THE U.S. is experiencing a dramatic rise in measles outbreaks, primarily in West Texas and New Mexico, along with isolated cases in 12 other states.
Measles were considered eliminated in the U.S. in the year 2000. But 250 measles cases were reported across the country this year, all in children who were unvaccinated. The Texas Department of State Health Services reports that, as of March 11, 223 measles cases have been reported, with 29 hospitalizations and 2 deaths. The majority of cases are in Gaines County, Texas, home to a large number of Mennonites who reportedly do not follow government mandates.
All 50 states require K-12 children to receive the MMR vaccine before attending school, but parents can also claim religious exemptions to get around the requirement.
What the ABC Act means for Filipino American family caregivers
More than 48 million people in the US serve as family caregivers, with a significant portion coming from the Fil-Am community
THE Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers (ABC) Act is set to bring much-needed relief to family caregivers by simplifying access to essential federal benefits.
With millions of caregivers – many of them Filipino Americans – struggling with complex applications, long wait times and administrative hurdles, this bipartisan bill seeks to remove unnecessary barriers so they can focus on what matters most: caring for their loved ones.
Introduced by Senators Ed Markey (D-MA) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), along with Representatives Kat Cammack (R-FL)
by Janvic Mateo Philstar.com
as a manifestation. Second, as a possible additional… offenses against the administration of justice,” ICC Assistant to Counsel Kristina Conti said in an interview with The STAR’s online show
ICC DOCUMENTS:
PH govt consulted on Duterte’s arrest
by FranCo JoSe C. Baroña ManilaTimes.net
DOCUMENTS from the International Criminal Court revealed that the government knew beforehand about former President Rodrigo Duterte’s impending arrest. Government officials have denied that they had prior knowledge of the arrest warrant.
The documents detail prior consultations between Philippine authorities and international agencies, indicating that the government had not only been informed of the arrest request but had also agreed to
Baste to Marcos: My father gave yours hero’s burial
by edith Regalado Philstar.com
DAVAO CITY — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was being ungrateful for allowing the International Criminal Court to arrest and send former President Rodrigo Duerte to The Hague to face ICC trial for crimes against humanity.
This was according to Duterte’s son, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, who reminded Marcos that it was the former president who allowed the elder Ferdinand Marcos to be buried in the heroes’ cemetery. The mayor said his father’s arrest has sparked outrage among the people.
“Marcos, you owe us a debt of gratitude. Your father was given a hero’s burial by my father but you let my father go to jail,” the younger Duterte said at a gathering of supporters for the 88th Araw ng Dabaw celebration last Sunday, March 16.
Sebastian lamented how his father had to dodge criticisms and opposition to his decision to bury the elder Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
He said the outpouring of support for his father was something the president would never experience. Reacting to the mayor’s tirades, Malacañang said debt of gratitude must
SC denies receiving Marcos resignation petition
by ZacaRian SaRao Inquirer.net
MANILA — The Supreme Court (SC) on Monday, March 17 denied the existence of a petition calling for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s resignation and vowed to impose sanctions on peddlers of disinformation.
In a statement, the Office of the SC spokesperson Camille Ting disowned a circulating document bearing the title “Supreme Court Receives Petition on 16 Million
comply with it. Duterte was arrested last Tuesday, March 11 shortly after arriving from Hong Kong and flown just hours later to the International Criminal Court (ICC) headquarters in The Hague, where he faces a trial for alleged complicity to crimes against humanity linked to the war on drugs during his presidency.
Official communications confirm that Philippine authorities were consulted in advance about the request.
The ICC Diffusion request for Duterte’s arrest was transmitted to the Philippine u PAGE 4
MALACAÑANG on Wednesday, March 19 urged Vice President Sara Duterte to come home to perform her duties and face the controversy surrounding the use of her office's confidential funds.
Speaking to reporters, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Duterte should address the veracity of new questionable receipts for the Office of the Vice President's (OVP) confidential funds.
"If these have been discovered, there's a need to strengthen the investigation regarding this because the public needs to know how the funds were utilized," Castro said during a press conference.
"This should be proven even if we say that there's a presumption of regularity. Since this is being questioned, VP Sara needs to prove if the receipts are true or
This handout photo taken and released by the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Malacañang file photo
SC denies receiving Marcos resignation...
Signatures Calling for President Marcos’ Resignation,” stating that the office has never issued
such a document. According to the SC, the supposed document was spread by Facebook accounts under
the names “Choose Libungan” and “Bernard Flores Maicon.”
“Further, the same Facebook accounts claimed in separate posts that the Supreme Court En Banc will convene today, March 17, 2025, to discuss the alleged petition. This is completely untrue,” the SC said.
“The Supreme Court has not received any such petition, and no En Banc session is scheduled today for this matter,” it added.
With this, the SC said it would investigate these acts of disinformation and take necessary measures, ”including the imposition of proper sanctions on those responsible.”
It urged the public to rely only on official announcements published by the SC on its official website and verified social media.
It also called on the public to practice caution in sharing unverified information. n
‘Trolling, attacks may lead to...
“Truth on the Line.”
“But I would say that the standards are high… Intimidation of witnesses, attacks on the court. Generally anything that will hinder the administration of justice for the court to do its work, or if you ask the court to not do its work or to do its work improperly and so forth,” she added.
Fake news peddlers intensified their activities last week following Duterte’s arrest and subsequent surrender to the ICC.
Aside from false information about the arrest, disinformation narratives specifically targeted the victims, their lawyers and even the ICC and its judges.
Reports also surfaced of hate speech directed at some relatives of the victims.
Conti, who has also been a target of online trolling, said such harassment reinforces the argument that the ICC should handle the case rather than a local court in the Philippines.
It may also be seen as a reason not to grant any request for interim release of the former president and ultimately his conviction, she added.
“This means that there are those who believe this narrative
that addicts have to be killed,” she said in Filipino in a post on Facebook.
During the interview, Conti admitted that proving an offense against the administration of justice is a high bar to clear.
In other cases, she explained, this standard has involved outright physical attacks against witnesses.
“But again, that’s just the maximum (possibility). The minimum is we manifest to the court these kinds of attacks. Or if not the court, to the prosecutor,” she said.
Monitoring Conti said they have already received offers of assistance in closely monitoring and documenting these attacks.
Aside from taking screenshots, she recommended that those documenting the incidents save the URLs or links to the posts and gather details about the accounts that posted them.
Aside from filing an additional case before the ICC, she said they may also consider pursuing a domestic case or seeking assistance from the Philippine government. However, their priority remains the welfare of the victims and their families.
“These kinds of attacks are difficult on the part of the victims because that’s re-victimization… What we are looking at from a more general or non-legal perspective is how the attacks will encourage or discourage victims to come forward,” she said.
“It’s not as if this will make or break the case, because for all we know, the prosecutor is trial ready. But that is a major disenfranchisement (for the victims)… It is their right to participate,” she added. Regarding the protests initiated by Duterte’s supporters, Conti maintained that she respects their right to express their views “as long as they do not resort to violence.”
She expressed willingness to engage with them, but appealed to them to “try to uplift the discussion.”
“Don’t drag us to the muck, to the canal by degrading each person’s identity,” she said in Filipino, citing coordinated online attacks against her that focused on her personal appearance.
“Let’s elevate the level of discussion… It’s difficult to have a genuine conversation if there is no meaningful discourse,” she added. n
Baste to Marcos: My father gave...
not stop the government from enforcing the law.
At a briefing on Monday, March 17, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the president had already expressed his gratitude to the former leader.
“As early as 2016, when President Marcos was still a senator – the president had already thanked the Supreme Court for ruling that his father should be buried at the heroes’ cemetery,” Castro said.
She said the president had already indicated that his “family will forever be thankful for this kind gesture” of the former president.
“But showing gratitude should not derail or betray the law and justice,” she said.
Asked about Mayor Duterte’s expletives at Marcos on Saturday, March 15, Castro said the president is not onion-skinned.
Appeal for calm
The Palace press official also appealed to Duterte supporters to remain calm and be discerning amid the flurry of fake news.
“The people of Davao are also Filipinos. Of course, the Palace and the president are concerned with what is happening in Davao. But our only request is for them to be calm and to know the truth,” Castro said.
She maintained that the government would not prevent supporters of the former president from joining gatherings to show him support.
“We will not stop them from expressing their feelings, as long as it will not go too far… and we can say that that is sedition or inciting to sedition,” Castro said.
The Palace official also chided Sen. Ronald dela Rosa for what she implied was a belated show of support for the former president.
Castro said Dela Rosa should have accompanied his former boss in Hong Kong despite getting information that they would be arrested there.
“If he (Dela Rosa) really knew that there was no arrest warrant issued by a competent authority, he would have bravely accompanied former president Duterte and as a matter of fact, he should have gone to the Netherlands before Sen. Robin (Padilla),” she said.
Dela Rosa, who served as chief of the Philippine National Police during Duterte’s term, is widely acknowledged as the top enforcer of the former president’s brutal crackdown on illegal drugs known as Oplan Tokhang
There were speculations that Dela Rosa and retired police chief Oscar Albayalde would be the next to receive arrest warrants from the ICC.
‘Bring home Roque’
Castro also chided calls for the return of Duterte instead of his former spokesman Harry Roque.
“But it would be better if we challenged him (Roque) to return to the country instead of bring home former President Duterte. Maybe, it would be better for the people to shout, ‘bring home Roque,’” Castro said.
Roque surfaced at The Hague on March 14, ahead of the initial appearance of Duterte before the ICC. Roque left the Philippines following an arrest order from Congress for contempt.
Meanwhile, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) said
President Marcos may have decided to raise the allowance of military personnel to appease some members who might be against the arrest of Duterte.
In a statement, ACT decried the Marcos administration’s decision to raise soldiers’ allowances while public school teachers’ salary hikes remain on hold despite the ongoing education crisis.
The group said it finds unacceptable the administration decision to raise the allowances of military personnel to “secure their loyalty,” while teachers bear their poor working conditions, financial struggles and insufficient pay amid the rising cost of living.
“While the International Criminal Court’s arrest of Rodrigo Duterte is a step toward justice for his crimes against the Filipino people, the Marcos Jr. administration must not exploit military compensation as a tool to solidify its grip on power,” said ACT chairman Vladimer Quetua.
“Using state funds to appease the armed forces while leaving the majority of government employees and ordinary workers to suffer in worsening economic conditions is unacceptable,” he added.
Marcos earlier signed Executive Order No. 84, s. 2025, which approved a P200 increase in the daily subsistence allowance of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel, from P150 to P350.
ACT said public school teachers’ daily pay increase of P20 to P50 under Executive Order No. 64, covering 2024 to 2027, paled in comparison to the AFP’s, calling it a “double standard.” (With reports from Helen Flores and Neil Jayson Servallos)
Photo courtesy of Pwersa
STAPLE FOOD. A store owner sorts out his rice products at Kamuning Public Market in Quezon City on Tuesday, March 18. Malacañang has urged farmers to seek local government units’ assistance in directly selling their palay (unhusked rice) to the National Food Authority, which buys the dry variety for PHP23 to PHP24 per kg.
PNA photo by Joan Bondoc
US Congress considers $800 billion Medicaid cut, putting healthcare in jeopardy for millions of working families
by Sunita SohrabJi Ethnic Media Services
11 civil rights organizations March 13 jointly released a report on the impact of a proposed $800 billion cut to Medicaid, which would put at risk health care coverage for 70 million Americans.
The House passed its budget proposal Feb. 25, calling for an overall $2 trillion in spending cuts. The proposal also allows for $4.5 trillion in spending for tax cuts — which advocates say benefit only the very wealthy — and also raises the debt ceiling by $4.5 trillion. The Senate is expected to put through its proposal in April. After that, both the House and Senate will go through a budget reconciliation process to agree on proposed cuts and spending.
The proposed cuts would disproportionately impact Latino and Black families, noted the report. More than 20 million Latinos, 13 million Black people, and 3.5 million Asian Americans rely on Medicaid. 31 million children are also covered by Medicaid, through the Children’s Health Insurance Program. More than half of Latino kids are covered by the program, and 60% of Black children are also enrolled. 60% of Native American children are enrolled in CHIP, and almost half of Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander children are also enrolled in the program.
In California, Medicaid is known as MediCal, and covers all state residents, including undocumented people. Nationwide, 1 out of 5 people, and 1 out of every 3 children are covered by Medicaid. 62% of adults on Medicaid are working full or part-time jobs, according to data from the California Health Care Foundation.
On average, about 68% of state spending on Medicaid comes from the federal government, reports KFF.
Feed the rich, starve the poor “These are the worst cuts to Medicaid in the history of the program,” said Stan Dorn, director of the Health Policy
Project at UnidosUS. “These huge budget cuts pay for tax breaks that primarily benefit the wealthy. We’re cutting health care services and food for working class people so that billionaires can buy more yachts and jewelry,” he said in an interview with Ethnic Media Services.
“We know that when you take health care away from children, the effects last a lifetime. Health problems are more likely in adulthood. People are less able to support themselves, more likely to need to turn to public assistance,” said Dorn. “Researchers tell us that every dollar invested in children’s health results in a $4 savings to taxpayers down the line. So even if you care nothing about human beings and care only about gold dollars and cents, you don’t want to make these cuts,” he stated.
Dorn noted that $230 billion in cuts are also being proposed for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — SNAP — reducing food benefits for almost 42 million people.
‘Kicking elderly out of nursing homes’
“Budgets are a reflection of our values,” said Rep. Grace Meng, chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus — CAPAC — at a press conference March 13 morning. “Republicans have said with their budget proposal that they prioritize billionaires over the working class. It is beyond shameful,” said the congresswoman from New York, noting that millions of people will lose healthcare coverage.
Darren Soto, D-Florida and chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, noted that millions of older adults will lose financial support to be able to live in nursing homes. Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP, echoed Soto’s remarks. “Our vulnerable elderly people should not be kicked out of nursing homes so that billionaires get bigger tax breaks,” he stated.
People who lose their Medicaid coverage will not be able to easily transition to coverage under the Affordable
Care Act, also known as Obamacare, noted Anthony Wright, executive director of Families USA. ACA coverage is expensive — about $10-$12,000 annually for a family. “These are low-income, working families. The idea that they can afford private health coverage is not feasible,” he said.
Community health clinics may shut down Community Health Clinics can provide a short-term safety net to people who lose Medicaid coverage: CHCs accept people without health insurance.
“However, if big Medicaid cuts go through, that is going to devastate community health centers because they rely on Medicaid to furnish a huge part of their revenue,” said Dorn, noting that if revenue goes down, CHCs will be forced to offer fewer services or shut down entirely.
People without health insurance will simply avoid getting treatment, said Dorn.
“If you have high blood pressure, well, you can’t afford to fill your prescription without any insurance. I mean, that’s hundreds of dollars a month. And what happens is people’s blood pressure goes up, with a 40% greater chance of death.”
“We know that women without insurance who have breast cancer developing and they don’t know it are less likely to go to the doctor. They’re not going to be screened. That means their cancer isn’t picked up until it is advanced and harder to treat. And we know that means that people are more likely to die,” said Dorn.
‘Health care is a human right’
Rural hospitals and CHCs are likely to take a big hit from Medicaid cuts, said Maya Wiley, president and CEO of the National Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights. Many will simply close down, which means that the community at large in those areas will have no place to go, she said.
”Health care is a civil and human right. We’re talking about real people and real lives,” said Wiley. n
American victim of Duterte’s crimes against humanity calls for justice
Brandon Lee became a quadriplegic after he was shot in a suspected extrajudicial assassination attempt by the Duterte administration
by Jun nucum Inquirer.net
SAN FRANCISCO – An
American human rights advocate, who became a quadriplegic after he was shot in the Philippines in a suspected extrajudicial assassination attempt by the Duterte administration, has called for justice for all the victims of the former president’s crimes against humanity.
Brandon Lee, a U.S. citizen based in San Francisco, has welcomed Duterte’s recent arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC), describing it as “one big step toward justice for thousands of victims” of these crimes.
“Duterte must be held accountable for all the extrajudicial killings and prosecuted to the fullest extent of international law,” Lee said at a virtual press conference on March 13.
“The international community is watching and will continue to support the Filipino people’s demand for justice,”
Lee said he became the first American targeted by the Duterte administration when he was defending the human
rights of indigenous Filipinos and working as a community journalist in the Cordillera region.
On August 6, 2019, he was shot four times by the 54th Infantry Battalion in front of his home, leaving him permanently paralyzed as a quadriplegic.
“Duterte’s arrest is deeply personal to me as one of the over 30,000 victims of his bloody regime. What the world knows about the atrocities of this war on drugs, is really a war on the poor.
“My experience is that under the Duterte’s regime, there were always a lot of killings in the rural areas, especially in indigenous and impoverished communities, to permanently silence the people defending their land and their livelihood.”
Born and raised in San Francisco, Brandon Lee was a student activist at San Francisco State University before he moved to the Philippines in 2010 to support the indigenous people’s efforts for self-determination and defense of their ancestral land.
He worked for the Cordillera Human Rights Alliance and was a correspondent for the Northern Dispatch Weekly.
He currently resides with his family in San Francisco and serves as the chairperson of the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHIRP), which co-hosted the virtual press conference with Malaya Movement USA and BAYAN USA.
The press conference was part of the groups’ series of actions in the U.S., including rallies in front of Philippine consulates, in response to Duterte’s arrest.
Lee said Duterte’s crackdown on his critics was “eerily similar” to his war on drugs that had devastated so many people’s lives.
“I should know as a survivor of an attempted assassination, which caused severe trauma to me and my family,” he said.
“His war in the countryside of the Philippines terrorized thousands of rural poor peasants. His failed economic policy of ‘build, build, build’ led to ‘kill, kill, kill’ and militarization and bombing of rural indigenous communities.”
Lee called for the arrest of Duterte’s accomplices, including members of the military and the police force who carried out the extrajudicial killings. n
Erlinda Ignacio Espiritu: 1st woman to receive law degree from Harvard
by Dianne Sampang Inquirer.net
MANILA — Drawing inspiration from the legends of the Knights of the Round Table to become a lawyer, Erlinda Ignacio Espiritu from Mindoro was the first woman to receive a degree from the Harvard Law School (HLS).
In line with the celebration of International Women’s Month, the tribute was posted by Harvard Law School in its Instagram page, citing an article of Harvard Law Bulletin in 2007.
“The knights were always defending the defenseless, and I thought, how could I do that?” Espiritu said in the article.
Espiritu also acknowledged the limited opportunities women had to deal with, many decades ago. She said that not many women took up law, but she persevered and became one of the few female lawyers of the country in 1947 amid the Japanese occupation.
She studied at Manuel L. Quezon School of Law in Manila before obtaining her Masters of Law degree at HLS in 1951.
“Women were supposed to stay at home, and even if they were studying, they were studying to teach,” she added.
Espiritu bared that her father wanted her to study abroad, but she requested it should be at HLS, despite knowing that it would only accept male students. The Harvard Corporation would later on reverse its policy on denying law school applications from women.
She said that she was “at a loss” at Harvard, but she attributed her HLS experience to good professors and “teaching her how to think.”
She worked as a corporate legal counsel for one of the biggest land developers in the country
shortly after her husband died.
Handling her first criminal case in 1959, she represented a prisoner sentenced to death for murder of a fellow inmate.
Despite an initial court ruling of upholding the death sentence for her client, she challenged the order before the board of pardons and her client’s sentence was reduced just before his scheduled execution.
She was a president of a family-owned rural bank for 32 years and did pro-bono legal work until May 2006.
In October 2007, Espiritu returned to HLS as a guest of honor at a dinner, in which she thanked Harvard for “the opportunity to learn well, not only in the matters of law but in improving the lives of our fellow men.” n
Erlinda Ignacio Espiritu from Mindoro was the first woman who obtained a degree from the Harvard Law School. Photo from Harvard Law School
Brandon Lee calls for justice for all the victims of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s crimes against humanity. Photo from Church & Society, United Methodist Church website
SENATORIAL RANKING. Tangere Acquisition App Inc. president Martin Peñaflor presents the latest survey results of the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial candidates during a press conference in Quezon City on Monday, March 17. Erwin Tulfo and Vicente Sotto III occupied the top two positions. PNA photo by Ben Briones
35 Filipinas in US reacquire Philippine citizenship to mark Women’s Month
They became dual citizens during a special Saturday consular service for women at the Philippine Embassy
WASHINGTON – In celebration of National Women’s Month, 35 women reacquired their Philippine citizenship and became dual citizens during a special Saturday consular service for women at the Philippine Embassy.
The March 15 event was dedicated to providing essential consular services to women outside regular working hours, ensuring greater accessibility and convenience for those with busy schedules., according to the Embassy.
The special consular day featured a range of services, including passport renewal and civil registry. The highlight of the day was the oath-taking ceremony, where 35 women proudly took their oath, marking a significant milestone in their lives.
“The Philippine Embassy is committed to making our services more accessible to women and recognizing their invaluable contributions to society,” said Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez. “By dedicating this special consular service to women, we hope to support their needs and celebrate their achievements.”
During the event, the team processed 35 dual citizenship petitions, 22 passport applications, 19 notarized documents and two
administers the oath of
General Donna
Saturday consular service for women on March 15, 2025. Contributed photo civil registration reports. The event also featured a briefing on the benefits of Philippine citizenship and information on other services provided by the Embassy. This initiative is part of the Consular Section’s broader commitment to gender inclusivity and empowerment, in line with the 2025 National Women’s Month theme: “Babae sa Lahat ng Sektor, Aangat ang Bukas sa Bagong Pilipinas.” In the United States, the recognition of women’s achievements started with International Women’s Day, observed for the first time on March 8, 1911. In 1978, Sonoma County, Calif., held a “Women’s History Week” in alignment with International Women’s Day. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued the first presidential proclamation declaring National Women’s History Week. The U.S. Congress designated March as Women’s History Month in 1987. The Philippines celebrates National Women’s Month, which is deeply rooted in the global commemoration of the International Women’s Day. It has grown into a platform for celebrating women’s achievements while addressing critical women’s issues and promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality. (Inquirer.net)
Measles outbreaks rise as vaccination rates...
Cod
In a March 12 interview with Ethnic Media Services, Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious diseases specialist at the University of California, explained the rise in measles cases, and noted the efficacy of the MMR vaccine. Chin-Hong also debunked several misconceptions about measles and cures promoted by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Below are excerpts from the interview.
Dr. Chin-Hong, why are we seeing this uptick in measles cases right now?
PCH: So there are 2 reasons for the uptick in measles. The 1st is that there’s a lot of measles around the world, probably because of the lack of access to vaccinations, particularly in the pediatric population, during Covid.
Number 2: there’s a lot of increasing vaccine hesitancy in the United States. So if you look at the average, it doesn’t look terrible. We dipped below 95% at the kindergarten MMR vaccines. But if you look at some communities, like those in Texas where the measles outbreak is really at its full force, and some areas of New Mexico and Oklahoma, some of those vaccine rates are in the 70% or 80%. And you really need 95% to really protect the community from measles.
So some of it is again pandemic repercussion. But a lot of it is people’s own decisions not to vaccinate their kids and therefore putting the community at risk.
There’s been a dismissal of the severity of measles, with folks thinking it’s just a rash.
Could you discuss the severity of the infection?
One per 1,000, or maybe 2 per 1,000 infections result in death.
But it’s not only the deaths. There’s
also a long measles version like long COVID, where you can get brain disease even after you recovered from measles. More children are being hospitalized.
The U.S. Agency for International Development provided MMR vaccines to children around the world. Given that the agency has largely been disbanded, do you expect to see a global measles outbreak?
Well, it’s already happening. It’s just going to get worse. And it’s really foolhardy to think that it’s an ‘us vs. them’ problem. Infectious diseases know no borders. In fact, the vast majority of measles in the United States have been acquired from abroad.
So to cut efforts abroad is only going to come back to hurt us and and haunt us later on. That’s true not only for measles, but other diseases like tuberculosis, and even HIV, because it’s really a intersection of all of these factors that allow more infectious diseases to flourish.
Dr. Chin-Hong, could we examine some of HHS
Secretary Kennedy’s statements regarding vaccines and measles treatments? First, is there a link to autism?
The scientific community and the medical community is really unanimous in thinking that there is no link between vaccines and autism, particularly the MMR vaccine.
Kennedy has also spoken about the benefits of cod liver oil as an effective treatment for measles. What would you say to that?
I think that’s been conflated with some of the evidence globally, where vitamin A can help with some of the complications of measles like blindness and a lot of the reasons why some kids may have complications because of poor nutrition. But there’s no evidence that kids in the United
States have very similar issues.
There’s no treatment for measles. The only way to control measles is prevention. There’s no evidence that Vitamin A, or cod liver oil, treats measles.
Secretary Kennedy had also spoken about about a poor diet, characterizing Texas as a food desert. Is there a correlation between a poor diet and severity of a measles infection?
Yes, there is a correlation between nutrition and multiple infectious diseases, like the deaths we’ve seen in kids in subSaharan Africa. But that’s extreme malnutrition. It’s just not an American diet, even though there may be pockets of food insecurity in the United States. Could you discuss ‘natural immunity,’ which many people are currently discussing as a way to avoid vaccines?
So what people talk about when they say natural immunity is that ‘I intentionally, or I get measles or chickenpox, for example, and it gives me protection for life.’
Which is true, I mean acquiring infection naturally like smallpox or you know, even Mpox, chickenpox and measles can give you immunity for a very, very long time, if not lifelong.
But the problem is all of the consequences that we talked about. You can’t predict who’s going to die, who’s going to be hospitalized, or who’s going to get blind or brain infection.
We are lucky to have these very effective tools available. So we don’t have to play measles roulette and figure out who’s going to get hospitalized or get a brain infection or die. Because it’s not really predictable.
So if I had a chance between exposing my kids to measles or chickenpox or getting them vaccines, 1 million percent, I’ll say getting the vaccine. (Sunita Sohrabji/Ethnic Media Services)
What the ABC Act means for Filipino American...
and Seth Magaziner (D-RI), the ABC Act will streamline the process for caregivers applying for Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP and Social Security benefits.
It aims to cut redundant paperwork, improve communication between federal agencies, and provide clearer guidance on eligibility requirements.
The bill also mandates that agencies like Medicare, Medicaid,and the Social Security Administration review their procedures with direct input from caregivers, ensuring a more responsive system.
Within a year of its passage, a report to Congress will be required to track progress and evaluate its impact.
According to the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), across the United States, more than 48 million individuals serve as family caregivers, with a significant portion coming from the Filipino American community.
Recognizing their invaluable contributions, NaFFAA has expressed firm support for the ABC Act. The organization underscores the staggering $600 billion worth of unpaid
Come home, work, Palace advises...
PAGE 1
not," she added.
Castro issued the statement after it was reported that more questionable names such as "Jay Kamote" and "Miggy Mango" were listed as recipients of the vice president's funds, raising more questions about the legitimacy of the transactions.
The Palace official said that Duterte, who is in the Netherlands to be with her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is facing trial for crime against humanity before the International Criminal Court (ICC), should not forget her duty with Filipinos, stressing that she should continue to work for them.
"For me, she needs to think that the Philippines also needs her as vice president. She should work not just for her father, but we understand her sentiments for now," Castro said, when asked if there have been efforts to bring the vice president home.
"But she should also remember that millions of Filipinos voted for her — and she must serve them all," she added.
On Sunday, March 16, House Deputy Majority Leader and La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega V disclosed the names of supposed recipients of the vice president's confidential funds who he said have no birth, marriage or death records at the Philippine Statistics Authority.
Ortega said it could not be ascertained if the seven recipients of the confidential funds are real people.
He said that the findings further strengthen the case against Duterte, who was impeached by the House of Representatives in December over her alleged failure to properly account for the confidential funds given to her office.
Last year, lawmakers questioned what they described as unusual names in the vice president's disbursement records, including "Mary Grace Piattos," "Pia Piatos-Lim," "Renan Piatos" and "Xiaome Ocho."
The House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability earlier conducted hearings on Duterte's alleged misuse of a total of P612.5 million in confidential funds of the OVP and the Department of Education which Duterte headed until she resigned in June last year.
The alleged malversation of P612.5 million is among specific acts cited in the articles of impeachment transmitted to the Senate last month.
Duterte, among others, is accused of questionable disbursements under the OVP worth P254.8 million and linked
to 1,322 fictitious beneficiaries who had no birth records, and P43.2 million in alleged ghost transactions involving 405 fake names under the confidential funds of the Department of Education, which she headed until her resignation in June 2024.
The vice president has denied misusing her confidential funds and has challenged the legality of her impeachment before the Supreme Court.
Roque should return, too
Also on Wednesday, Castro challenged former Palace Spokesman Harry Roque to return to the Philippines, especially now that he would no longer be part of the legal team of former President Rodrigo Duterte at the ICC.
She said Roque has to answer the allegations about his supposed links to illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators.
"As of now, you may have already heard that attorney Harry Roque will no longer be part of former President Duterte's legal team. If he had said that he would be there and wouldn't go home because he would represent his president, perhaps it would be better for him to represent himself first, to defend himself before defending others," Castro said.
"Well, anyway, regarding his asylum, perhaps the Palace will only react once a warrant of arrest has been issued and if he is indeed facing a criminal case in court," she added. Roque is seeking asylum in the Netherlands, claiming he is a victim of political persecution.
The Palace, however, already said Roque was not a victim of political persecution, citing overwhelming evidence to support the charges against him.
"We believe it will not have any effect. First of all, he's just filing a petition, and it hasn't been granted yet. Let's remember, before it can be granted, he must show that there is a well-founded fear of political persecution," Castro said about Roque's asylum application.
"How could there be a political persecution if all the pieces of evidence are overwhelming?
So, we don't see any political persecution. Let him just face his case here. That would be better for him to show the people that he is innocent," she added.
Roque has been in hiding amid an arrest order from the quad committee after being cited for contempt and ordered to be detained due to his failure to submit documents that would supposedly justify his sudden increased wealth.
He is also facing human trafficking complaints before the
Department of Justice due to his alleged "active participation" in the operations of the scam hub Lucky South 99 in Porac, Pampanga.
An Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order was also issued against Roque and 11 others in August.
From The Hague, the vice president said her father was in "high spirits" despite health issues he is experiencing during his detention at the Scheveningen Prison in the Netherlands.
"He is still in the hospital, he is not yet given the all clear based on the assessment of the doctors. He is in very good spirits, I asked him how the food is and he said that there is rice, and then I asked him what is the viand, he said its 'half-half,'" Duterte said.
Duterte also said that they are forming an "international" legal team for her father's defense at the ICC, led by international criminal lawyer Nicholas Kaufman.
This meant that her father's previously assigned lawyer, former Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, will withdraw as his personal counsel, as well as former Spokesman Harry Roque.
"I am talking to other lawyers. There is another one who I am interviewing to join the team.
Once the ICC team is already fixed, Medialdea will withdraw because of the limited slots for lawyers, and we want to board lawyers with ICC experience," Duterte said.
Duterte also said that her father has been badgering her to go home to the Philippines, but she said that she is still fixing her father's legal team.
He also advised her siblings not to personally visit him in prison.
"He said do not come here unless you want to join me in prison," Duterte said. On Roque, Duterte said that her father did not want to include him as his lawyer as he is currently applying for asylum in the Netherlands due to his standing warrant of arrest from the House of Representatives.
"We want him to focus on his asylum," Duterte said. Duterte also said her father will not withdraw his candidacy for mayor of Davao City, even joking that he is using his detention at the Scheveningen prison as a way to kill time.
She also said that her father was "charming" to everyone at the prison.
"He is very friendly with people inside. He said that since he is doing nothing at the moment as he is retired, he might as well stay inside," the vice president said in Filipino.
PH govt consulted on Duterte’s...
PAGE 1
government before any public announcement was made.
“The Diffusion is transmitted after prior consultations with the Government of the Philippines, who have agreed to comply with this request for arrest,” the document read.
The Diffusion request was not officially verified by Interpol’s General Secretariat to determine if it complies with all of the organization’s rules and legal frameworks.
Unlike a Red Notice, which goes through a formal review by the General Secretariat, a Diffusion is directly sent to member countries through Interpol’s communication channels without prior vetting.
The distinction raises concerns about the due process followed in Duterte’s case.
The Interpol Notices and Diffusions Task Force (NDTF) is responsible for reviewing the legality and compliance of notices and Diffusions. If concerns arise, Interpol members may refer it to the NDTF for further examination.
In Duterte’s case, since the Diffusion is active, authorities have been called to act on it, yet the lack of formal review
leaves room for potential legal challenges.
Duterte’s legal team could argue that the request is politically motivated and does not meet Interpol’s constitutional safeguards against politically driven cases.
The revelation of the government’s prior knowledge and agreement to Duterte’s arrest raises bigger concerns regarding transparency and its position on the ICC’s investigation.
Duterte has been charged under Article 7(1)(a) of the Rome Statute for orchestrating extrajudicial killings linked to his “drug war” from 2011 to 2019.
High-ranking officials had consistently denied they knew in advance about the ICC warrant.
Legal experts and human rights advocates have criticized the government’s contradictory statements, arguing that misleading denials further undermine its credibility in the ICC probe and cast doubt on its commitment to international legal obligations.
“These documents confirm that the government’s public denials were false. Philippine authorities were aware of the arrest plans and coordinated with the ICC,”
a legal analyst told The Manila Times
On Sunday, March 16, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it would assist the Interpol in serving arrest warrants for Duterte’s co-accused.
“We know that aside from the former president, other people are also being investigated, and since someone has already been arrested, we more or less already have a template,” PNP spokesman BGen. Jean Fajardo said.
“In case warrants cropped up and the Interpol asked for assistance, the PNP is very much willing to provide assistance in its implementation in accordance with existing law,” Fajardo said.
She said the government provided the necessary assistance to Duterte, including medical services, after he was brought to The Hague. Fajardo also dispelled reports on social media that several police officers have resigned in support of Duterte.
“These are all fake news; that’s why we always appeal to everybody to be discerning and vigilant, and not to believe anything they see on social media,” she said. (With reports from Francisco Tuyay)
Consul
Rodriguez (right)
allegiance during the special
Photo from Instagram/@naffaa.national
VEGGIE ADVOCATE. Actress Nadine Lustre poses as Mother Earth during a photo shoot in Pasig City on Monday, March 17. She had the Philippine map painted on her body as she promotes the vegan lifestyle campaign of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. PNA photo by Joan Bondoc
Dateline PhiliPPines
by Jean MangaluZ Philstar.com
MANILA — Malacañang has questioned former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque's bid for political asylum in the Netherlands, saying that he should face the cases pending against him in the Philippines. Roque left the country illegally in September 2024 and is currently facing charges of qualified human trafficking related to illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) operations in the Lucky South 99 in Porac, Pampanga.
Since leaving, Roque has been spotted in the United Arab Emirates, China, and Japan. After months of refusing to return to the Philippines, Roque surfaced in the Netherlands, where he is attending the trial of former President Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes
against humanity.
Not only does Roque want to serve as Duterte’s legal counsel, but he is also seeking political asylum in the Netherlands. “Wala po tayong nakikitang political persecution, harapin na lang po niya ang kaso niya po dito, mas maganda po iyan para maipakita niya sa taumbayan na wala po talaga siya kasalanan,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said.
(We do not see any political persecution, he should face his cases here so that he could prove to the public that he is innocent.)
Before his petition for political asylum could be granted, Castro reminded Roque that he would need to prove a well-founded fear of political persecution.
However, evidence gathered during the POGO raid in Porac strongly implicated him. Castro said that documents with Roque’s name found in the
raid were discovered with little effort from the government, essentially falling into their hands.
“How could there be a political persecution if all the pieces of evidence are overwhelming?”
Lucky South 99 listed Roque as their "legal counsel," a claim which the former spokesperson has denied.
However, Roque has admitted to accompanying alleged POGO stakeholder Cassandra Ong to meet with Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) Chair Alejandro Tengco to settle financial matters.
Roque insists that the meeting was not related to Lucky South 99 but was instead for a company called "Whirlwind Corp."
Tengco, however, contradicted this account, stating that the meeting was indeed about Lucky South 99. n
Duterte’s counsel Medialdea rushed to hospital
by John eRic MendoZa Inquirer.net
MANILA — Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s lead counsel and former executive secretary
Salvador Medialdea was rushed to hospital in The Hague on Tuesday, March 18.
Senator Robin Padilla, who made the update in his Facebook page, shared a photo of Medialdea in a wheelchair.
Medialdea’s condition is not yet clear but Padilla is asking prayers for his recovery.
“As’alu Allah al ‘azim rabbil ‘arshil azim an yashifika. I ask Allah, the Mighty, the Lord of the Mighty Throne, to cure you,” Padilla said in a Facebook page.
Padilla is in the Netherlands where the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) headquarters is located. Duterte is being held in the ICC for alleged crimes against humanity over the war on drugs during his term.
Duterte appointed Medialdea as one his counsels in the ICC proceedings.
ICC spokesperson Fadi
El Abdallah said he has no information on the development. “I have no information but in general we do not comment on private life matters,” he told reporters on Tuesday.
On March 11, Duterte was arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and was held at the Villamor Air Base before being flown to the Hague along with Medialdea. Duterte had his pre-trial
hearing on March 14, while his confirmation of charges will be held on September 23, before which he could appeal for an interim release. At least 6,000 were killed during the war on drugs during Duterte’s term, according to official government data. But human rights watchdogs and the ICC prosecutor estimated the death toll to be between 12,000 and 30,000 from 2016 to 2019.n
Photo courtesy of Sen. Robin Padilla
OPiniOn Features
In aid of election
THE current chief legal counsel of former President Rodrigo Duterte has described his turnover to the International Criminal Court as “extrajudicial rendition” and state kidnapping.
Duterte’s camp has also not changed its long-held stand that the ICC lost jurisdiction over killings in the brutal crackdown on drug suspects after he withdrew the Philippines from the Rome Statute, which created the ICC.
Several urgent petitions have been filed with the Supreme Court, urging the high tribunal to invalidate the government’s turnover of Duterte to the ICC through the Interpol, and to compel the government to return him to the Philippines.
The ICC now has Duterte in its custody, with his lawyers preparing to challenge the court’s jurisdiction over him and the manner of his arrest.
Obviously, Duterte’s camp deems his arrest and extradition to The Hague illegal. Equally obvious is that the Philippine government believes its actions were legitimate. Both sides are unlikely to change their views. So whatever probe is conducted by the Senate at this point will simply reinforce those positions.
Malacañang and other administration officials have also provided details about the circumstances leading up to the arrest, and made public the ICC arrest warrant. The officials are unlikely to deviate from their story.
There could be some details that may
WITH the tariff war launched by the United States vs Canada, China, Mexico and the European Union now in full swing, many countries including ASEAN member-nations are bracing themselves for any potential fallout from the situation that has been described as a “tit-fortat” due to the retaliatory tariffs being imposed by the “warring” countries on a widening list of products.
According to analysts, the intensifying competition between the U.S. and China could prove to be challenging for countries in Southeast Asia, with Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia being particularly “vulnerable” to the impact of increased tariffs. This is why it’s become all the more important to have the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership – said to be the biggest regional trade agreement in the Asia-Pacific –since one of its aims is to lower (if not eliminate) tariffs on a wide range of goods and services and
still be squeezed out, which administration officials have yet to make public, such as the owner of the Gulfstream jet that was chartered to fly Duterte from Manila to The Hague.
Beyond such details, however, which could be obtained through regular press conferences and media interviews, what else might a Senate probe unearth? Will it take on the role of the Supreme Court in ruling on the legality of the government’s actions?
President Marcos’ sister, Sen. Imee Marcos, is reportedly planning to conduct the probe. She has been openly conflicted since her brother had a falling out with her avowed close friend and his UniTeam running mate in 2022, Vice President Sara Duterte.
Senator Marcos is part of the administration’s 12-member Senate slate, although she said she would be campaigning on her own. But she joined the kickoff rally in Laoag for the Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas, standing beside her brother as he raised the hands of the candidates. Duterte’s former chief presidential legal counsel, Salvador Panelo, scoffed at the planned Senate probe, dismissing it as a stunt in aid of reelection. He is not the only one who holds this view. (Philstar.com)
Preparing ourselves for the global economy
reduce trade barriers among member-nations that include all 10 members of the ASEAN, analysts said.
While some countries in Asia may not be directly affected, “the impact of rising tariffs and trade wars could cause major disruptions to supply chains, slow down trade and investment flows and significantly set back the growth of the global economy,” Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong said during a recent global thought leadership event. But “in spite of the risk of greater economic fragmentation, there is good reason to remain optimistic that Asia will remain a beacon of growth, opportunities and prosperity,” Gan asserted, pointing to the Asian economy’s projected expansion to 60 percent of the world’s GDP by 2030, with Southeast Asia also projected to become the fourth largest economy in the world by that time.
Analysts are confident that the Philippines is “well-insulated” from the impact of the retaliatory tariffs due to its trade balance since the country imports more than it exports, plus the fact
that 75 percent of its economy is driven domestically. Besides, our trade surplus with the U.S. is not that big, unlike countries with significant trade surpluses such as Canada, Mexico, the European Union and China, which have all become the target of President Trump’s retaliatory tariffs.
The National Economic and Development Authority believes that the Philippines could even gain from the current trade war between the U.S. and its trade partners if we position our country as an alternative source of exports to the United States. A lot of foreign companies are now looking at the Philippines as an alternative destination since they will not be severely hit by the tariff fallout.
It goes without saying that we need to ensure that our economy remains resilient if we are to hurdle the challenges and the uncertainties brought about by the escalating tariff tensions. A lot of businessmen I have spoken with say they are relieved that we have someone like Secretary Frederick Go, whose role as the president’s special assistant for investment
and economic affairs practically puts him on top of the economy.
In fact, some of the biggest business groups in the country have expressed their strong support for Secretary Go’s efforts to push for reforms that would make the Philippines more attractive to investors, among them the landmark CREATE MORE (Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises) bill that aims to provide tax incentives and stimulate economic recovery.
According to the Board of Investments (BOI), the total approved investment commitments in 2024 hit an all-time high of P1.9 trillion, exceeding the administration’s P1.5-trillion target.
“This unprecedented performance shows growing investor confidence in the Philippines and the success of the administration’s investment and economic policies. We are optimistic that these approved projects will translate into tangible economic benefits in the coming years, including the creation of more and better job opportunities for Filipinos and paving the way for sustainable,
investment-led growth,”
Secretary Go remarked, adding that these approved investments could create over 130,000 jobs.
Trade Undersecretary and BOI head Perry Rodolfo has also been very active in exploring increased collaboration with non-traditional trading partners such as Paraguay, whose Vice Minister for Investments and Exports was in the country last month for an official visit.
USec Rodolfo is also confident that the Philippines will have a better chance of pushing for a bilateral free trade agreement and sectoral agreements with the United States under the administration of President Trump, noting that the U.S. president welcomed the idea of an FTA when he came here for a visit in 2017. During the Biden administration, it was “so difficult to even have a watered-down statement that would say that the U.S. notes the Philippines’ interest in a bilateral trade agreement,” the DTI official said.
Here in Washington, our economic team is continuing to work on a potential free trade agreement and reviving the
discussions that we had during the first Trump administration. We are also looking at sectoral agreements as advised by former U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross since these would provide better opportunities in certain industries like semiconductors and minerals, for instance.
We are also continually working on the renewal of the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) which was placed on the backburner due to COVID-19 and the Speakership issue in 2023. With Republicans holding the majority in Congress, we are confident the GSP will be renewed.
As I have emphasized on many occasions, we must become economically prosperous to achieve economic security that, in turn, would make us strong and resilient to withstand risks and challenges in the face of a global economy. (Philstar.com)
* * *
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs
On The Move Marcos Jr. in the shadow of Marcos Sr.
THE rapid succession of events — the swift impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte by the House of Representatives in February and the arrest and transfer of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC last week) — has led to a reassessment of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s political acumen and decisiveness.
Many had previously viewed Mr. Marcos as conflict-averse, reluctant to confront the Duterte faction directly, and lacking the ruthless strategic precision of his father, Ferdinand Marcos Sr. However, the recent turn of events suggests a more calculated, premeditated move to consolidate power, leading to the question: Is Mr. Marcos proving to be as strategically adept as his father, despite earlier perceptions?
The House’s rapid impeachment of Sara Duterte signaled that Mr. Marcos had already secured the legislative numbers and political will to move against the Dutertes.
Sandro Marcos as the first signer
and Martin Romualdez as the last signer of the impeachment charge was a mischievous wink. Duterte’s ICC arrest followed shortly after, strongly suggesting patient entrapment rather than coincidence. What we are realizing now is Marcos’ occult strategy of gradually isolating the Dutertes. Instead of engaging in a direct, early confrontation, Mr. Marcos systematically weakened the Duterte faction by withholding outright support for Sara Duterte’s political moves (e.g., withholding the defense portfolio, wresting control of the House speakership). Allowing internal fragmentation within the Duterte coalition and, finally, delivering decisive blows when the moment was right—ensuring Sara Duterte’s impeachment and letting Rodrigo Duterte face international accountability. These moves show greater political decisiveness than previously assumed, but some distinctions remain between Mr. Marcos and his father.
As to political style, Marcos Sr. used direct authoritarian control and strong-handed rule, backed by the military and police, while Mr. Marcos prefers subtle, indirect, and less overtly authoritarian tactics. As
to the use of institutions, Marcos Sr. weaponized government machinery early in his rule (e.g., martial law) while Mr. Marcos uses existing institutions (Congress, ICC, law enforcement) to weaken enemies without directly appearing oppressive. As for the management of political rivals, Marcos Sr. co-opted, crushed, or exiled opponents (e.g., Ninoy Aquino) while Mr. Marcos isolates and undermines opponents while keeping a façade of the democratic process.
Mr. Marcos’ reluctance to move swiftly against the Dutertes earlier might have been due to the fear of losing the Duterte base before the 2025 elections. Many Duterte loyalists remain a powerful force in Philippine politics. By delaying confrontation, Mr. Marcos ensured the Duterte faction was already fragmented before he acted.
Instead of challenging the Dutertes when they were still strong, Mr. Marcos let their influence erode naturally through the quad comm investigation process that saw Sara Duterte flustered and struggling in approval ratings. Meanwhile, the ICC scrutiny goaded Rodrigo Duterte, in his inimitable macho bravado, to make damaging selfincriminating statements.
By framing Duterte’s arrest as an Interpol matter, Marcos avoided taking full responsibility for Duterte’s downfall. The dual blows against the Duterte faction—Sara’s impeachment and Rodrigo’s arrest—suggest that Mr. Marcos is now in a stronger position than ever before. The 2025 midterm elections will now be fought under a Marcos-dominated landscape. The Duterte bloc, once a threat, is now fragmented, discredited, and leaderless. Mr. Marcos now controls the narrative, having strategically removed a major political rival, maintaining deniability that he has declared outright war against the Dutertes or that he has surrendered Philippine sovereignty.
While Mr. Marcos does not rule with the same iron grip as his father, his ability to strategically weaken the Dutertes without direct confrontation reflects a deep political instinct that many had underestimated. Whether he continues to consolidate power effectively or faces a backlash will depend on how well he manages the post-Duterte political landscape.
Marcos Sr. got his political opponents arrested on Sept. 23, 1972, a full two days after
secretly declaring martial law, the better to surprise his political enemies. In the case of Mr. Marcos, he managed to fool the Dutertes into believing he would not cooperate with the ICC, the better to get Duterte into his political parlor, get him arrested, and whisked straight to detention in The Hague, in just 37 hours.
* * * 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.
Mr. Marcos is proving to be a cunning and patient strategist— one who plays the long game and wins. The tell-tale similarity is in the checkmate modus operandi. (Inquirer.net)
* * * doyromero@gmail.com
ManilaTimes.net photo
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Malacañang file photo
NBI monitoring 20 vloggers for spreading fake news online
by mark erneSt Villeza Philstar.com
MANILA — About 20
vloggers accused of spreading fake news online are being probed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
Two people are already facing arrest warrants, the NBI said Monday, March 17.
Charges of cyberlibel and inciting to sedition could be filed against the vloggers, NBI director Jaime Santiago noted.
A vlogger based in the United States is under surveillance, he said.
“Some people take this lightly, saying they have freedom of speech and expression, but those freedoms are not absolute,” Santiago maintained.
“When you exceed the boundaries of the law and commit a crime, we have to take action,” he said.
Embarrassment
Meanwhile, House officials said it was “embarrassing and humiliating” that the proliferation of fake news in the country peaked when the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for former President Rodrigo Duterte.
“The sheer volume of disinformation is not just disturbing – it’s humiliating. It’s a national embarrassment... a global shame,” La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega V said.
Ortega cited false narratives spread by Duterte’s former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea, who claimed that Duterte was missing and the ICC was not providing him medical attention.
Fact checking group Vera Files has reported that proDuterte disinformation surrounding his arrest has been spreading across Facebook, TikTok and YouTube.
Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong also condemned fake news claiming the Supreme Court received a petition for President Marcos’ resignation.
“This is a blatant act of deception, meant to sow confusion and disrupt our nation,” he said.
Adiong lauded the high court for debunking the fabricated document and vowed full
support for efforts to hold perpetrators accountable.
ICC Presiding Judge Iulia Motoc has also been the target of fake news linking her to the Marcos family, among others.
Campaign vs fake news
A campaign to track fake news purveyors is being discussed by the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and NBI.
DICT Undersecretary Jeffrey Ian Dy said he met with NBI’s Santiago on Monday to discuss the campaign.
“The DICT has no police powers, but what we have are certain tools to monitor what’s happening on the internet,” he told dzBB.
Officials of the National Telecommunications Commission also attended the meeting. Dy said the meeting will be expanded to include other state agencies that can help in tracking down content creators, erring content and social media sites used in spreading fake news.
Social media platforms, he said, should be held accountable for failing to protect people from fake news and content generated by artificial intelligence. The monetization system of social media platforms,
such as YouTube and Meta, is incentivizing content creators to spread fake news, he noted. No charges
Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) director Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre will not file charges against people spreading fake news about him and other police officials.
“It’s part of the job. No worries. We can handle it,” he said. Torre on March 12 led the contingent of the Philippine National Police in enforcing the ICC arrest warrant against Duterte for alleged crimes against humanity stemming from his bloody war on drugs.
Deputized anti-crime investigators are being retrained to study the financial transactions of troll farms, Torre said.
“We are closely examining troll farms as a key aspect of our investigations, not just in elections but also in broader governance issues, especially in the current landscape. Their influence has become increasingly evident, particularly in the aftermath of recent controversial operations,” Torre said. (With reports from Delon Porcalla, Cecille Suerte Felipe, Rainier Allan Ronda)
Check VP’s projects when she was mayor – Palace
by alexiS RoMeRo Philstar.com
MANILA — Malacañang on Tuesday, March 18 called for a probe into the projects of Vice President Sara Duterte when she was mayor of Davao City following the release of a list of alleged recipients of her office’s confidential funds with no personal records.
Presidential Communications
Undersecretary Claire Castro said Duterte revealed at a Senate hearing that her office’s confidential funds had been spent for projects like free rides, free meals and an entrepreneurship program even if they were not supposed to be bankrolled by the funding.
“If you can see, more similar receipts have been discovered, have been examined and I think at this point in time, we should also look back, how did (Vice President) Sara spent her huge
confidential funds at the time that she was then a mayor? She received at least P460 million for four years during her time, so how did she spend that?” Castro told ABS-CBN News.
“So maybe she is into these kinds of transactions. Maybe she did not imagine that it (would) come to this point that all her receipts would be put into question,” the Palace press officer added.
On Sunday, March 16, House deputy majority leader and La Union 1st district Rep. Paolo Ortega V disclosed the names of supposed recipients of the vice president’s confidential funds who he said have no birth, marriage or death records at the Philippine Statistics Authority.
The lawmaker identified the beneficiaries as “Jay Kamote,” “Miggy Mango” and five persons named “Dodong,” namely “Dodong Alcala,” “Dodong
Bina,” “Dodong Bunal,” “Dodong Darong” and “Dodong S. Barok.” Ortega said it could not be ascertained if the seven recipients of the confidential funds are real people. He believes that the findings further strengthen the case against Duterte, who was impeached by the House of Representatives last December over her alleged failure to properly account for the confidential funds given to her office, among other issues. Last year, lawmakers questioned what they described as unusual names in the vice president’s disbursement records, including “Mary Grace Piattos,” “Pia Piatos-Lim,” “Renan Piatos” and “Xiaome Ocho.” Duterte has denied misusing her confidential funds and has challenged the legality of her impeachment before the Supreme Court. (With reports from Cecille Suerte Felipe, Delon Porcalla)
VP Sara won’t apply to be Duterte’s lawyer
by Janvic Mateo Philstar.com
MANILA — Vice President
Sara Duterte will not seek recognition after all from the International Criminal Court (ICC) to be her father’s lawyer, former presidential spokesman Harry Roque said on Tuesday, March 18.
Roque made the clarification hours after announcing that the vice president was aiming to be allowed to be part of her father’s legal defense so she could be entitled to a “counsel’s access to an accused.”
“Let me just make clear the reports that came out. VP
Sara can’t be a lawyer for the president (Duterte) because the Constitution prohibits the practice of profession,” he said.
“It’s her right to visit (Duterte) as his daughter.” He also confirmed that former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea was able to visit the former president in his detention facility in The Hague.
Earlier reports said the vice president wanted to be part of her father’s legal team so she could have unimpeded access to him, with their conversations not recorded.
The
were set to fly to the
on Wednesday, March 19 to assist in the legal defense of
The former president, who is running for mayor of Davao
in the May 12 midterm polls, is turning 80 on March 28. His next appearance before the tribunal is on Sept. 23. (With reports from
Lawyers familiar with ICC rules, however, said such reasons would not qualify Duterte to be part of the legal team. The lawyer said accreditation for this role requires some experience in handling cases involving international law. British-Israeli lawyer Nicholas Kaufman has reportedly been hired to lead
Fact checking group Vera Files has reported that pro-Duterte disinformation surrounding his arrest has been spreading across Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. Pexels.com
Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and Vice President Sara Duterte by the entrance of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands on Friday, Mar. 14, 2025.
Photo from One News via Gretchen Ho / Philstar.com’s screenshot
Duterte’s legal team.
STAR, meanwhile, learned that three lawyers led by former justice secretary Silvestre Bello III
Netherlands
Duterte.
City
Edith Regalado)
THE ASIAN JOURNAL MAGAZINE
IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Friday, March 21, 2025
Empowered women: Marian Rivera, Heart Evangelista, Bea Alonzo
by Leony Garcia Inquirer.net
IT is good to note that the entertainment industry is peopled with empowered women — individuals who possess an unwavering belief in their own capabilities and worth and use their confidence to navigate challenges and advocate for themselves and others.
Top of mind among showbiz personalities are Marian Rivera, Heart Evangelista, and Bea Alonzo who are not afraid to speak their minds, challenge the status quo, and pursue their ambitions with passion and resilience, and thereby inspire those around them to do the same.
For one, Rivera, whose phenomenal rise to stardom is one for the books, is now known beyond her acting career. Her philanthropic endeavors — notably as Ambassador for Women and Children with Disabilities, along with her role as a devoted wife to fellow actor Dingdong Dantes and mother to Zia and Ziggy — make her a well-respected figure in and out of the Philippine show business.
Over the years, she has also successfully diversified her career and established herself as a savvy businesswoman through endorsements, product collaborations, and launching her own brands. This demonstrates her keen understanding of the market and her audience. Her business ventures, for sure, contribute to her overall success and showcase her ability to excel in multiple fields. And this further solidifies her status as a significant influencer in the Philippines.
Today, she chooses her
projects well, with her highly acclaimed Cinemalaya movie, “Balota,” earning multiple nominations from different awarding ceremonies slated this year.
Evangelista, on the other hand, has secured a spot for fashion and modeling in the international scene not only for herself but for the Filipinos. With her svelte figure and small stature, who would ever think that she could invade Paris, New York, and Milan fashion events?
Over the years, the celebrated endorser has cemented her position as Queen of Collaborations for both local and foreign brands.
A certified social media influencer and philanthropist, she is highly popular as a spokesperson for the Philippine Animal Welfare Society and her own campaign for Adopt, Don’t Shop (for fur pets). Given her busy schedule, Evangelista, wife to Sen. Chiz Escudero, finds time to pursue civic work alongside the legislative work of senators as the head of the Senate Spouses Foundation.
Meanwhile, Bea Alonzo is enjoying her life as a single woman — for now. After her failed relationships, including a broken
engagement, Alonzo said it is the first time that she’s enjoying solo and discovering things she can do alone. Of course, her family, especially her mom, has always been on hand to assist her.
When not busy with projects in Manila, Alonzo is hands-on in tending to her farm in Zambales, learning the beauty of going organics and environmentfriendly farming. And while waiting for the cameras to roll for new movies — one to be filmed in Europe and one intended for Metro Manila Film Festival 2025 — she lends her star power to some endorsements and her own bag business. Currently, Alonzo is the brand ambassador for a high-end jewelry brand which she said has a “deep commitment to ethical sourcing and genuine craftsmanship.”
It is easy to see that these women leverage their talents while continuously strive for growth. Overall, they define their own success, prioritize their wellbeing, and contribute to a world where all individuals have the opportunity to thrive.
For all women out there, let’s be empowered like Marian, Heart, and Bea. Happy Women’s Month, everyone!
Ruffa Gutierrez’s ex-husband Yilmaz Bektas confirms upcoming visit to PH
by HannaH MaLLorca Inquirer.net
YILMAZ Bektas confirmed that he is coming to the Philippines soon, days after his ex-wife Ruffa Gutierrez revealed his desire to visit her in her home country.
Bektas is making headlines after Gutierrez — who is currently dating actor-turned-politician Herbert Bautista — said in an interview that her ex-husband proposed to her again and wanted to visit her in the Philippines.
“He wanted to propose and get married to me again. I thought it was a joke. Gusto niya akong yayain three months ago,” Gutierrez said last March 11. “Sabi ko, ‘Is this a joke?’ [Sabi niya], ‘No, I want to invite you to be on a train with me,’ and magtrain daw kami all over Europe. So, sabi ko, ‘Totoo ba ‘to or baka he’s planning my murder on the plane or train. Sabi niya, ‘I’ll just visit you na lang there [in the Philippines].’”
(He wanted to propose and get married to me again. I thought it was a joke. He wanted me to visit him three months ago. I said, “Is this a joke?” He said, “No, I want to invite you to
be on a train with me.” He said we would ride a train all over Europe.” So I said, “Is this real?” or maybe he’s planning my murder on the plane or train. He said, “I’ll just visit you there in the Philippines.”) Days later, Bektas took to a now-expired Instagram Story on Sunday, March 16, to confirm the reports of his upcoming visit.
“For public opinion: Regarding the news about me that has been published in the media recently, I would like to say, ‘Yes, these
news are true. I will be visiting the Philippines soon,’” he said. The reasons behind the Turkish businessman’s upcoming visit are yet to be disclosed as of this writing.
Despite her earlier revelation, Gutierrez clarified that Bektas is not courting her but that she is nonetheless happy that they’re on better terms.
The ex-couple wed in 2003 and their marriage was annulled in 2012. They have two children together, Lorin and Venice.
Kris Aquino opens up on failed romance with doctor
by KatHLeen a. LLeMit Philstar.com
FOR the first time since announcing she is single anew, Kris Aquino opened up about her romance with a doctor.
In an Instagram post Sunday, March 16, Kris shared a few details about her last heartbreak along with her health update.
Kris revealed the reasons for her short-lived romance with the doctor, whom she had described in the past as someone who worked in Makati.
“During this time of uncertainty, I choose to share MY PAINFUL TRUTH, the doctor I loved left me because he wanted the freedom to travel, to break free from needing to care for & the reality of KRIS AQUINO who had multiplying autoimmune diseases w/ so few
options," Kris wrote. “Enough time has passed: he
not
me. In my defense, he did receive the correct professional fees - even when we were a couple. End of that
‘Game of Thrones’ star Iain Glen to join Jericho Rosales in ‘Quezon’
The Scottish actor plays the role of Leonard Wood, erstwhile governor-general of PH
by HannaH MaLLorca Inquirer.net
IAIN Glen, a Scottish actor best known for his appearances in “Game of Thrones” and the “Resident Evil” film series, has been cast as Leonard Wood in the upcoming film “Quezon.”
Glen’s casting was announced by production company TBA Studios in a press statement on Monday, March 17, where it also shared photos of the thespian engaging in a table reading with his co-stars Jericho Rosales and Benjamin Alves.
“We are very honored to have Iain Glen in ‘Quezon,’” TBA Studios president and COO Daphne Tiu said of Glen. “This film is shaping up to be one of the biggest productions in Philippine cinema, with one of the largest casts ever assembled.”
“We are excited to share with Iain — and the rest of the world — the production scale and level of artistry that Filipino filmmakers are capable of,” she further added.
Leonard Wood was an American Army general who served as the governor-general of the Philippines from 1921 to 1927 and found himself involved in the economic policies and other political matters leading up to the Philippines’ independence. Such was his influence that at least two major roads, in Baguio City and in Zamboanga City, and a public school in Mandaue City were named after him.
Glen, meanwhile, played the
and Peter Dinklage, among others. He was spotted upon arrival in Manila sometime in January, but it was not disclosed what project he was working on in the country at the time.
“[Iain Glen] has gravitas. But at the same time, he can let loose, which is important for the role of Leonard Wood,” the film’s director Jerrold Tarog said, noting how his portrayal made Wood “come alive.”
The script reading for “Quezon’s” cast and crew took place earlier this year at the Manila Hotel, with Glen, Rosales, Benjamin Alves, and Mon Confiado in attendance.
Production will begin in March.
“Quezon,” which will be supported by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), Department of Tourism, and QCinema Film Foundation, will air sometime in 2025. It was also stated that FDCP will be funding the film.
Rosales was earlier announced as the lead star of “Quezon,” where he will portray the titular Manuel L. Quezon. Alves will star as the younger version of the character.
Glen took on a number of notable characters through the years, and is best known for starring as Jorah Mormont in “Game of Thrones,” Dr. Alexander Isaacs or Tyrant in the “Resident Evil” film series, and Sir Richard Carlisle in “Downton Abbey,” to name a few.
‘Star Wars’ actors starring in PH-set rom-com ‘The Last Resort’
by Kristofer PurneLL Philstar.com
ACTORS Daisy Ridley and Alden Ehrenreich, best known for their roles in the "Star Wars" franchise, will lead the cast of an upcoming romantic-comedy movie set in the Philippines.
"The Last Resort," directed by Donald Petrie, will see Ridley's character Brooke wanting to prove herself of running her father's hotel empire, media outlet Deadline reports.
chapter (never akong natakot umamin ng katotohanan),” she revealed. She also shared his exact words, as published on her Instagram: “The TRUTH, in his words ‘INIWAN KITA DAHIL
MAHIRAP KANG MAHALIN, sobrang sikip ng paligid.”
Kris said that she is praying that her ex-flame will stop trash talking and “cursing” the doctors and her best friend who continue to care for her.
Her latest post also revealed how her second son, Bimby, has been taking care of her. She said that Bimby is now taking mixed martial arts classes, and has been patiently taking care of her, carrying her because she has difficulty walking because of her deep bone pain due to her autoimmune diseases, Lupus Arthritis, Polymyositis, and Acute Fibromyalgia.
Brooke scouts for a new resort location in the Philippines where she meets Ehrenreich's Ben, an expatriate pilot who helps her discover the nation's beauty.
"As love and duty collide, Brooke must choose between the life she's built and the one she's only just begun to love," the synopsis ends.
This will be Petrie's first project in six years since he directed an episode of "Chicago P.D." and his first movie since 2018's "Little Italy" starring Emma Roberts and Hayden Christensen, the latter another "Star Wars" alumnus.
Petrie's past romanticcomedies include "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" with Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey; "Miss Congeniality" with Sandra Bullock; and "Just My Luck" with Lindsay Lohana and Chris Pine.
He also directed the comedies "Richie Rich," "My Favorite Martian," and "The Associate," as well as 2004's "Welcome to Mooseport" which was Gene Hackman's final film role before retiring. The movie's script will be penned by Karen McCullah who wrote the adapted screenplays for "10 Things I Hate About You," "Legally Blonde," "Ella Enchanted," and "She's The Man," as well as the scripts of "The House Bunny" and "The Ugly Truth." McCullah was born in the Philippines as her father had been assigned with the United States Navy to perform counterespionage duties.
Businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan will serve as an executive producer on "The Last Resort," alongside Ernesto "Bong" Sta. Maria. Jr. and Raja Collins. Ridley played Rey in the "Star Wars" sequel trilogy and also starred in "Murder on the Orient Express," "Ophelia," "Chaos Walking," "Magpie," "Young Woman and the Sea," and "Cleaner." Meanwhile, Ehrenreich portrayed a younger version of Han Solo in "Solo: A Star Wars Story," which he followed up with "Cocaine
Heart Evangelista, Marian Rivera, and Bea Alonzo File photos
“Star Wars” actors Daisy Ridley and Alden Ehrenreich Contributed photos
Bear," "Oppenheimer," and the upcoming Marvel Studios miniseries "Ironheart."
Iain Glen (center) during the table reading for “Quezon.”
Photos courtesy of TBA Studios
The cast of “Quezon”
role of Ser Jorah Mormont in the hit series “Game of Thrones” alongside Sean Bean, Kit Harrington, Emilia Clarke, Lena Headey,
Ruffa Gutierrez and Yilmaz Bektas Photos from Instagram/@iloveruffag, @yilmazbkta
Kris Aquino Philstar.com file photo
PH Consulate, IBP California chapter host forum on US immigration updates for Filipinos
SAN FRANCISCO – The
Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, in partnership with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-California Chapter (IBP CA), successfully hosted the Forum on U.S. Immigration Updates on March 7, 2025, at Kalayaan Hall, Philippine Center, San Francisco. The event welcomed 46 participants and provided valuable insights into immigration policies, legal rights, and pathways available to Filipinos in the United States.
Attended by members of the Filipino American community, the forum featured top immigration lawyers from IBP-CA, including Atty. Flomy Diza, Atty. Evelyn Alfonso, Atty. Cesar Fumar, and moderator Atty. Jeanne Serrano. The panel covered critical topics such as the latest U.S. immigration policy updates, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) encounters, deportation defense, and legal options for Filipinos in the U.S.
In his welcome remarks,
Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer emphasized the Consulate’s commitment to empowering the Filipino community with accurate legal information. “We understand that immigration challenges can be overwhelming, but through forums like this, we equip our kababayans with knowledge and resources to
make informed decisions,” he said. The event also included a Q&A session, where attendees had the opportunity to seek legal advice directly from the experts. Additionally, free legal consultations were made available after the forum, reinforcing the communitycentered approach of the consulate’s public service initiatives.
Consul Maria Paz G. Cortes, in her closing remarks, thanked the IBP CA Chapter and the speakers for their unwavering
commitment to the Filipino community. “Legal awareness is key to protecting our rights and securing a better future. We are grateful to our legal experts for guiding our community through these complex immigration matters,” she said.
The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco encourages the Filipino community to stay informed about upcoming forums and services by following consulate’s official Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram pages. (PCGSF Release)
THE Southern California fires are a tragic reminder of how destructive and damaging fires can be to life, property, and the environment. East Bay Regional Parks shares the community’s concerns and is focused on reducing wildfire risks.
Central to East Bay Regional Parks’ efforts to reduce wildfire risks is fuels reduction, which is guided by two Wildfire Hazard Reduction Plans that outline sitespecific treatment goals for 140 Recommended Treatment Areas, covering approximately 5,280 acres in the most critical areas.
“The East Bay Regional Park District works year-round to reduce fire fuels to help keep parks and surrounding communities safe,” said East Bay Regional Parks Fire Chief Aileen Theile. “The goal is to reduce fire intensity to give firefighters a fighting chance when fires do occur.”
In the last six years, the number of East Bay Regional Parks fire department personnel focused on fuels reduction increased from 6 to 23. In the previous four years alone, the spending on wildfire protection has increased from $2.2 million to $9.4 million, supported by a combination of East Bay Regional Parks funding, voter-approved funding, and state and federal grants. These additional funds and staff resources help East Bay Regional Parks achieve better fire protection and preparedness.
East Bay Regional Parks also regularly provides educational material to the community about wildfire dangers and what the public can do to protect their property and prepare for wildfires.
What’s being done in East Bay regional parks
At Anthony Chabot Regional Park, work is continuing on a 667-acre fuels reduction project to thin and remove hazardous trees and vegetation, including eucalyptus. So far, 475 acres have been completed. These efforts are already making a measurable difference in reducing fire hazards and improving the resilience of natural ecosystems. The project includes the use of a carbonizer that literally fights fire with fire. The carbonizer disposes of the biomass from fuels reduction projects by turning it into biochar that can
be used to enhance agriculture, control erosion, restore plant health, and improve water quality. The carbonizer burns biomass at extremely high temperatures (about 1,300 degrees Fahrenheit) using very little oxygen, resulting in low greenhouse gas emissions. The carbonizer is a climate-friendly disposal method, especially when compared to conventional open pile burning or transporting loads long distances off-site in diesel trucks. At Tilden Regional Park, work is underway on the Grizzly Peak Strategic Fuel Break through collaboration with adjacent fire agencies. East Bay Regional Parks is leading the effort to clear roadside brush, prune overhanging branches, and remove hazardous dead and dying trees. Fuels reduction efforts are currently underway on 5.5 acres along South Park Drive and Golf Course Drive.
East Bay Regional Parks is also helping the community create defensible space in critical areas adjacent to the park. These two major projects are in addition to work performed by a 16-person fuels reduction crew; annual goat, sheep, and cattle grazing; and recently completed projects at Tilden, Sobrante Ridge, Claremont Canyon, Carquinez Strait, Kennedy Grove, Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve, and Wildcat Canyon. Over 86,800 acres of parkland are grazed annually by cattle, sheep, or goats throughout East Bay Regional Parks’ parklands. East Bay Regional Parks is the largest landowner in the East Bay. Additional fuels reduction work is currently being conducted across a wide range of locations, including Ardenwood Historic Farm, Garin Regional Park, Camp Arroyo, Las Trampas Regional Wilderness, PAGE 11
IN an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” this Sunday, March 23, leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel addresses the critical issues of Filipino healthcare workers eager to pursue nursing and caregiving jobs in the United States.
Taped at Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in the Philippines, this “Your Tanong, My Sagot” episode answers some of the most frequently asked questions in immigration law today, providing valuable insights on navigating pathways for healthcare professionals.
Three attendees posed their questions to Atty. Gurfinkel: Mildred, an RN, asked how she could secure employment in the
The
The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, led by Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer and Consul Maria Paz G. Cortes, proudly presented Certificates of Appreciation to the esteemed speakers and moderator, Atty. Flomy Diza, Atty. Evelyn Alfonso, Atty. Cesar Fumar, and Atty. Jeanne Serrano, for their invaluable contributions to the Forum on U.S. Immigration Updates.
THE first time I saw Leni
was during the wake for her husband Jessie Robredo at Malacanang’s Kalayaan Hall (I used to work there as Presidential Message Writer under the late Press Secretary Teddy Benigno).
She showed courage in the midst of the tragic death of the man believed to be a country’s future leader.
I vividly remember she inquired who was the owner of the attache case beside her, and I answered politely that it was mine for it contained some paperworks to be edited; I was then connected with the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office as a writer consultant.
She smiled, and I extended my sincerest condolences to her. As I shook her hand, I could see a vision that she would enter public service to continue her husband’s legacy of serving the people.
* * *
Gemeline Braga-Calingo, widow of my late boss, Dr. Luis Calingo, who was the president of Holy Angel University in Angeles City, Pampanga, was recently with her daughter, my friend beauty queen-writer-educator-artist Arienne Calingo in Paris, France.
I remember Gemeline’s intelligence, kindness, humility and courage that will inspire other women to go on with life amidst the trials one has to confront in this world. Confidence, determination and faith in the Divine Providence will guide us to a right direction.
* * *
Omen Ortiz, a pet lover, is the chairman and founder of the Manila International Film Festival in Los Angeles, California. On its 2nd year, the said film festival
Leni Robredo, an epitome of a courageous woman
was a huge success. Thanks too to Janet Nepales and other members of the MIFF for their untiring efforts.
* * * Beyond acting, 2024 FAMAS best child actress Elia Ilano is making waves as a TV host. She is nominated for Best Children’s Show Host at the 38th PMPC Star Awards for TV for her work in Artsy Craftsy, which is now on its 4th season. Her impact in the industry has also earned her a nomination at the 2nd Philippine Young Faces of Success, recognizing her contributions to film, TV, and theater.
As she approaches her 15th birthday on March 24, many are wondering: will Elia be the next young star to be part of a popular loveteam? With her undeniable talent and growing fanbase, the fans of Elia can only wait and see what’s next for this rising star.
*
* * Victoria Isip, who will celebrate her birthday on March 24, is an accountant for the Contra Costa County’s Department of Conservation and Development. She has been working there for 27 years. She has been happily married for 44 years to Vincent Isip who works for Contra Costa County’s Department of Child Support for 34 years. They have four children and three grandchildren. Their eldest daughter Ann is a senior fashion designer for Stateside; Kristine, a talent acquisition lead for Global Hiring Programs and Initiatives at The Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation; Michael owns Lapu Films, a videography and photography business in Honolulu, Hawaii; and Aiko, a program assistant at the Hawaii Pacific University’s College of Liberal Arts and also a part time photographer.
* * *
Jerry A. Aguilar, LPT, Ed.D., Ph.D., had learned the value of
WEGive
perseverance and hard work even at early age. At age 8, he began joining singing contests — sometimes winning, sometimes losing. These experiences instilled grit, resilience, and a growth mindset, teaching him that life must go on despite challenges. Beyond competition, music also provided him with significant exposure and opportunities to connect with diverse people, enhancing his communication and interpersonal skills. To support his education, he engaged in retail merchandising at a local public market, sharpening his entrepreneurial abilities and financial independence. These experiences laid the foundation for his business acumen and adaptability.
After obtaining his degrees, he built a dynamic career spanning multiple industries, gaining valuable experience with foreign employers and diverse work cultures. In 2017, he was honored as an Outstanding Educator Award by the Consortium of the South. It highlighted his commitment to academic excellence, student mentorship, and innovative teaching methods.
As a business development consultant, he has successfully leveraged his networking skills to create new business opportunities, build strategic partnerships, and drive growth.
* * *
LA-based accountant JR Arugay II, CPA, who finished his B.S Accounting degree in Isabela State University and Master’s in Business Administration with a major in Financial Management in Polytechnic University of the Philippines under ETEEAP (Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program), has been fascinated with numbers that have been a part and parcel of his life. A pet lover (his terrier dog’s name is Millton), he will be celebrating his birthday on March 25.
* * * This year’s Oscars is filled with surprises. I do agree with the 2025 winners.
Some of the winners of 2025 Oscars are Best Actor Adrien Brody of “The Brutalist,” Best Actress Mikey Madison of “Anora,” Best Supporting Actor Kieran Culkin of “A Real Pain,” and Best Supporting Actress Zoe Saldana of “Emilia Perez.”
* * * The late Remedios S. Isip, born on November 6,1928 to parents Valentin and Antonia Santiago,
NorCal launches ‘Empower
the Future’ benefit to transform foster teens into entrepreneurs
YUBA CITY
– Every year, thousands of foster teens age out of the system with little to no support, leaving them vulnerable to homelessness, unemployment, and financial instability. WEGive NorCal is stepping in to change that narrative with the “Empower the Future Benefit for Foster Teen Entrepreneurs” — a groundbreaking event designed to provide real-world business skills, mentorship, and careerbuilding opportunities to foster youth.
The event, set for April 11, 2025, will be a night of inspiration, empowerment, and impact, featuring an unforgettable live performance by a teen rock band, heartfelt stories of transformation from foster youth who have overcome adversity, and a special performance by Carnegie Hall opera singer Sherri Seiden.
“Foster teens are asking the same question — ‘How do I start my own business?’” says Gina Alexander, co-founder of WEgive NorCal. “Traditional programs aren’t teaching these skills, and we’re here to fill that gap. We’re not just giving them hope — we’re giving them the tools to succeed.”
WEGive NorCal is a 501(c)(3) 85-074-3561 nonprofit dedicated to empowering foster youth with entrepreneurial skills, mentorship, and employment opportunities. Founded in 2020, WEgive NorCal works alongside DCFS, social workers, and local businesses to fill the gap in foster youth services by providing real-world business education and financial empowerment programs.
More than a fundraiser – A movement to break the cycle
WEGive NorCal’s entrepreneurship programs go beyond mentorship — they put teens to work. Through food booths at major concerts and festivals, foster youth gain hands-on
perience in running a
and
nancial
ership.
to
and
was married to Tax Commissioner Elpidio O. Isip and was blessed with 10 children. She was a genuine, positive, generous and jolly person.
* * *
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.
In 1978, she was introduced to Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and Lord. The succeeding year, she opened her home to Friday Nights Bible Study. In December 1987, she became a U.S. immigrant. She drew life lessons from the lives of Bible men and women, and she used those gifts to support her local church. She assisted as a greeter and usher, attended prayer meetings and did in-home visitations with other ministry helpers. She enjoyed traveling that enhanced her twilight years. She cherished her trips twice in Japan and her travels around other states to visit her growing family. She helped them improved their lives in the best of her abilities. She epitomized Psalms 1:2-3 which states that: “... but her delight is in the law of the Lord, and she meditates day and night. She is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither; whatever she does prospers.”
* * * rogeliocmedina@yahoo.com
Alfredo Marzan Serrano, 93
ALFREDO Marzan Serrano passed away on February 13, 2025, at the age of 93. He was born on January 31, 1932, in Naguilian, La Union, Philippines, to Rufino and Sofia Serrano.
As a child, Alfredo lived through the hardships of World War II, witnessing the turmoil of the Battle of Manila firsthand — an experience that shaped his resilience and strength.
He pursued his studies in forestry at the University of the Philippines at Los Baños, aspiring to become a ranger. However, life had other plans. After working in the Philippines for several years, he eventually moved to the United States, where he built a new life. In 1981, he married the love of his life, Remedios Oriel, and together they settled in Silicon Valley. Alfredo worked as a semiconductor machine operator for Raytheon, dedicating himself to his career until his retirement in 1997. In time, he and Remedios welcomed their beloved son, Mark, into their lives.
Alfredo was a man of deep generosity and unwavering
selflessness. Hardworking and resourceful, he always sought ways to earn extra money — not for himself, but to help others.
His greatest joy came from giving, constantly thinking of ways to enrich the lives of those around him. Beyond his work and family, Alfredo had a passion for plants.
A gifted gardener, he cultivated a variety of flowers, fruits, and vegetables, often sharing his harvest as thoughtful gifts to those he cared about. He had a special love for orchids, tending to them with patience and devotion. Alfredo is survived by his loving wife, his son, his cherished grandchildren and his dear sister. His kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for his family will always be remembered.
Citizen Pinoy tackles pathways for Filipino...
U.S. without taking the NCLEX and whether it was possible to reapply for a tourist visa to find an employer.
Joan, a Nursing Assistant, wondered how she could pursue work in the U.S. without a family member to petition her.
Meanwhile, Szarmaine, an Infection Preventionist Nurse and single mom, asked for the fastest route to a U.S. nursing job.
Atty. Gurfinkel answers these questions and more in “Your Tanong, My Sagot” at the Bonifacio
Former Philippine Vice President Leni Robredo and Rogelio Constantino Medina Photos collated by Rogelio C. Medina Gemeline Braga-Calingo at Jardin du Palais Royal in Paris, France. Omen Ortiz with his favorite pet.
Young actress Elia Ilano will be turning 15 year old on March 24.
Clockwise, from bottom left: 2025 Oscar winners Kieran Culkin, Mikey Madison, Zoe Saldana and Adrien Brody.
Jerry A. Aguilar, LPT, Ed.D., Ph.D. Remedios Santiago Isip, a dedicated Christian.
(From left) Kristine, Aiko, Victoria and Ann at San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge.
Robredo
Joan (left) with Atty. Gurfinkel Szarmaine (left) with Atty. Gurfinkel
PCGSF organizes briefing on 2025 IFEX PH for honorary consuls in Alaska, Colorado and Oregon
SAN FRANCISCO – The
Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, represented by Deputy Consul General Maria Paz Cortes, Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil, and Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Silicon Valley (PTIC-SV)
Trade Commissioner Anne Marie
Kristine Umali, organized a virtual briefing on the 2025 IFEX Philippines on February 27, 2025 for PH Honorary Consuls under its jurisdiction to help sustain the campaign to invite more buyers and exhibitors for this major event.
Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) Department Manager Rowena Mendoza shared that the 2025 IFEX will be held on May 22-24, 2025 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. It is the country’s biggest business-
to-business and export-oriented international trade show for food, beverage, and ingredients. This year will be its 18th edition, making it the longestrunning food-sourcing show in the Philippines, where the biggest and most trusted brands converge.
What’s being done in the...
Bishop Ranch Regional Preserve, Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area, Crockett/Port Costa Areas, Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline, Richmond/El Sobrante Areas, and Lake Chabot Regional Park. More projects are planned for the future.
“The large fuels reduction projects underway at Anthony Chabot, Tilden Regional Park, and other Regional Parks in the East Bay are critical to wildfire safety and are already making a measurable difference in reducing wildfire risks,” said East Bay Regional Parks General Manager Sabrina Landreth. “The support and funding from our local, state, and federal partners has been crucial.”
Examples of fuels reduction work reducing fire intensity
Efforts by East Bay Regional Parks show that fuels reduction, coupled with quick suppression, can reduce the likelihood of catastrophic wildfires. It is a major reason that fuels reduction efforts are conducted year-round in areas throughout East Bay Regional Parks in Alameda and Contra Costa counties.
In the past eight months,
six vehicle fires have occurred near East Bay Regional Parks treatment areas where mitigation work was performed that allowed firefighters to suppress them.
Three of those vehicle fires occurred in Tilden Regional Park on high fire danger days. The fire mitigation work kept the fires on the ground, enabling firefighters to suppress and contain them.
“With the three elements required for fire — heat, oxygen, and fuel — one of the elements we can control is fuel, such as dry vegetation and hazardous trees. That’s why fuels reduction is so essential to preparing for the threat of potential wildfires,” said Assistant Fire Chief Khari Helae.
“Many recent fires in the East Bay have shown the effectiveness of fuels reduction efforts.”
Preparing for wildfires
When wildfires do strike, East Bay Regional Parks stands ready with a professionally trained fire department, specialized equipment, remote weather stations, and mutual aid agreements with partner fire agencies.
East Bay Regional Parks has 23 professionally trained firefighters, including on-call
and expressed that they will share the information to their contacts as part of their economic diplomacy mandate. (PCGSF Release)
firefighters who are park staff with other primary occupations but are fully trained and available when needed. East Bay Regional Parks also operates and maintains specialized wildland firefighting equipment, including two helicopters that can drop water on wildfires and remote weather stations that monitor temperature, wind, and humidity levels to assess fire dangers and help deploy resources appropriately. Additionally, mutual aid agreements with CAL FIRE and other fire agencies help ensure quick response to fires and help boost the resources available to fight them.
“The East Bay Regional Park District is fully equipped to effectively respond to wildfires,” said Chief Theile. “Our dedicated firefighting team is supported by advanced equipment, aerial resources, weather monitoring stations, and robust collaborations with other fire management agencies. We are well prepared to address any wildfire challenges that may arise.”
For more information, visit ebparks.org.
(EBRPD Release)
Millions of Californians to get average of $137 in credits on their April utility bills thanks to state’s
SACRAMENTO – On Tuesday, March 18, Governor Gavin Newsom announced millions of Californians will receive an average of $137 in credits on their April gas and electric bills. The California Climate Credit – automatically applied to Californians’ bills every April and October – is a direct result of the state’s nation-leading Cap-and-Trade climate program that requires polluters to pay for climate action.
Since 2014, California households have already received an average of $1,120 in combined automatic April and October climate credits on their utility bills.
“Every year, our Cap-andTrade program provides essential funding to California’s efforts to clean the air while also giving residents money back on their utility bills. Millions of California families will benefit from this relief,” Gov. Newsom said in a release distributed by his office.
Since 2014, the state’s Cap-and-Trade program has delivered $10.9 billion in bill credits back to utility customers.
This year, California will provide a total of $2.4 billion in residential credits – $1.4 billion for electric customers, $1 billion for natural gas customers, and an additional $122 million for small businesses.
How it works
The credits range from $35 to $259 for electricity bills – with most set to receive $56 to $81 –and approximately $54 to $87 on natural gas bills for residential customers of PG&E, San Diego Gas & Electric, Southern California Gas Company, and Southwest Gas. Californians can check how much their credit will be by visiting https://www.cpuc. ca.gov/climatecredit.
Californians do not need to do anything to get the credit.
The California Climate Credit comes from the State’s Capand-Trade Program managed by the California Air Resources Board. The credit on utility bills represents the consumer’s share of the payments from the state’s program.
In addition to utility bill credits, California’s Cap-and-Trade program has funded $28 billion in climate investments delivering
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Consul Donna Lavigne (Colorado), Consul Enrico Tadeo (Oregon), and Consul Evelyn Abello (Alaska) provided their insights and inputs,
