.
“You cannot imagine what a relief it is to know I will have care,” Forbes said.
Even those who are insured face drastically higher out-ofpocket costs. This year, health insurers’ premiums for ACA marketplace plans jumped an average of 26%, the result of higher hospital costs, the popularity of pricey GLP-1 drugs for obesity and diabetes, and the threat of tariffs, according to KFF. Nearly 4 in 10 adults said they were skipping or postponing necessary care because of costs, a 2025 KFF poll showed.
Hulsman, the Louisville shop owner, said he takes home about $33,000 a year from his business. Last year he paid about $105 a month for a gold plan on the marketplace, with a $750 deductible. This year, with the loss of the enhanced subsidy, Hulsman is paying the same monthly premium for a “bronze” plan, but with a deductible of $8,450, which he must pay out-of-pocket
He also pointed to the extensive use of digital platforms and social media ecosystems to sow distrust, distort realities and agitate the public against the government.
The NTF-Elcac official made this call amid a recent surge of coordinated online activity — largely driven by NCR-based front organizations — that reflects a strategic recalibration by the communist movement as insurgents steadily losing ground in the provinces.
“This is not a display of strength. It is a manifestation of desperation,” he said.
Torres stressed that the information domain has become a decisive front in the post-conflict phase, warning that terrorist-grooming, disinformation, misinformation, hate speech, and calculated falsehoods pose a direct threat to hard-earned peace gains.
“Countering these narratives is no longer optional — it is a shared responsibility… We are called upon not merely to communicate, but to become deliberate communicators of peace, grounded in truth, credibility, and public service,” Torres said.
He emphasized that current communication efforts are anchored on the National Action Plan on Unity, Peace, and Development (NAP-UPD) 2025–2028, which adopts a whole-of-nation and whole-of-society approach
to addressing the root causes of armed conflict, sustaining peace gains and strengthening community resilience. Within this framework, Torres outlined three key priorities for peace communication.
First is unifying the peace constituency across sectors through consistent, values-driven messaging aligned with the NAP-UPD message house.
Second is proactive narrative-building that highlights peace dividends, best practices and concrete results of whole-of-government and whole-of-society efforts.
Third is the intensification of digital engagement, particularly among the youth, through partnerships with schools, universities, youth organizations and online communities. n
Two impeach raps filed vs VP Sara...
PAGE 1
from December 2022 until the third quarter of 2023.
• Betrayal of public trust due to her alleged gross disregard of transparency and accountability, making a mockery of the audit process by ordering subordinates to prepare implausible accomplishment reports supported by fabricated liquidation reports and falsified documents and submitting these to the Commission on Audit.
• Betrayal of public trust due to Duterte’s alleged dereliction of official duty, with her willful refusal to recognize congressional oversight during budget deliberations and its authority to conduct inquiries in aid of legislation.
The second complaint listed five articles of impeachment, accusing Duterte of constitutional violations, graft and corruption, bribery and accumulated unexplained wealth, gross incompetence and abuse of power, and that she tolerated extrajudicial killings while participating in efforts to destabilize the government.
Clarification needed
The complaints came as the petitioners believed that the one-year constitutional bar on the filing of impeachment cases has lapsed based on the Supreme Court ruling with finality last month that last year’s impeachment complaint against Duterte was unconstitutional.
However, Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro, House committee on justice chair, has asked the Supreme Court (SC) to clarify conflicting interpretations of the ruling on the one-year prohibition.
“It depends on which decision you are referring to. If we are talking about the original decision of the [SC], the basis for the one-year prohibition period is the impeachment complaint filed through one-third of the House on Feb. 5, [2025]. That’s why they say that a second impeachment can be filed starting Feb. 6, 2026,” the lawmaker said in a media briefing.
“However, if you are referring to the resolution recently issued by the [SC], they consider that the first impeachment complaint, which was filed on Dec. 2, 2024, due to the House’s inaction, was deemed initiated when the 10-session-day period lapsed. That was on Jan. 14, 2025. By implication, the oneyear prohibition period lapsed on Jan. 15, 2026. So, we are at a crossroads again,” she added.
“Which date should we follow? Is it the reckoning period of Feb. 5, or that of Dec. 2? I hope this can be clarified by the Honorable [SC],” Luistro said.
Different rulings
In its July 2025 decision, the high tribunal declared the impeachment complaint against Duterte that reached the Senate as unconstitutional, saying it was barred by the one-year rule under Article XI, Section 3(5) of the 1987 Constitution. The case stemmed from four impeachment complaints against Duterte.
The first three were filed by private individuals and different groups on Dec. 2, 4, and 19, 2024, while the fourth was lodged by a resolution approved by more than a third of the members of the House on Feb. 5, 2025, and transmitted to the
Senate on the same day.
The high court emphasized in its decision that any subsequent complaint may be filed only starting Feb. 6, 2026.
In a resolution released on Jan. 29, 2026, the SC en banc denied with finality the motion for reconsideration filed by the House.
It said that respondents were not able to comply in putting the three endorsed complaints in the order of business of the House within 10 session days, affirming that the fourth complaint transmitted to the Senate on Feb. 5, 2025, was already barred. The resolution said “the 10 session days should be reckoned from the filing and endorsement of the first impeachment complaint on Dec. 2, 2024.”
Meanwhile, Malacañang maintained that the President had no involvement in the filing of fresh impeachment complaints against Duterte, his erstwhile ally turned political nemesis.
“The fresh impeachment complaints contained almost the same allegations made in the impeachment complaint filed last year … But even so, we have no hand in this. We are not responsible for the filing of those complaints,” Palace press officer Claire Castro said in a briefing.
At the same time, Senior Deputy Majority Leader Lorenz Defensor said the House would prepare changes to their rules regarding impeachment proceedings to “make it clearer and more definitive.”
(With reports from Dexter Cabalza and Inquirer research)
News
BARMM POLLS. Commission on Elections Chairman Erwin George Garcia (center) and Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity,
Secretary Carlito Galvez (right), attend the public hearing of the Senate Committees on Local Government, Electoral Reforms and People’s
Participation and Finance at the Senate in Pasay City on Thursday (Feb. 5, 2026). The hearing tackled Senate Bill 1587, which seeks to reset the
first regular elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. PNA photo by Avito Dalan
When Nicole Wipp learned the monthly premium for her family’s ACA plan would be more than their mortgage payment, she and her husband, Marcus Sutherland, decided to drop their family plan and buy coverage for only their son, Marek.(The Wipp family)
Noah Hulsman, who owns a skate shop in Louisville, Kentucky, lost extra subsidies that helped him pay for a “gold” plan on the Affordable Care Act marketplace. (Luke
DAteline PhiliPPines
Imee Marcos to lose Foreign Relations Committee post at Senate
by Jean Mangaluz Philstar.com
MANILA — Sen. Imee Marcos
will be replaced as chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Senate President Tito Sottto said, citing the tradition that the post is reserved for members of the majority.
Marcos has chaired the committee since the previous Congress. She has used the panel to summon administration officials, including after the arrest and turnover of former president Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court.
On Friday, January 30, Sotto said the Senate leadership initially allowed Marcos to keep the post in the hope that she would join the majority bloc.
“But apparently things did work out that way at meron mga important treaties at agreements na nakapending doon na malaki ang concern ng mga members of majority. We decided that we should give it to a member of the majority,” Sotto said at a virtual press conference.
(But apparently things did work out that way and there are important treaties and agreements that are still pending there, which have a significant concern from the members of the majority. We decided that we should give it to a member of the majority.)
Denial of political retaliation. Sotto denied that Marcos was being replaced because she
refused to sign a Senate resolution condemning the Chinese Embassy’s public statements against Philippine officials.
Only 15 senators signed the resolution. Several lawmakers who declined to sign were considered aligned with former president Duterte, including Sens. Bong Go and Robin Padilla.
Many senators aligned with Duterte have expressed more conciliatory positions toward China. Marcos famously said in 2019 that it was the Philippines
that initiated trouble with China after filing a case at the Permanent Court of Arbitration over the West Philippine Sea. Possible successor. Sotto did not name Marcos’ replacement but said Sen. Erwin Tulfo has reportedly expressed interest in the chairship.
Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri was instructed to inform Marcos of the leadership’s decision. Marcos was offered the Committee on Constitutional Amendments but reportedly declined. n
190 Pinoy trafficking victims repatriated from Cambodia
by CHristine Boton Philstar.com
MANILA — Up to 190 Filipino victims of human trafficking returned to Manila from Cambodia early yesterday morning.
They arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 where they were welcomed by government officials and assured of immediate support. The repatriates were flown on
a Philippine government-chartered flight, which landed at the NAIA at 4:03 a.m.
Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, along with representatives from other government agencies, welcomed the repatriates and coordinated their transfer to rehabilitation and reintegration programs.
The welcoming team included officials from the Department of Migrant Workers, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration,
Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Department of Foreign Affairs, Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, Department of Justice, Bureau of Immigration, the police Women and Children Protection Center, Anti-Cybercrime Group, International Organization for Migration and the Blas Ople Policy Center. Since 2022, the government has facilitated the repatriation of 877 Filipino trafficking victims. n
No Cabinet revamp for now, but...
by Helen Flores Philstar.com
about Sen. Rodante Marcoleta’s concern over the supposedly growing number of government agencies that are being led by secretaries serving in an acting capacity.
“There will no longer be any rigodon, and the names will be submitted to the Commission on Appointments as soon as
Malacañang Palace, the official residence of the president of the Philippines, as seen from the Pasig River. Gov.ph
Sen. Imee Marcos as photographed on March 20, 2025. STAR / Jesse Bustos
FeAtures OPiniOn
Black History Month and what it explains about
America
EACH February, the United States marks Black History Month, an annual observance recognizing the history and contributions of Black Americans. The commemoration is often treated as ceremonial. Its primary function, however, is explanatory. It provides historical context for how American institutions developed and how rights expanded through conflict, law, and sustained civic pressure.
The observance traces its origins to Carter G. Woodson, who established Negro History Week in 1926 after concluding that Black history was largely absent from American education. The recognition expanded into a month-long observance in 1976, reflecting broader acceptance that Black history is integral to the national story, not a parallel one.
Editorial
More than recognition
Black History Month emerged in response to long-standing omissions in public record and instruction. For much of U.S. history, the experiences of Black Americans were marginalized in textbooks and civic narratives, even as enslaved and later segregated populations played central roles in building the country’s economy, infrastructure, and institutions.
The observance documents how Black Americans navigated and challenged systems of enslavement, segregation, and exclusion, and how those challenges influenced constitutional interpretation and public policy. Over time, these efforts altered voting laws, labor standards, education access, and civil rights enforcement, reshaping the framework of American
IN the often emotional and highly charged discourse surrounding the West Philippine Sea, the word “restraint” can sometimes sound like weakness. In reality, restraint is often the most powerful strategic tool for a state that knows both its rights and long-term interests.
The Philippines’ National Maritime Council had called for restraint amid heated public exchanges between Philippine officials and the Chinese embassy in Manila, emphasizing that disagreements should be managed through established diplomatic and legal channels, rather than through social media. It was a sober reminder that while sovereignty must be defended, diplomacy must remain dignified.
The incident itself was telling. What began as pointed online commentary quickly evolved into formal diplomatic protests and public rebuttals, demonstrating how easily digital platforms can transform technical maritime disputes into emotional national narratives. Once that happens, positions harden,
IT has often kept me wondering whether the past architects of our nation’s educational system would be proud of how we ended up today. From the Dominican founders of the University of Santo Tomas—the oldest university in Asia—to the American Thomasites who brought the promise of free schooling, each generation built upon the conviction that education is the most powerful equalizer in society. Even in the early American period, champions like Isauro Gabaldón authored the Gabaldon Law of 1907, erecting schools that stood as monuments to a nation’s faith in learning as the foundation of democracy. Despite this proud heritage, we confront what may be the greatest learning crisis in our history. However, the system has not failed entirely. It retains three enduring strengths: the high value Filipinos place on education, the quiet dedication of teachers, and the resil-
citizenship.
National consequences
Many of the country’s most consequential legal and institutional shifts were shaped by Black-led movements. Court decisions, federal legislation, and administrative reforms expanded interpretations of equal protection under the law and influenced how rights are applied across states and communities.
Cultural influence followed a similar trajectory.
Black Americans have played a defining role in shaping U.S. music, literature, political discourse, and popular culture. These contributions are embedded in the country’s global identity and domestic self-understanding.
How this history intersects with Filipino American experience For Filipino Americans, Black History Month offers historical context that clarifies how immigrant communities entered American civic life.
Filipino migration occurred within a racial order already structured by earlier systems of exclusion.
Diplomacy and restraint in the West Philippine Sea
audiences grow angrier and compromise becomes politically toxic.
In international relations – especially in maritime disputes –progress is rarely made through megaphone diplomacy, but through quiet persistence, legal consistency, alliance-building and disciplined messaging. Our position in the West Philippine Sea is strong. International law is on our side, particularly the 2016 arbitral ruling which invalidated expansive maritime claims that are violative of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Few countries in modern history have secured such a clear legal victory against a major power. That ruling remains our most powerful diplomatic asset. But law, on its own, does not enforce itself. It must be embedded within a broader strategy that combines firmness with restraint, principle with pragmatism.
From Washington’s perspective, the Philippines is now far more strategically relevant than it was a decade ago, with deeper alliances, stronger military
partnerships and a more influential voice within ASEAN. The Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, renewed defense modernization and regular joint exercises have increased our strategic weight.
Yet precisely because we now matter more, we must also communicate more carefully. Great powers are judged not by how loudly they assert themselves, but by how steadily they manage tensions.
In a conversation years ago with a senior US diplomat who had spent much of his career dealing with the most sensitive flashpoints of the Cold War –Berlin, Taiwan and the Korean Peninsula – I asked what mattered most in preventing crises from spiraling into conflict. His answer was surprisingly simple: “Tone and timing.” Most wars do not start because of strategy, but because of miscalculation amplified by pride, public pressure and careless words.
That has stayed with me. In Washington, even the most hardline security officials constantly emphasize the same u PAGE 7
Reclaiming the soul of Philippine education
ient learning capacity of students. These are the foundations upon which reform must stand. When the Second Congressional Commission on Education (Edcom 2) began, we faced an inconvenient truth: legislative oversight over education agencies— Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHEd), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda)—was often reactive, fragmented, and event-driven. We lacked sustained, evidence-based engagement.
Edcom 2 changed that, modeling oversight that listens before it legislates. We realized that true accountability is not about assigning blame but ensuring that every reform achieves what it promised. This shifted our perspective from faultfinding to future-building. In our consultations, we discovered that effective oversight begins with listening. We traveled across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, meeting teachers carrying the weight of their schools and students whose hunger to learn
labor exploitation, and restrictions on social integration that reflected broader racial hierarchies embed
ded in law and practice.
At the same time, many of the protections later available to Filipino Americans, including civil rights
Economic Forum
Davos, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney did something rare in global politics. He spoke bluntly about the failure of the global system – not because it is obsolete, but because its chief architect has been dismantling it from within. His talk was neither bombastic nor theatrical. It was measured, sober and therefore all the more forceful. It was a speech that will go down in history as marking the end of the current world order and the end of American hegemony.
The core message of Carney’s address was unmistakable. That the global order, designed and led by the United States since the end of World War II, is unraveling because the U.S. itself is increasingly weaponizing the very mechanisms that sustain it. Free trade, geopolitical alliances and even the U.S. dollar – once pillars of stability – are now deployed as instruments of pressure, punishment and political leverage. For eight decades, the world order rested on an unspoken agreement. That the U.S. would underwrite security, open markets
and a stable financial architecture. In return, allies would align strategically and integrate economically with America. Sure, the system was imperfect and often asymmetric. But it was predictable. That predictability allowed countries to plan, invest and prosper within its established rules. That predictability is purposely being broken by Donald Trump.
Trade is no longer treated as mutually beneficial, but as a zero-sum race with winners and losers. Tariffs are used as political threats rather than economic tools. Alliances are viewed less as long-term commitments but more as transactions that can be reneged. Even the U.S. dollar and SWIFT system, once a neutral foundation of global finance, are now used to pressure and punish countries into submission. When access to trade, money and security depends on loyalty instead of rules, the global order shifts from cooperation to coercion.
Trump’s actions reflect the classic behavior of a declining empire desperate to hold on to its hegemony. Confronted with de-industrialization, crippling debt, military fatigue and the rise of competing powers, Trump rejects
the right path of internal reform in favor of quick-fix solutions. The latter being to pressure friends and foes to gain leverage. His tactics include squeezing allies, weaponizing economic ties and using global institutions to force compliance.
At home, he creates the appearance of restored strength. In reality, he is accelerating the decline of America. By dismantling the rules that amplified American power, Trump hastens the erosion of trust, legitimacy and consent –the very foundations of America’s sustained hegemony.
Middle powers conundrum
The impact of Trump’s actions is felt around the world and middle-power countries are affected the most. Canada counts itself as a middle-power country, as is most developed and emerging economies, including the Philippines. Middle-power countries do best when international rules are clear and fairly applied. Why? Because rules protect them from being pushed around by stronger powers like the China, Russia and the U.S. itself. As rules weaken, middle powers are left with bad options: they can capitulate to u PAGE 7
overcame hunger itself. These encounters reminded us that every statistic represents a human face. Oversight grounded in empathy is not weakness; it is wisdom.
Edcom 2 became the prototype for a systematized legislative oversight framework. It bridged the isolated islands of policy, planning, and implementation. By partnering with an independent research consortium, Edcom 2 gave the legislature the capacity to verify data independently, allowing Congress to measure progress by impact rather than just compliance. It proved that oversight can be strategic rather than episodic. Reform requires institutional memory. Without continuity, even the best policies lose momentum. To sustain this work, Congress should consider establishing an education caucus—a cross-party group of legislators committed to sustained engagement on education reform.
Such a caucus would serve as a permanent platform to review data and monitor reforms, ensuring u PAGE 7
THE Department of Public Works and Highways once again confirmed itself as a theater of theft. Last week Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon relieved three Pampanga 2nd District officials — maintenance chief Ranilo Magtoto and construction engineers Arnold Domingo and Jefferson Guinto — after credible reports they demanded up to eight percent commissions on district contracts . The arithmetic of greed is simple: when billions flow through road and flood-control projects, a small percentage becomes a fortune. That so many continue to risk exposure and shame shows the rewards still far outweigh the punishment. This is not isolated greed. The DPWH’s roster of fallen officials, from sacked engineers to undersecretaries now facing graft cases or expected plunder indictments — and even the tragic death of Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral — reveals a pattern of sys-
temic kleptocracy. Investigations and media reports show accused crooks “lived it up,” while probes seem to be skimming the surface.
The biggest fish swim free, enjoying the loot while smaller operatives take the fall . That impunity breeds audacity.
Make no mistake: the motive mirrors the cruel calculus that sustained the illegal drug trade. When profits are vast, the cost of enforcement becomes merely an occupational hazard. Killings, firings, and occasional arrests do not alter the expected returns. As long as corrupt networks can shield proceeds, hire lawyers, and keep assets beyond the reach of authorities, the “kalakaran” will grind on. We have reached the point where moral outrage must be matched by muscular law. Symbolic suspensions and “one-strike” promises will not do. We need laws designed to smother organized corruption at its roots. Our “unclean” Congress including their “Cong-tractors” and “Senatongs”
must act now to pass a Philippine RICO-style statute modeled on America’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, tailored to our systems and tested by our courts. Such legislation would allow prosecutors to charge syndicates rather than mere individuals, enable civil and criminal asset forfeiture, and empower coordinated investigations across agencies. Let us stop pretending this is a string of unfortunate lapses. It is a criminal enterprise masquerading as public service. Citizens paying taxes deserve roads and flood control, not the private villas and luxury cars of men who siphon national wealth. We must demand elected leaders do more than make promises and photo-ops at collapsed dikes. We must demand laws that make kleptocracy
babe’s eye view
Babe Romualdez
The Corner oracle Andrew J. Masigan
AT the World
in
Black History Month and what it explains...
There were also points of direct overlap. In labor movements, particularly in agriculture and service industries, Filipino and Black workers often faced similar economic constraints and employer practices. These encounters reflected shared structural conditions rather than isolated community experiences.
A continuing framework in the present moment Black History Month is being observed amid renewed national debate over how history is taught, how race is discussed in public institutions, and how civil rights laws are interpreted and enforced. Across the country, school curricula, public libraries, and diversity initiatives have become points of political contest, reflecting broader disagreements about national
identity and historical memory. At the same time, courts, legislatures, and administrative agencies continue to address issues that echo earlier civil rights struggles, including voting access, immigration enforcement, workplace protections, and equal treatment under the law. These debates shape not only policy outcomes, but also the practical boundaries of inclusion and protection.
Black History Month does not resolve contemporary debates over race, immigration, or civic identity. What it does provide is a documented record of how similar disputes unfolded in earlier periods, how institutions responded under pressure, and how the boundaries of rights were redefined through law rather than consensus. That record matters at a time
when questions about historical memory, legal protection, and civic inclusion are again contested. The expansion of rights in the United States has rarely been linear or permanent. It has depended on whether past precedents are understood, upheld, or quietly set aside.
For Filipino Americans and other immigrant communities, this history offers more than analogy. It explains the legal and social architecture within which opportunity became possible and within which it can also be constrained.
Black History Month, viewed in this light, functions less as commemoration than as reference, clarifying how American democracy has changed and how vulnerable those changes can be when their origins are forgotten.
(AJPress)
When a world leader calls...
stronger countries; spend beyond their means to match the power of their bullies or stay vague and neutral – inviting pressure from all sides. Carney’s speech captured the growing concern shared by middle-power leaders. Carney’s solution is collective strength. He urges middle powers to unite, coordinate and cooperate – aligning policies, pooling influence and acting together so they can resist economic and political coercion. Together, middle powers can shape the global system rather than be shaped by the ambitions of superpowers.
A masterstroke Carney’s speech was not only timely, it was the height of fearlessness. It was delivered at a time when many leaders tiptoe around Trump for fear of retribution. Carney spoke without theatrical denunciation. He was measured, mature and surgical.
The speech was a masterstroke on Canada’s part. In the face of increasing harassment and economic pressure from the U.S., Carney could have chosen silence or accommodation. Instead, he chose leadership. By framing its concerns as systemic rather than
bilateral, Canada elevated its predicament to the global conversation.
Canada did not plead for exemption. Rather, it argued for principle. In doing so, Carney positioned Canada not as a victim of Trump’s bullying, but as a champion of international stability.
The juxtaposition between Carney and Trump’s speeches at Davos could not have been sharper. One spoke in the language of responsibility, stewardship and shared fate. The other spoke with grievances, insults and threats.
One understood that leadership requires restraint and level-headedness. The other mistakes volatility for strength. One plans for the collective good over the long term. The other works for shortterm unilateral wins.
History rarely announces its turning points so clearly. At Davos, Mark Carney did.
The Philippines in the new world order
For the Philippines, preparing for the new world order begins with accepting two facts: that dependence is risk and strategic autonomy is strength.
What is strategic autonomy? It is the ability to make national securi-
ty and economic decisions based on the country’s own interests without being forced to submit to greater powers. To achieve strategic autonomy, a country must first be able to defend and feed itself. To provide the basic needs such as shelter, health care and education without external help. It also means having the financial strength to withstand external shocks and crises. These are fundamental.
Strategic autonomy is further fortified by forming alliances that are firm but not exclusive. This means forging security cooperation agreements while actively expanding trade, investment and development ties with like-minded partners.
As you can tell, there is a lot of work to do. It all starts by having a Chief Executive that is forward looking, strategic, responsible and transformative. 2028 cannot come soon enough. (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.
* * * Email: andrew_rs6@yahoo.com. Follow him on Twitter @aj_masigan
Reclaiming the soul of Philippine...
that education remains a shared national priority across administrations. It would preserve the insights of Edcom 2, transforming them into a living network within Congress.
Looking beyond Edcom 2, three courses of action must define the future:
(1) Coresponsibility: Education is a shared calling. We must move from “yours” and “mine” to “ours.” Oversight becomes stewardship—a shared duty to ensure no child is left behind.
(2) Collaboration: DepEd, CHEd, Tesda, and private institutions must act as one national learning ecosystem. Synergy must replace redundancy.
(3) Community: Reform must grow from the ground up. Communities are not just beneficiaries of policy; they are coauthors of it. If Edcom 2 is remembered for one thing, it should be for proving that good governance is the foundation of good education. Our vision is a system guided by reflection and service—where teachers teach with joy and students learn with hope. In many ways, the work of Edcom 2 continues what early architects began. The Dominicans viewed education as a moral duty; the Thomasites as a right; Gabaldón as a public trust. Today, we affirm that education is a covenant of coresponsibility. As we conclude Edcom 2, we do
not end a project—we carry forward a tradition. Oversight must become a habit of governance and a discipline of service. From the mission of the Thomasites to the legacy of Gabaldón, we inherit a sacred trust: to keep learning, to keep leading, and to keep building. That is the promise we must keep. (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.
* * * Rep. Jude Acidre is a cochair of Edcom 2 and the chair of the House committee on higher and technical education. A longer version of this article appears in the Edcom 2 Final Report.
PBBM should push RICO law..
the anti-corruption purges will be mere theater, and the country will keep paying the price. He called corruption as a cancer that must be excised; public pressure should compel the excision now. Citizens must flood hotlines, vote out complicit officials, back honest prosecutors, and demand the RICO bill. Silence equals consent. If we do not act decisively, our children will inherit a bankrupt state built on stolen concrete and broken promises. (next)
Criminalize “diploma mills” ; end “mass promotion” in public schools now
The recent EDCOM II findings have exposed two corrosive practices that together hollow out learning, sink public trust, and squander public funds. First is routine practice of mass promotion in basic education while the second is the proliferation of low-quality graduate credentials (“diploma mills”). Both are not merely technical failings — they are moral and institutional failures. Left unchecked, they will render decades of reform and record budgets become ineffectual. Mass promotion destroys accountability and learning integrity. Automatically advancing students who have not mastered foundational literacy and numeracy collapses incentives for remediation, traps future cohorts in deeper deficits, and undermines the very purpose of progression to certify readiness for the next stage of learning.
At Grade 3, our students are 30.5 percent considered proficient to highly proficient, and DEPED considers this as meeting the minimum skills at that key stage. However, by the time the students finish Grade 6, steep declines are observed, with only 19.56% considered proficient. This further
worsens in Grades 10 and 12, with only 0.74% and 0.4% as they move into secondary level or senior high school. These findings underscore the severe challenges faced by learners as they move across grade level. And clearly, mass promotion must immediately stop. However, we must increase efforts to help those vulnerable students who are unready and needs extra support. So far, the DepEd programs Bawat Bata Makababasa Program (BBMP), the Literacy Remediation (LRP) and ARAL programs have shown promise.
Diploma mills, on the other hand, must be eradicated. EDCOM II documents the proliferation of low-quality graduate programs and the pernicious incentive of degree-for-promotion rules that fuel “diploma mills.”
In government service, a great number of public officers or applicants have submitted false and fraudulent credentials to obtain appointments, promotions, salary increases, licensure and to avail of public benefits. Talks are rife about senior government officers who used fake civil service eligibilities or even CESO rankings to become permanent in their plantilla positions. Due to this pernicious incentive for degree for promotion rules, fake graduate schools that offer quickie masters diplomas in record time and minimal effort are thriving. And sadly, there are inadequate institutional verification safeguards across government personnel systems to investigate these fakes. We are world famous for credential fraud as foreigners use these diploma mills or even Recto University diplomas in their own countries as part of their manufactured credentials. And unfortunately, this nefarious practice continues to happen mainly because government fails
Diplomacy and restraint...
principle: keep communication channels open, avoid boxing yourself in public and never make it politically impossible for the other side to step back. Real diplomacy, they say, happens when both sides are given room to de-escalate without losing face.
In any national dispute, there is a temptation to “win the narrative.” Social media encourages quick reactions, sharp language and emotional symbolism. But foreign policy is not domestic politics – it is a long game, played on multiple boards, with consequences that outlast any viral moment.
This is why the NMC’s call for restraint deserves serious attention. Restraint does not mean silence; it means choosing the right battlefield. And the most effective battlefield for the Philippines remains international law, multilateral diplomacy and alliance coordination.
The Philippines should continue to document every incident, file every protest and engage every forum – from ASEAN to the UN to strategic partners like the US, Japan, Australia and Europe. These may not produce instant headlines, but they slowly shape the strategic environment in our favor.
We should also resist turning every maritime encounter into a media spectacle. Transparency is important, but dramatization
narrows diplomatic options, inflames public opinion and forces leaders into positions from which retreat becomes politically impossible.
History shows that even the most entrenched territorial disputes are ultimately managed not through confrontation, but through patience and sustained engagement. Vietnam and China, Malaysia and Thailand, even Japan and China all maintain complex disputes while continuing economic and diplomatic relations.
Defending our rights and maintaining dialogue with China should not be contradictory. A confident state can assert legal positions firmly while keeping communication channels open. This is not appeasement; it is strategic maturity. Economic diplomacy also matters. China remains one of our largest trading partners, investors and tourism sources. While security issues must never be compromised, economic interdependence provides additional incentives for stability.
Tensions in the West Philippine Sea do not have to poison every aspect of bilateral relations.
From a purely strategic perspective, the Philippines benefits from being seen as a rational, predictable, rules-based actor. This strengthens our credibility with partners and increases diplomatic support when we need it most. The mo-
ment we are perceived as impulsive or inflammatory – we weaken our own case.
One lesson from Washington is particularly relevant: the strongest American administrations were not those that shouted the loudest, but those that built coalitions quietly, sustaining them patiently over time. During my years here, I have seen how much weight tone and discipline carry in diplomacy. Countries that are calm under pressure are taken more seriously than those that react emotionally, no matter how justified their grievances may be.
Restraint is not about avoiding conflict; it’s about shaping it, allowing a country to keep control of the narrative, the legal framework and the strategic tempo.
The West Philippine Sea will remain a contested space for many years, with incidents, frustrations and provocations. But the ultimate measure of success will not be how many statements we issue, but how effectively we preserve our sovereignty, strengthen our alliances and maintain regional stability. (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.
* * * Email: babeseyeview@gmail.com
to fight them directly. Up to now, there is no single, dedicated law (attention Congress) that expressly and comprehensively criminalizes the operations of diploma mills and “credential fraud” are just regulated by CHED TESDA and PRC.
I repeat, there is no clear legal framework that identifies diploma mills as a criminal activity, and this includes addressing credential integrity and imposing mandatory verification for public or private sector promotions. There must be a law to imprison bad actors who use fraudulent credentials for public benefit, I mean, government individuals who knowingly submitting false or fake documents to obtain promotion, appointment salary increases, scholarship or licensure.
If we continue to allow diploma mills to flourish and mass promotion in schools to persist, both are betrayals of learners, taxpayers, and the future workforce. The EDCOM II diagnosis is clear: these practices are enabled by weak governance and perverse incentives. To resolve these, we need political courage, legal clarity, and relentless enforcement. Accept no half-measures. The country must move from passive tolerance to their active eradication. Diploma mills and mass promotion are existential threats — and our country must act accordingly.
This is the moment for decisive action. The next decade of education reforms will live or die by our ability to restore credential integrity and demand true mastery before promotion. Anything less is a dereliction of duty. (Inquirer.net)
ARTS MONTH. Performers clad in colorful traditional Filipino attire dance during the opening concert for National Arts Month 2026 at the Rizal Park Open Air Auditorium in Manila on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026. Dubbed “Ani ng Sining: Konsiyerto ng Katotohanan at Giting,” the concert brought together Filipino artists across music, dance, and performances. PNA photo by Avito Dalan
DepEd presses for completion of classrooms, delivery options for 2026
by JaN escosio Inquirer.net
MANILA — The Department of Education (DepEd) is intensifying efforts to complete unfinished classroom projects nationwide, even as it prepares to broaden delivery options starting 2026 to address long-standing gaps in basic education facilities.
For previous years, classroom construction for public schools has largely been implemented through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), which is mandated to undertake the construction of school building projects.
“Based on the latest data, more than 8,000 classroom projects are being worked on simultaneously for 2024 and 2025. The DPWH has already completed around 3,600 classrooms, and the remaining projects are being closely monitored to ensure they are finished promptly and made available for use by our students,” Angara said.
DepEd is working closely with DPWH to resolve unfinished projects carried over from earlier years and ensure that classrooms are completed and turned over for use by learners.
The Department also confirmed that it maintains an inventory of unfinished classroom projects from previous years. To address these backlogs,
DepEd proposed P3.192 billion under the 2026 national budget to complete 3,614 classrooms. Congress approved P2.282 billion, enough to fund the completion of 2,067 classrooms.
Fast-track completion
Despite funding constraints, Angara said it is pressing ahead with concrete measures to fasttrack completion, in line with the President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to prioritize school infrastructure and learner safety.
As part of this effort, DepEd and DPWH are jointly conducting nationwide validation activities covering 384 schools with unfinished or for-completion classroom projects. The validation seeks to confirm the physical status of each project, remaining scope of work, funding gaps, and site readiness, so that classrooms can be prioritized for immediate completion.
Angara added that while ongoing DPWH projects are being addressed, DepEd is also laying the groundwork for more flexible approaches to classroom delivery beginning in 2026.
“In recent years, we have been addressing backlogs and unfinished classrooms simultaneously. From 2026 onward, we are expanding our options—including more active participation from LGUs and other flexible approaches such as public-private partnerships—to ensure faster solutions that are better suited
to the needs of each community,” Angara said. As part of the government’s continuing efforts to address the classroom shortage, Angara met with mayors from the National Capital Region on February 4.
During the meeting, DepEd presented the guidelines for school building projects under the 2026 General Appropriations Act, including eligibility requirements for local government units and other options to address class-
room needs, such as leasing and repair of existing facilities.
Angara noted that discussions on classroom construction targets for the DPWH’s implementation for 2026 are ongoing.
“There is also a program planned for 2026, although it is still under discussion. According to Secretary Vince Dizon, the target is to build around 1,500 to 2,000 classrooms under new construction for 2026,” he shared. n
Philippines fisheries face sustained decline, losing about 45 million kilos of fish annually
by AJPress
MANILA — The Philippines’ capture fisheries sector has recorded a prolonged decline over the past decade, losing an estimated 45 million kilograms of fish annually, according to a 2026 assessment by marine scientists reviewing national production and enforcement data.
The study, commissioned by Oceana Philippines and prepared by researchers from the University of the Philippines Visayas, found that capture fishery output dropped from approximately 2.6 million metric tons in 2010 to
about 1.9 million metric tons in 2023. The decrease represents an average annual loss of roughly 45,000 metric tons, or 45 million kilos, over a 13-year period. The assessment reviewed the implementation of Republic Act No. 10654, the amended Philippine Fisheries Code intended to curb illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and align domestic policy with international conservation standards. While the law strengthened penalties and monitoring requirements, researchers concluded that uneven enforcement and governance gaps have limited its effectiveness in restoring depleted fish
stocks. Government stock assessment data cited in the report indicate that a large majority of assessed fish stocks were already classified as overfished or depleted, underscoring the scale of recovery needed to stabilize the sector. The decline carries socioeconomic implications. Fish remains a major source of protein for Filipino households, particularly in coastal communities. The report estimates that hundreds of thousands of small-scale fisherfolk families continue to live below the national poverty line, with low incomes contributing to younger workers leaving the industry.
Regulatory agencies, including the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources under the Department of Agriculture, have acknowledged capacity and enforcement challenges while outlining modernization and management programs aimed at improving monitoring and sustainability.
Marine scientists and policy analysts broadly agree that reversing the decline will require consistent enforcement of existing laws, science-based catch limits, and stronger protection of nearshore and spawning areas critical to long-term food security and coastal livelihoods. n
Edvic Yap resigns from House of Representatives
by DoMinique niCole Flores Philstar.com
MANILA — Rep. Edvic Yap
(ACT-CIS Partylist) has resigned from the House of Representatives. The plenary was informed right before adjourning its session on Wednesday, January 4. The former lawmaker has yet to issue a statement on his departure from the lower chamber, where he had served since 2022.
Yap is one of the lawmakers under investigation for his alleged ties to anomalous flood control projects.
Ombudsman Boying Remulla named him as one of three lawmakers linked to the unfinished P275.9-million La Union flood control project, whose contractor, Silverwolves Construction Corp., faces malversation and graft complaints.
Edvic’s brother, Rep. Eric Yap (Benguet, Lone District), reportedly holds an indirect and beneficial stake in Silverwolves Construction Corp., which had over P16 billion worth of transactions from 2022 to 2024, mostly in relation to flood control projects.
When
before his insurer starts paying for care. On average, deductibles for bronze plans are more than four times those of gold plans, according to a KFF analysis of 2026 marketplace plans.
Hulsman didn’t consider dropping health insurance, because Kentucky has limited consumer protections for medical debt. But he said he’ll try to get an estimate if he needs to go to a doctor. And he’s worried that a major accident could wipe out his skate shop. He won’t be able to buy inventory or pay shop bills if he has to meet his full deductible, he said.
“I’m just riding the line right now,” the skateboarder said. “One slip and it’s gonna be uncomfortable.”
In South Carolina, Wipp dragged her family to get routine vaccinations on New Year’s Eve — the last day that she and her husband had health coverage. This year’s monthly premium for a bare-bones bronze family plan would have cost them
Remulla also said
$1,400, up from $900 last year. They would still have faced high copays for doctor visits and need to meet a deductible of more than $10,000. Instead, they’re paying around $200 to cover just her son.
Wipp, who has a rare condition that causes cysts and other growths to form in the lungs, said she and her husband plan to pay out-of-pocket this year for any initial preventive care. Their second source of money, for larger medical expenses, is an old health savings account. But she said that account doesn’t have enough to cover a major accident or illness. And Wipp can’t add to the account while she is uninsured.
“The third source would be, I don’t know,” Wipp said. “The fourth is bankruptcy.”(KFF Health News)
* * KFF Health
Thanks for All the Birthday Greetings
I want to thank everyone who greeted me on my 66th birthday last January 26, 2026. The first from CITEM Friends and Family to greet me were Yayot Garcia with her son Antonio Sebastian Garcia, Josie Briones Gonzales and Marjo Factora-Evio (whose mother Evelyn Factora was my former officemate at DLSU’s De La Salle Integrated Research Center; her aunt CITEM Vice President Atty. Helen A. Cortes was my immediate boss). This was followed by Alma Maricel F. Paragas, Zharita Sacdalan Bagayas, Alicia Pineda, Ma. Marissa Rarang, Danny J. Eguia, Cynthia Ty, my best friend Chyril Luz Rivera Carino (“Happy birthday to my dearest friend Ogie, a true literary luminary! Thank you for sharing your gift with us...may your day be as impactful & bright as your stories...enjoy your day!”), De La Salle University Full Professor Luz Tupas Suplico-Jeong, Stephen Cabalquinto, Carina Cruz Evangelista (daughter of Joe and Gina de Venecia), and Lourdes Gogola. Others from current and former CITEM employees who greeted me were Elvie BorjeSoriano with her hubby Pastor Jimmy Lim, Luz Burgos-Soriano, CITEM Deputy Executive Director Malou Mediran, Lalie Rosales Novero, and Dee Roldan of CORPLAN.
From Malacanang, they were Presidential Security Command Chaplain Father Roel Arceno Isip and Director Vivian C. Recio from the Office of Social Secretary. Fellow journalists, professors, writers, photographers and publicists who greeted me were Noli Guerrero, NET25’s Ian Agsalud, Cali Manzano, Manila Times’ Arlo Custodio, noted author and spluk.ph editor-inchief Chino Hansel Philyang, Chat Francisco Santos, Police Files Tonite entertainment editor Rosalyn Marino Raymundo, Malaya’s Peps Pepz Bernardo, UST Department of Journalism
chair Full Professor Jeremaiah Opiniano, Raul Jed Maderazo, Prof. Jerry Aguilar, Obette Serrano, Ellen Mondez Cruz, Manila Standard columnist Eton Bonifacio Concepcion, Alexander John Fong, Guia Cruz Buenaventura who greeted me on her program Media House Express’ Coffee, Tea on MHE, Lhen Tejome, NET25’s Belle Surara, Philippine Star columnist Wilson Lee Flores, former Manila Bulletin entertainment editor Crispina Martinez Belen, Cheryl Samm Samm, Philippine Daily Inquirer’s Frank Cimatu, Julie B. Gaspar, Rafael Gozum, Audie L. Dela Cruz, Manila Standard’s Charmeneil Vilacarlos, and my Balikbayan colleague Rocelle Anabeza.
Thanks to US-based friends Asian Journal Publications publisher and CEO Roger Oriel, Joseph “Jojo” L. Peralta, singer and Nickelodeon host Eduard Banez, Jules Del Gallego, Donna L. Wilkin Campbell, Dr. Martin Bautista, Rosa Maria, Dale Navarro, LA-based dentist Dr. Fernando dela Pena, Lani Montreal, Marissa Valdez, Ricardo Tecson, Roderick Gutierrez, and US Ambassador MaryKay Loss Carlson.
My gratitude also to my Philippine-based friends who greeted me: De La Salle University President Br. Bernard S. Oca, FSC, former senator Nikki Coseteng, former PCSO chairperson Margie Penson Juico (who said, “Happy birthday! You deserve to be happy always!”), former Pres. Fidel Ramos’ nephew Nani Agsalud Braganza, Senator JV Ejercito, Philippine Retirement Authority chief Bob Zozobrado, Bong Penas, Pat. G. Olarte, Martin Rule, Bleu Sison, Ben Nery, Liberty F. Santos, Queen of Philippine Radio Tina Loy, singer-property specialist Marious Alston, PCSO Chorale conductor Robert Delgado, Frederick Santos, Rei Lachica, Jocelyn Lachica of Career Executive Service Board, Jojo Lim, the Ilano family (PX, Sheng, Elia and Ximone James), Gene Acero Chua, Xandra Valenzuela, retired teacher Milaflor Mahinan, ATOM head Volt Bohol, Mabalacat City College’s Carina Galang and Rizza Mae dela Cruz, Marco D. Nepomuceno, Tom Batalla, Ludmila Labagnoy, Cleo from Malaysian Embassy, Juliver Buted, Benedictine nun Sister Mary John Mananzan, former Department of Migrant
Workers Undersecretary Atty.
Ma. Anthonette Velasco-Allones, and Senator Bam Aquino. Thanks too to saxophonist Pete Canzon, Terens Corner owner Tess Canson, Giann Paolo Canson, Chris R. de Leon, entrepreneur Ramil Cabrera, Marikit Figueras, Marissa Z. Burgos, Mike Ortigas, seaman John Lindres, Alex Roces, couple Boyet and Merle Jose, chef Larry Palco, Anacleta Angeles, Regina Benitez, Parole and Probation Administration administrator Atty. Bienvenido Benitez, Cristhoper Catalla, Desiree Carlos, Daisy Jane Ogatis Pastrana, Lia Torralba, Allan Iguico, Mary Joan Friend, Christina Aliada, Kristi Fermazi, beauty queen-actress Ali Forbes, John Rey Malto, Rhea Arizo Javier, former Office of the Press Secretary officemate Jeannet Toliongco Gando, director Vic Lee Tiro, Hilda Armea, Maria Marietes Coloma Bumanglag, Iyrah Francesca Lindres, Adriano Angeles, beauty queen Catherine Muguerza, Gilbert F. Bautista, Alecs Pahayahay, AI Nishiyama, couple Imelda and Butch Namba, Jose Francisco Kawada, John Mendoza, Joel Vivero Rico, Elhmer Diokno,
Howie Gutierrez, Jemmelette Cuadra San Pedro, Kim Tanaman, Dindo Divinagracia, Paolo Paddeu, Maria Gladys Feliciano, Jo Salvador, and La Visual Corporation thru Ms. Lalaine Geronimo.
Thank you too to my former students Winick Reyes, Ashynte Gonzales, Christian Jeff Santos, Jade Maris Orona, Cherylynn Pagdilao-Gonzales, Renon Nokie Nacpil, Tristan Day, Michelle Mirasol, and Kyla Garcia.
Of course thank you to my immediate American family: my mom Rosita Constantino Medina, my sister Victoria Isip, my brother-law Vincent Isip, my nieces Anne K. Isip, Kristine Nunez and Aiko Kumano and nephew Michael Isip. I expressed my heartfelt gratitude to my relatives who greeted me: retired teacher Pilar B. de Mesa, Mac Peralta, Connie Guanzon-Garcia with hubby Ambassador Victor Garcia, Ramon Magsaysay awardee Cecile Guidote-Alvarez, Robert RJ Fetizanan, Dan Marella, Aldrin and Liz Medina, Anna Toribio Isip, Jaclyn Tummings, Ruby Ann Sobrepena Caseres, Edward Jubay Marella, Bembem Espinosa Diaz, Joselito
Constantino (dad of singer Yeng Constantino), Masanobu Isip Kato, Tet Hufana, Erlinda Voces, Roland Isip, Maria Medina, Victoria Toribio, Alexis Medina, Emily Samson, Milagros Marella Bartolaba, Anne Flores, Snow Lim, Jojo Medina, and former Malacanang’s chief librarian Gilda Fernandez Perez.
Many thanks to my cousin Ramon G. Orlina, the Father of Philippine Glass Sculpture, who chose to celebrate his birthday (Jan. 27) on Jan. 26 Monday in his shop in Sampaloc, Manila with his employees. Thanks to “Ate” Lay Ann Lee Orlina, Ramon’s wife, as well as to my niece Anna and nephew Michael for their unwaivering support.
To Father Bong Guerrero, the Happy Priest, many thanks for blessing “Kuya” Ramon and me and others on our special day with a mass.
*** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
*** rogeliocmedina@yahoo.com
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and Education Secretary Sonny Angara.
Celebrators Ramon G. Orlina, the “Father of Philippine Glass Sculpture”, and Asian Journal columnist Rogelio Constantino Medina.
(From left) Photographer Bong Penas, Rogelio Constantino Medina, Michael Orlina, Lay Ann Lee Orlina, Ramon Orlina, Fr. Bong Guerrero and the Orlina Atelier employees on Ilaw ng Nayon Street in Sampaloc, Manila. Rogelio Constantino Medina (extreme right) in ABS-CBN’s It’s Showtime show during his birthday a
the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) found that Edvic’s bank account received around P70 million from contractor-couple Sarah and Curlee Discaya. In December, President Bongbong Marcos said the personal accounts of the Yap brothers were included in the freeze order covering the assets and accounts of Silverwolves Construction Corp. and Sky Yard Aviation Corp. n
A potrait photo of Rep. Edvic Yap. Congress’ website
ASIAN
Friday, February 6, 2026
Fil-Am music director Marco Paguia wins Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album
by AJPress
LOS ANGELES — Filipi-
no-American music director and orchestrator Marco Paguia won a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album after the Broadway cast recording of Buena Vista Social Club was honored at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards on February 1, 2026.
The Recording Academy award recognizes excellence in the recording and production of musical theater albums and is presented to principal producers and key creative contributors. Paguia was among those credited for the album, marking his first Grammy
Barretto siblings gather in unity as family mourns matriarch Inday Barretto
Relatives and grandchildren paid tribute to Estrella “Inday” Barretto following her death on Jan. 29. Siblings were seen together during the wake, though funeral details have not been publicly released.
by AJPress
MANILA — Estrella “Inday” Barretto, the matriarch of the Barretto family and mother of actresses Gretchen, Marjorie, and Claudine Barretto, died on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. She was 89. The death was first confirmed by her son, Joaquin “JJ” Barretto, through a brief social media post announcing his mother’s passing. In the days that followed, members of the Barretto family were
“We all did our part — JJ, Michie, Gia, G, Marjorie, and all the apos, pati apo sa tuhod. Pantay-pantay inalagaan ang mommy. We choose peace over everything,” she said.
Tributes also came from the next generation. Marjorie Barretto’s children shared photos and messages honoring their grandmother, expressing gratitude and remembrance in posts that circulated widely online and were later reported by mainstream outlets. Inday Barretto was married to Miguel Barretto, who died in 2019. The couple had seven children. While Inday largely stayed out of the public spotlight, she was frequently referenced in media coverage involving her children, particularly during periods of highly publicized family conflict.
HEAVY and long-term use of marijuana has the potential to cause lung cancer. CBDs (cannabinoids) are chemical compounds found within the cannabis sativa plant. Marijuana high-potency products (oils, edibles, concentrates) with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in marijuana that to provides the “high” on brain receptors to alter the mood and perception.
Vaping is not safer than smoking, just like jumping out of a frying pan to the fire. They are both very toxic. Those deceptive advertisements are disingenuous, promoted by greedy entrepreneurs with deep pockets.
While the legislation to allow the use of medical marijuana for chronic neuropathic (nerve-related) and other causes of pain is a welcome addition to the physician’s armamentarium, legalizing and promoting recreational marijuana is insanity and a danger to society. Alcohol and tobacco are responsible for 75 percent of all major illnesses we have today. Adding marijuana for recreation makes no sense. It is plain stupidity. Marijuana is associated with physical, mental, and social dangers. Medically, it elevates the risk for strokes, heart attacks, and cardiac rhythm disturbances. Its use can permanently lead to loss of IQ, as much as 8 points, which does not come back after quitting marijuana. Its frequent use could also lead to erectile dysfunction and low sperm count.
More than 40 percent of drivers who died in car crashes tested positive for marijuana (THC). The death rates among marijuana users are 3 times higher than those of non-users, and suicides are also more prevalent among them. So, why have the majority of our legislators voted in favor of recreational marijuana?
Lung cancer stats
Cancer of the lungs is the commonest cause of cancer deaths (among all other cancers) in the United States, the Philippines, and other nations around the world.
In the USA, out of the 226,650 cases of lung cancer, 4,730 died in 2025, 87 percent were nonsmall cell malignancies. Globally, it accounts for about 1.8 million deaths yearly, making lung cancer the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. By the time it is diagnosed, 60 percent of lung cancers are already in their advanced stage, surgery is no longer feasible, and the 5-year survival rate is lower than 10 percent.
Marijuana warning
Ninety percent of lung cancers are caused by tobacco exposure, not only among smokers but also among people around them, from secondhand smoke. Worldwide, there are still more than 20 percent of adults who smoke. Other contributing factors are asbestos, radon, and environmental air pollution.
Supercentenarians
The nations with the highest number of supercentenarians are Japan (99,763 aged 100 or older, England/Wales (about 16,000), Italy (110), the United States (about 60), and France (39)
Three of the supercentenarians in the world live in Brazil. Three others are in the Philippines (Genoveva, “Lola Bebang,” Garcia, who turned 110 last January 3, 2026) and Lauro Bilaos, 109, Anna Wilmot, 110, and Francisca Susano, who died in 2021, cited, but unverified, to be 124. Researchers believe “distinct genetic and immunological factors may be driving this effect… relatively rare gene variants that support a robust immune system, genomic stability, and mitochondrial function.”
Protein maintenance, protection of the immune system and gut microbiome, avoidance of inflammatory foods and unhealthy habits and behaviors, all promote health and longevity.
8 pillars of lifestyle
1. Diet – basically plant-based: vegetables, legumes, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and seeds — minimizing meat, processed foods, and salt. Be well-hydrated with fresh, filtered water.
2. Physical activity – walking, Tai Chi, Tai Bo, balancing activity, light weight-bearing exercise
3. Sleep – 8 hours of quality sleep; caution with sleep aid
4. Stress Management – be positive, try to relax, take vacations, meditate, pray
5. Family – a loving and stable home life is the foundation of a happy life
6. Social Ties – have a ton of friends, go out, travel, and enjoy life
7. Avoid self-destruction –avoid tobacco and abstain from alcohol and illicit drugs
8. Have a purpose – strive to help others and make this world better.
Implantable microchips
In a perfect world, universal implantation of this radio frequency device on everybody (data and info adjusted for each age or professional group, personal, company or government needs, etc.) and used only for legitimate, legal and noble purpose, this micro-chip could make life better for all of us, provide better security (tracing) and peace of mind for us and our loved ones, and even save lives, and tremendously benefit man-
kind as a whole. However, this is not a perfect world. That’s why there are concerns and fears. But just like any offspring of the advances in science and technology, the actual and potential benefits of the RFID and its more sophisticated models will someday make the implantable micro-chip a common “household” item. Who knows? Perhaps fashion might even jump in and create a “designer series” of microchips. Text messaging Anything in excess, even water, oxygen, food, talking, rest, etc., is bad for us. Wise and appropriate use of cellphones and their nice features, like text messaging in moderation, does not pose any health hazard to the user. Cell phones and text-messaging are technological wonders of our times, which, when utilized properly, provide great convenience, advantage, and security for the users and their family and friends. Exceptions to this is the use of a cellphone while driving or doing activities that require full attention. Accidental deaths (while driving or even while walking and texting) have been widely reported. While on a night out, 100% attention on your date is a must. In this situation, the repeated use of a cell phone for calls, or frequent text-messaging, could be hazardous not only to the user’s physical health but to the relationship. Besides, this unwelcome practice is rude and anti-social, vehemently frowned upon in polite society.
* * * 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 main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.
*
* * Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, medical missionary, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He is a decorated recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, US senator, and later a presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry S. Truman, President George HW Bush, Astronaut Gus Grissom, pugilist Muhammad Ali, David Letterman, distinguished educators, scientists, etc. (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com. On Amazon.com, search for “Where is My America?” Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.
The Philippine Women’s Open as a learning ground for Filipina tennis players
MANILA — When the Philippine Women’s Open concluded on January 31, 2026, it did not yield a breakthrough finish for most of the local entrants. What it provided instead was a clearer measure of what professional tennis demands at the WTA 125 level.
Held at the Rizal Memorial Tennis Center from January 26 to 31, the tournament marked the Philippines’ first staging of a WTA 125 event under the Women’s Tennis Association calendar. With an international field and full main draw, the competition placed Filipina players in direct contact with tour-level pace, physicality, and tactical discipline—conditions rarely replicated in domestic or regional play.
More than the results, the event functioned as a diagnostic, clarifying the gap between local competition and the standards required for sustained international competitiveness.
Experience over outcomes
For Alex Eala, the country’s top-ranked women’s player, the significance of the tournament extended beyond her own campaign, which ended in the quarterfinals on January 30. She said the event’s greatest value lay in what younger Filipina players gained by competing alongside international opponents.
“I’m super proud. The fact that we’re in the draw, they showed up, they gave their best,” Eala said during the tournament. She noted that first exposure to this level of competition is rarely comfortable, but emphasized that facing WTA-caliber opponents provides lessons that cannot be replicated in training or lower-tier events.
First encounters with tour-level pace
Among those gaining that exposure was Tennielle Madis, who made her WTA main-draw debut against Thailand’s Mananchaya Sawangkaew. Madis stayed competitive in the opening set before bowing out, 4–6, 0–6.
“It’s a lot of learnings, and I need to improve a lot,” Madis said after the match, framing the loss as part of the professional process. A native of M’lang, Cotabato, she also spoke of the impact of playing on center court before a largely Filipino crowd, describing the experience as affirming.
What WTA 125 competition tests
Across the draw, the Philippine Women’s Open illustrated what WTA 125 competition consistently tests. At this level, match pace and shot tolerance are immediate differentiators, with opponents generating depth and weight that leave little margin for error. Movement and recovery speed become decisive in extended rallies, while serve and return discipline separates competitive games from one-sided sets. Over multiple days, physical endurance and recovery are tested through back-to-back matches. Equally important is mental resilience, the ability to reset after momentum shifts and remain composed under pressure.
Measuring speed and consistency
Another Filipina entrant, Elizabeth Abarquez, exited after a straight-sets loss to Japan’s Mai Hontama. While acknowledging the result, Abarquez focused on the technical lessons drawn from the match, particularly the demands of faster court movement and recovery.
Former UAAP Most Valuable Player Kaye Ann Emana also exited the tournament after a loss, saying she approached the match with a focus on execution rather than outcome.
“Whether you win or lose, there’s always something to learn,” Emana said.
A clearer measure of the professional standard For the country’s emerging women’s tennis players, the tournament became a learning ground—revealing the physical demands, tactical discipline, and mental resilience required at the professional level. As the first WTA 125 event held in the Philippines, it offered both exposure and a clearer measure of what international tennis requires
Kris Aquino outlines cautious return to screen, keeps recovery at center
by AJPress
MANILA — Kris Aquino said she is preparing a gradual return to on-camera work, describing a limited, health-conscious plan that prioritizes recovery over a full-scale comeback following weeks of hospitalization.
In a recent public update, Aquino emphasized that her reentry into creative work will be incremental and guided by medical advice. She stressed that rebuilding strength remains her primary focus.
A deliberately scaled format
Aquino said her initial concept involves producing content once a week, beginning with sit-down interviews featuring individuals she finds personally engaging. She also outlined plans for weekly lifestyle segments focused on products she personally uses, alongside simple home-cooking features.
She characterized the production setup as intentionally modest: a small crew, a basic hair-andmakeup team, and a two-camera arrangement suitable for conversational interviews and close-up shots. The structure, she said, is designed to remain flexible, allowing adjustments depending on her physical condition.
No timeline, platform, or distribution details were disclosed.
Recovery-first approach
Aquino confirmed she remains under medical care and anticipates discharge after an extended hospital stay. She said her rehabilitation includes light physical activity, with swimming recommended as part of her recovery regimen.
She also requested information related to recovery logistics, including access to indoor swimming pools and short-term housing options in central Metro Manila that would keep her near major hos-
pitals. She did not share specific medical details, limiting her remarks to general recovery needs. No signal of full television return
While Aquino is among the country’s most recognizable television personalities, she stopped short of indicating a return to regular broadcast programming. Instead, she framed her plans as a controlled reengagement—measured in scope, pace, and workload. Her remarks point to a reentry defined less by visibility than by sustainability, with creative work positioned as part of recovery rather than a replacement for it.
LOS ANGELES - Actors Anthony Jennings and Ruby Rodriguez are set to appear in Nurse the Dead, a Los Angeles–based comedy series produced for iWant, according to information released by the production and reported by Philippine entertainment media.
The bilingual (English–Filipino)
— Television host and producer Willie Revillame has publicly denied online speculation that he is facing financial difficulties, dismissing the claims as inaccurate as he formally returns to noontime television with a new program.
Revillame addressed the rumors in recent media interviews, rejecting reports that he had suffered financial losses or sold major assets following his unsuccessful Senate bid in 2025. He characterized the claims as unfounded and said he remains financially stable.
No government agency, court filing, or financial regulator has released any public record substantiating claims of financial distress involving Revillame. Assertions regarding his personal finances have appeared primarily on social media and entertainment commentary platforms and have not been independently verified.
The denial coincides with Revillame’s official return to the noontime slot through “Wilyonaryo,” a game and variety program airing at 12 noon on WilTV, a channel carried by Cignal. The show marks his re-entry into the highly competitive daytime television block after a period of political activity and limited on-air appearances.
Industry reports indicate that the program is part of a broader partnership involving MediaQuest and Cignal, with distribution extending beyond traditional television to digital platforms. Revillame has described the project as a long-term media venture rather than a short-run comeback.
While Revillame has previously been associated with high-profile philanthropy and commercial endorsements, details of his private financial holdings
are not matters of public record. As such, this report relies on his on-the-record statements and verified broadcast developments, and does not present unverified claims as fact.
Revillame remains one of the most recognizable figures in Philippine noontime television, a genre that continues to evolve amid shifting viewer habits and expanding digital distribution. His return underscores both the
by AJPress
by AJPress
Anthony Jennings, Ruby Rodriguez to star in LA-based comedy series ‘Nurse the Dead’
MANILA
Kris Aquino STAR/File
Wille Revillame Photos from Facebook/ @wbrFB
A promotional graphic recognizing Filipina players Tennielle Madis, Elizabeth Abarquez, and Kaye Ann Emana after the Philippine Women’s Open. Photo courtesy of Unified Tennis Philippines / Cebuana Lhuillier Sports
Alex Eala in action at the Philippine Women’s Open in
Anthony Jennings and Ruby Rodriguez behind the scenes of “Nurse the Dead” Ruby Rodriguez, Nurse the Dead via Instagram
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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2026-9000450
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Signature: Anayi Dunstan. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/21/2026. AJ 1858 01/30, 02/06, 02/13, 02/20/2026. AJSD 1858
granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at
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and
petition should not be
If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 03/05/2026 Time: 8:30 AM Dept. 61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego Central Courthouse 330 West Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: JAN 16, 2026 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT MICHAEL S. GROCH Judge of the Superior Court AJ 1853 01/23, 01/30, 02/06, and 02/13/2026 ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120). If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.
To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, drivers license, passport, and other identification, a certificate copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issues the legal document that need to be changed to determine if a certificate copy is required. A certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC230) may be obtained from the Civil Business Office for a fee. Petitioners who are seeking a change of name under the Safe at Home program may contact the assigned department for information on obtaining certified copies.
If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions. If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions. A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION
only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court. AJSD 1853
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2026-9001899
a. Pulmeria Scented Leis located at 2434 Falcon Valley Dr., Chula Vista, 91914. b. Pulmeria Scented Ribbon Leis located at 2434 Falcon Valley Dr., Chula Vista, 91914. Registrant: Pulmeria Scented Leis, LLC, 2434 Falcon Valley Dr., Chula Vista, 91914. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/26/2026.
Signature: Rose Young. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/26/2026. AJ 1859 01/30, 02/06, 02/13, 02/20/2026. AJSD 1859
CYGNUS LOGISTICS located at 4357 Vista Verde Way, Oceanside, CA 92057. Registrant: CYGNUS ORBITAL LOGISTICS GROUP LLC, 4357 Vista Verde Way, Oceanside, CA 92057. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/08/2026.
Signature: Caleb Joseph Webb. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/08/2026.
AJ 1845 01/16, and 01/23, 01/30, and 02/06/2026. AJSD 1845
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2026-9000780
Nicolas Ray Cleaning
Services located at 2026
Parker Mountain Road, Chula Vista, CA 91913.
Registrant: New Haven Enterprises LLC, 2026 Parker Mountain Road, Chula Vista, CA 91913. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.
REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.
Signature: Theresa Nicolas Sumulong. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/13/2026. AJ 1849 01/16, and 01/23, 01/30, and 02/06/2026. AJSD 1849
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9024409
Hanaya Sushi Cafe located at 10066 Pacific Heights Blvd. Ste 109, San Diego, CA 92121. Registrant: Hui Jang Choe, 10066 Pacific Heights Blvd. Ste 109, San Diego, CA 92121. This business is conducted by An Individual.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 12/01/2025. Signature: Hui Jang Choe. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/31/2025.
AJ 1854 01/23, 01/30, 02/06, and 02/13/2026. AJSD 1854
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2026-9001909
Muri Cafe located at 2528 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104. Registrant: Collective Production LLC, 2528 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104. This business is conducted by Limited Liability Partnership.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/26/2026.
Signature: Soran Artin. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/27/2026. AJ 1860 01/30, 02/06, 02/13, 02/20/2026. AJSD 1860
a. AKSTARLIGHTS located at 4057 Pulitzer Place #4, San Diego, CA 92122.
b. AKSUPPLYCO located at 4057 Pulitzer Place #4, San Diego, CA 92122.
Registrant: AKORGANIZATION LLC, 4057 Pulitzer Place #4, San Diego, CA 92122. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 10/25/2025.
Signature: Artin Khoshnavaz. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/05/2025.
AJ 1846 01/16, and 01/23, 01/30, and 02/06/2026. AJSD 1846
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2026-9000759
Sunny Violin Studio located at 9859 Park Crest Lane, San Diego, CA 92124.
Registrant: Sun Joo Lee, 9859 Park Crest Lane, San Diego, CA 92124 . This business is conducted by An Individual.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/01/2026.
Signature: Sun Joo Lee. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/13/2026. AJ 1850 01/23, 01/30, 02/06, and 02/13/2026. AJSD 1850
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2026-9001354
Quest Electric located at 978 Red Pine Ct, San Diego, CA 92154. Registrant: Quest Electric LLC , 978 Red Pine Ct, San Diego, CA 92154. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 12/08/2025. Signature: Frank Carreon. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/21/2026.
AJ 1855 01/30, 02/06, 02/13, 02/20/2026. AJSD 1855
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2026-9001896
Tito Solutions MT located at 2650 Camino Del Rio N 1st Floor, San Diego, CA 92108.
Registrant: Chiquita Bonita LLC, 5430 Baltimore Drive, Unit 88, La Mesa, CA 91942. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/26/2026.
Signature: Michael Tuazon. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/26/2026. AJ 1861 02/06, 02/13, 02/20, and 02/27/2026. AJSD 1861
Euro Properties located at 1226 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014. Registrant: Dana Roxana Feder, 1226 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014. This business is conducted by An Individual.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/26/2016.
Signature: Dana Roxana Feder. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/07/2026. AJ 1847 01/16, and 01/23, 01/30, and 02/06/2026. AJSD 1847
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2026-9000895
a. Ceremonias Entre El Cielo Y La Tierra located at 3129 Calle Abajo Spc 149, San Diego, CA 92139. b. Between Heaven & Earth Ceremonies located at 3129 Calle Abajo Spc 149, San Diego, CA 92139.
Registrant: a. Patricia Corona Morales, located at 3129 Calle Abajo Spc 149, San Diego, CA 92139. b. Mary Velez, located at 3129 Calle Abajo Spc 149, San Diego, CA 92139. This business is conducted by Co-Partners.
REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Patricia Corona Morales. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/14/2026. AJ 1851 01/23, 01/30, 02/06, and 02/13/2026. AJSD 1851
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2026-9001663
Broas Guest Home located at 2231 Fowler Dr., San Diego, CA 92139. Registrant: Alberto O Broas, 2231 Fowler Dr., San Diego, CA 92139 . This business is conducted by An Individual.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 10/12/1993. Signature: Alberto O Broas. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/23/2026. AJ 1856 01/30, 02/06, 02/13, 02/20/2026. AJSD 1856
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2026-9000453
Cobra Rooter located at 7353 El Cajon Blvd #100, La Mesa, CA 91942. Registrant: E-Drains Inc., 7353 El Cajon Blvd #100, La Mesa, CA 91942 . This business is conducted by A Corporation. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/15/2026.
Signature: Monica Cartagena. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/08/2026. AJ 1862 02/06, 02/13, 02/20, and 02/27/2026. AJSD 1862
MAIN PHARMACY located at 620 E Main St Suite 102, El Cajon, CA 92020. Registrant: MAIN PHARMACY INC, 620 E Main St Suite 102, El Cajon, CA 92020 . This business is conducted by A Corporation.
REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Ghadah Muna. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/12/2026.
AJ 1848 01/16, and 01/23, 01/30, and 02/06/2026. AJSD 1848
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2026-9000220
Covenant Capital located at 1605 Mountain Pass Circle, Vista, CA 92081.
Registrant: a. Nicolas James Escalona, 1605 Mountain Pass Circle, Vista, CA 92081.
b. Kymberlee Joy Escalona, 1605 Mountain Pass Circle, Vista, CA 92081. This business is conducted by A Married Couple.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/06/2026.
Signature: Nicolas James Escalona . Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/06/2026.
AJ 1852 01/23, 01/30, 02/06, and 02/13/2026. AJSD 1852
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2026-9001316
a. The Laundry Lounge located at 4955 Ariva Way #218, Kearny Mesa, CA 92123.
b. Luxe Load Laundry located at4955 Ariva Way #218, Kearny Mesa, CA 92123. Registrant: Anthony Gabriel Varela, 4955 Ariva Way #218, Kearny Mesa, CA 92123 . This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Anthony Gabriel Varela. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/21/2026. AJ 1857 01/30, 02/06, 02/13, 02/20/2026. AJSD 1857
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2026-9002415
MS-NETWORK SYSTEM located at 151 Demona Pl, Spring Valley, CA 91977. Registrant: Martin Sarmiento, 151 Demona Pl, Spring Valley, CA 91977. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/31/2025.
Signature: Martin Sarmiento. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/03/2026. AJ 1863 02/06, 02/13, 02/20, and 02/27/2026. AJSD 1863
