fAr beyond President trump’s promises to remove criminal migrants from America, detentions and deportations have struck legal residents, visa holders and tourists.
As humanitarian protections like parole and temporary Protected status (tPs) are being revoked; green cards revoked over the holders’ political views; agencies like the Irs are being pressured to expose immigrant applicants; and social media activity is scrutinized in naturalization cases, undocumented immigrants are far from the only people with their future at stake.
Not only has the administration — issuing least seven immigration-related executive orders out of a total 26 on day one alone — cracking down on the border through deputizing military, federal, state and local law enforcement by declaring mass immigration a national emergency, “they’re using antiquated war power to pick people out,” said Zenobia Lai, executive director at houston Immigration Legal services Collaborative, at a friday,
LeADers of several civil rights organizations gathered in Washington, D.C. on march 31 to state their opposition to the safeguard American Voter eligibility (sAVe) Act, which would disenfranchise millions of eligible voters. the sAVe Act — hr 22 — introduced by rep. Chip roy, r-texas, is currently awaiting approval in the house rules committee. It was expected to head for a vote on the house floor later this week. In a statement introducing the measure, roy alleged that “millions of illegal aliens have been given the opportunity to register to vote in federal elections.”
”We in Congress have a duty to our fellow citizens to provide that confidence and put concrete enforcement in place to ensure that our elections and our sovereignty cannot be hijacked and influenced by foreign nationals who have no business voting in this country,” stated roy. the sAVe Act would require folks registering to vote to present proof of citizenship — passport, Us birth certificate or naturalization papers in person at an election office. the Act would end voter
Former Senator and property magnate Manuel Villar Photo from Facebook/@MannyVillar
was arrested. Likewise, the broader All shares Index lost 1.1 percent, or 40.71 points, to 3,664.41. Analysts note, however, that this may have been a knee-jerk reaction to the reciprocal tariffs rolled out by trump, adding that the Philippine economy was still driven by domestic consumption. overall, we expect some downside, but the market will likely shrug it off since we’re actually a bit better off versus our peers, and we’re not reliant on exports as they are,” AP securities Inc. research head Alfred Benjamin Garcia told the Inquirer.
by AJPress
mILLIoNs of U.s. green card holders may be unknowingly breaking federal law by not carrying their physical green cards. here’s what lawful permanent residents need to know to stay compliant and avoid legal risk.
more than 13 million people in the United states hold lawful permanent resident status—commonly referred to as having a green card. however, many may be unaware of a specific legal obligation: under federal law, they are required to carry their green
card with them at all times. According to section 264(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), individuals aged 18 and older who have been issued a green card must have it in their personal possession at all times. this provision is federal law and remains active. “every alien, eighteen years of age and over, shall at all times carry with him and have in his personal possession any certificate of alien registration… issued to him pursuant to subsection (d).”
— INA section 264(e)
by richmonD mercurio Philstar.com
mANILA — real estate and retail tycoon manuel Villar kept his crown as the country’s richest, leading 15 tycoons from the Philippines in the forbes 2025 World’s Billionaires list.
Villar, chairman of listed property developer Vista Land & Lifescapes, was the only filipino who made it to the top 200, ranking No. 117 with a net worth of $17.2 billion.
Aside from Vista Land, the 75-year-old Villar has six other listed entities including mall operator Vistamalls, property landlord VistareIt, home improvement chain Allhome, supermarket chain AllDay marts, Premiere Island Power reIt and Golden mV
holdings. Coming in at second is ports and casino tycoon enrique razon Jr., chairman of International Container terminal services Inc., who ranked at No. 227 with a net worth of $10.9 billion.
san miguel Corp. chairman and Ceo ramon Ang is this year’s third wealthiest from the Philippines with a net worth of $3.7 billion at No. 979. he is followed by Lucio tan, chairman of conglomerate Lt Group, who placed at No. 1,219 with a net worth of $3 billion. members of the sy family comprised the next six filipino billionaires on the list, led by henry sy Jr. at No. 1,573 with $2.3 billion; hans sy at No. 1,626 with $2.2 billion and herbert sy at No. 1,688 with
by Jean mangaluz Philstar.com
mANILA — President ferdinand marcos Jr. was reportedly happy he could help mend the relationship between Vice President sara Duterte and her father, former President rodrigo Duterte. While in the hague, sara thanked marcos for bringing the Duterte family together. the Duterte patriarch was arrested and turned over to the International Criminal Court (ICC) on march 11 to face charges of crimes against humanity in relation to the drug
war. In response, marcos said he was happy to help.
“Glad, I could help,” marcos said, as quoted by Palace Press officer Claire Castro. Castro elaborated further, saying that sara should be thanking her father. the Palace press officer said that it was her father’s controversial drug crackdown that led to his involvement with the ICC.
“Kung hindi po naganap at nagawa ang sinasabing mga aksyon patungkol sa war on drugs at walang nag-
Trump sets 17% tariff on...
tariff — the baseline figure cited by mr. trump, who cited an urgent need to “strengthen the international economic position of the United states and protect American workers.”
trump announced “individualized” reciprocal higher tariff on countries with which the U.s. has the largest trade deficits. All other countries will be subjected to the original 10-percent tariff baseline effective April 5.
“Large and persistent annual U.s. goods trade deficits have led to the hollowing out of our manufacturing base; resulted in a lack of incentive to increase advanced domestic
LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION
AUTHORITY (LACMTA)
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
LACmtA will receive Proposals for Ae129745eN086 - sUstAINABILItY ProGrAm AssIstANCe serVICes at the 9th floor receptionist Desk, Vendor/Contract management Department, one Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012. A Pre-Proposal conference will be held on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, 10:00 a.m., at one Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012, Virtual meeting: online. All Proposals must be submitted to LACmtA, and be filed at the reception desk, 9th floor, V/Cm Department, on or before 2:00 a.m. Pacific time on monday, may 12, 2025. Proposals received after the above date and time may be rejected and returned unopened. each proposal must be sealed and marked Proposal No. Ae129745eN086. for a copy of the Proposal/ Bid specification visit our solicitation Page on our Vendor Portal at https://business.metro. net or for further information email Daniel robb at robbd@ metro.net.
4/5/25 CNs-3911118# AsIAN JoUrNAL (L.A.)
manufacturing capacity; undermined critical supply chains; and rendered our defenseindustrial base dependent on foreign adversaries,” trump said. Trade deficit mr. trump invoked his authority under the International emergency economic Powers Act of 1977 to “address the national emergency posed by the large and persistent trade deficit.”
Based on data from the office of the United states trade representative (Ustr), the U.s. incurred a merchandise trade deficit with the Philippines amounting to $4.9 billion in 2024, up by 21.8 percent from the
previous year. Bilateral trade between the two countries totaled $23.5 billion in 2024. U.s. goods exported to the Philippines amounted to $9.3 billion, up 0.4 percent. on the other hand, U.s. imports from Philippines totaled $14.2 billion in 2024, up 6.9 percent.
According to the Ustr, which cited the latest available data as of 2022, the Philippines’ average most-favored-Nation (mfN) applied tariff rate was 6.1 percent. the Philippines’ average mfN applied tariff rate was 9.8 percent for agricultural products and 5.5 percent for non-agricultural products in 2022. n
PH seen to weather US tariff...
“the downside will mostly come from the indirect impact on us from the global trade and economic slowdown due to the tariffs,” Garcia added. services firms, including International Container terminal services Inc. (ICtsI) and Jollibee foods Corp., saw the steepest decline at 1.98 percent, followed by the conglomerates at 1.76 percent.
ICtsI and Jollibee both have sizable multinational operations.
Economic impact Jun Neri, lead economist at Bank of the Philippine Islands, also pointed out that the country’s trade activity with the United states represented only 1 percent of the Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) compared with Vietnam’s 26 percent.
According to Neri, the Philippines may see indirect benefits from the higher U.s tariffs on other countries. exporters from countries like China, facing higher tariffs,
may redirect their goods to alternative markets, including the Philippines, which could help contain inflation,” he said.
At the same time, Neri recognized that the new duties could trigger a contraction in global trade and subsequently gnaw on the local economy and currency.
Based on BPI’s analysis, the country’s GDP growth could shave off 0.5 percent as a result of lower demand for exports and weaker industrial output, which could slow by as much as 1.7 percentage points. the Philippine peso could likewise reach 60.40 against the U.s. dollar this year, Neri said. the peso may see more volatility due to heightened risk aversion and concerns over export performance,” he explained. “A weaker peso could push up import costs, adding to inflationary pressures.”
As a result, this may temper the Bangko sentral ng Pilipinas’ rate cuts for the year to maintain stability, Neri added. n
Green card holders at legal risk for...
failure to comply with this law is classified as a misdemeanor offense, and violators may be subject to a fine of up to $100 or up to 30 days in jail.
Law remains in effect the U.s. Citizenship and Immigration services (UsCIs) confirms the rule on its official website:
“If you are a permanent resident or conditional permanent resident of the United states and are 18 years of age or older, you are required by law to carry your valid Green Card (form I-551) at all times.”
(source: uscis.gov)
While this law is not commonly enforced in day-today situations, it is applicable
during interactions with law enforcement, federal agencies, or immigration checkpoints, where individuals may be asked to present proof of legal status. Photocopies or digital versions do not fulfill the requirement
Possession of a photocopy or digital scan of the green card does not satisfy the legal requirement. only the original, valid, unexpired physical card is acceptable under the law. to avoid legal complications, permanent residents are advised to carry their green card in a safe and protected manner—such as in an ID holder or sleeve—to prevent loss or damage. Replacing a lost green card If a green card is lost,
stolen, or damaged, it must be replaced by filing form I-90 with UsCIs. As of 2025, the filing fee is $540, and processing times can take 6 to 12 months, depending on UsCIs workload and application volume.
Compliance matters
Although enforcement may not be routine, the law is clear. Lawful permanent residents are expected to comply with the carry requirement to maintain full adherence to U.s immigration regulations. this requirement is a fundamental part of immigration law and remains relevant for green card holders throughout their residency in the United states. n
15 Philippines tycoons in Forbes list...
$2.1 billion.
harley sy and teresita syCoson were tied at No. 1,850 with $1.9 billion, and elizabeth sy was at No. 2,019 with $1.7 billion.
Property tycoon and Alliance Global chairman Andrew tan came in next at No. 2,110 with a net worth of $1.6 billion, while husband-and-wife tandem of Lucio and susan Co of retailer Puregold ranked at Nos. 2,356 and 2,479, respectively, with
Completing the Filipino billionaires in this year’s list is Eusebio Tanco, chairman of STI Education Systems Holdings and digital entertainment company DigiPlus Interactive, who ranked at No. 2,623 with $1.2 billion in net worth. Philstar.com file photo
$1.4 billion and $1.3 billion.
Jollibee Group founder tony tan Caktiong was tied at No. 2,479 with a net worth of $1.3 billion.
Completing the filipino billionaires in this year’s list is eusebio tanco, chairman of stI education systems holdings and digital entertainment company DigiPlus Interactive, who ranked at No. 2,623 with $1.2 billion in net worth.
forbes said that a total of 3,028 billionaires made up this year’s list, 247 more than the previous year.
“Not only are there more of them, but they’re richer than ever, worth $16.1 trillion in total – up nearly $2 trillion over 2024,” it said.
forbes also said that a record 15 people worldwide now have 12-figure fortunes, up from 14 last year and zero in 2017. the U.s. recorded more
billionaires than any other country, with 902 on the list, followed by China with 450 billionaires and India with 205. overall, elon musk dethroned french luxury goods titan Bernard Arnault for the top spot in this year’s list with a net worth of $342 billion. forbes said that musk is the first person to reach the $300-billion mark. mark Zuckerberg bagged the No. 2 spot with a net worth of $216 billion, followed by Jeff Bezos with $215 billion, Larry ellison with $192 billion and Bernard Arnault and family with $178 billion.
forbes said that U.s. President Donald trump more than doubled his net worth to an estimated $5.1 billion, thanks to his shares of trump media & technology Group and big cash inflows from his recent crypto ventures. n
Marcos ‘glad’ to help renew VP Sara...
complain, hindi naman din sila magkakaroon ng pagkakataon na makapunta sa the hague,” Castro said in a Palace briefing on April 3. (if that did not happen, the said actions during the drug war, and if no one complained, they would not have the opportunity to go to The Hague.) Aside from sara, rodrigo’s other daughter, Veronica "Kitty" Duterte, was able to fly to the hague. his common-law wife, honeylet Avanceña, was also in the hague to visit rodrigo. rodrigo's arrest has garnered polarizing reactions from filipinos.
While the Dutertes are coming together, it appears that marcos is becoming distant with a relative. Bongbong’s sister, sen. Imee marcos, is currently leading a series of senate hearings to question the legality of rodrigo’s arrest. she had even accused her brother’s cabinet of committing glaring lapses when they executed the arrest
of the former president. Imee is seeking to subpoena her brother’s Cabinet officials, who declined to attend her hearings, citing executive privilege. together with other Duterte allies in the senate, Imee lambasted their absence. she is currently seeking subpoenas for the cabinet officials. the Palace has been mum on Imee and Bongbong’s relationship. Imee left her brother’s presidential slate over Duterte’s ICC arrest, and the Palace has welcomed her decision. Duterte’s drug war saw the deaths of 6,000 to 30,000 people, with only four known convictions. n
The
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was reportedly happy he could help mend the relationship between Vice President Sara Duterte and her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte. Malacañang file photo
Massive cuts at HHS deal severe blow to public health
by sunita sohrabJi American Community Media
the Department of health and human services’ layoff of 10,000 workers at the agencies under its umbrella deals a severe blow to public health and healthcare access for the nation’s most vulnerable communities.
hhs announced the layoffs April 1, including 3,500 jobs at the food and Drug Administration, 2,400 at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as 300 jobs at the Centers for medicare and medicaid services. hhs secretary robert f. Kennedy Jr says he plans to reduce staffing at the various agencies by 25%, approximately 20,000 jobs.
hhs employees make up less than 1% of the department’s overall budget: most of its coffers go out in direct services.
Health is a right for all health should not be a privilege for some, but a right for all,” said Dr. Avenel Joseph, vice president of the robert Wood Johnson foundation. “Yet every day, a devastating number of people are struggling to keep their families healthy, cared for and fed due to really longstanding barriers and inequities.”
hhs is really the single most important federal agency for improving Americans health and wellbeing. It touches the life of nearly every person in the country,” said Joseph in an interview with American Community media. rWJf is the Us’s largest philanthropic organization focused on health and healthcare access equity.
“hhs monitors the safety of our nation’s food supply and medical treatments. It monitors disease prevention and promotes public health through agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It also supports childhood education, mental health, and treatment for substance use and disability inclusion,” said Joseph.
“hhs is a large umbrella agency because it houses so many different functions. there are lots of ways that we can promote efficiency. But the examples that we are seeing are these really indiscriminate layoffs of federal employees at hhs,” she said.
Low-income people most impacted medicaid, medicare, and the Children’s health Insurance Program provide health insurance to 150 million low-income people and seniors. hhs also oversees the Affordable Care Act — obamacare — through which 44 million Americans receive low-cost health insurance coverage. those who already face some of the greatest barriers to health are going to be the most impacted. these include people who live in lower income communities that are already disproportionately uninsured or underinsured, rural communities that already lack access to hospitals and health centers and providers, people who are disabled, who have chronic illnesses, and many others who have a higher risk of illness,” said Joseph.
“so the overall impact of the staffing and funding cuts only means that health crises will become even more likely. People will have
a harder time keeping themselves and their families healthy and safe. they’ll have a harder time securing health insurance coverage,” she said.
Diminished capacity to manage disease outbreaks the Us is currently facing a measles outbreak in several states. It is also facing down the threat of avian flu, which has infected at least 70 people in the Us thus far. Covid-19 continues to persist, along with the seasonal respiratory syncytial Virus — rsV — and the common flu. many communities will be more prone to potentially fatal disease outbreaks like CoVID, the measles and the bird flu because we’re not tracking it, because we don’t have staff in place that are doing the sort of scenario planning and advanced preventative planning that we need for these sorts of outbreaks,” said Joseph. “research into promising new treatments, potential cures for things like cancer, other diseases, emerging conditions could all grind to a halt because there are significant funding cuts that are happening to the National Institutes of health.”
Cuts in research funding
NIh Director Jay Bhattacharya announced on his 1st day in office April 1 that he plans to slash 1,000 jobs at the agency. the NIh falls under the hhs umbrella. With a $48 billion annual budget, the NIh is the world’s largest funder for biomedical research. the trump Administration announced in march that it had cut hundreds of NIh grants, including funding for Covid vaccine research, hIV, and cancer research. About 1,000 grants are expected to be cut this year.
“NIh is the bedrock of medical and public health research and innovation in the United states and is really a leader in the world when it comes to advancing health research and innovation. Its vast expertise is responsible for putting America on the cutting edge of improving health and saving lives,” said Joseph. “the impact
s AC r A me N to —California workers affected by the federal government layoffs can apply for unemployment benefits. eDD administers these benefits that are available for federal workers and contractors who are out of work and meet eligibility requirements. Additional resources are available through the state’s America’s Job Center of California locations to help connect affected workers with job opportunities in state government and other employers.
“eDD stands ready to help California workers whose livelihoods are suddenly threatened through federal government downsizing efforts,” said eDD Director Nancy farias.
“We strongly encourage impacted workers to visit Calhr’s website, WorkforCalifornia.ca.gov, to find a state job with great benefits, job security, and the ability to work with purpose.”
for additional assistance, eDD has also set up a designated phone line available to affected workers. they can call 1-855-327-7055 to speak to staff from 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., monday through friday, except state holidays.
Another option is to download the paper Unemployment Insurance Application (federal employee) (De 1101IBD) from eDD’s website, and mail or fax the completed form to eDD. Applicants will need to provide a separation form they may have received from their employer,
eDD has a new Unemployment Benefits for federal Workers webpage established to help guide affected workers through the process of applying for benefits, answer questions addressing the different scenarios that have led to the recent federal workforce and contractor layoffs, and provide helpful information about resources available to support them in finding new work. the fastest way to apply for unemployment benefits is online through myeDD, and then select UI online, which is available in english, spanish, Armenian, simplified Chinese, traditional Chinese, Korean, tagalog, and Vietnamese. When applying online, laid off workers can select direct deposit to have benefit payments automatically deposited into a personal bank account rather than by a mailed debit card or check.
notice (Notice
of the
Job search assistance available federal workers who may need to find other job opportunities can get help through America’s Job Center of Californiasm locations throughout the state. In addition, positions available u PAGE A4
SAVE Act will bar millions of citizens...
registration drives, mail-in and online registration.
Trump executive order
Concurrently, a trump Administration executive order issued march 25 — “Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American elections” — mandates similar proof of citizenship requirements. In a statement announcing the executive order, President Donald trump echoed roy, stating that foreign nationals are able to game existing laws to register themselves to vote. Countries are using loopholes in existing laws to interfere with American elections, he alleged.
John C. Yang, executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC, said the President has made such claims without providing a shred of evidence to support them. the Brookings Institute surveyed voting data collected by the conservative think tank, the heritage foundation, which analyzed data for the past 30 years. the Brookings Institute concluded there were minuscule instances of voter fraud over the past 30 years, and none had interfered with election outcomes. In Pennsylvania, for example, only 39 cases of voter fraud were found over the past 30 years.
Voter suppression ”this is voter suppression, plain and simple,” said rep. Joe morelle, D-New York, at the march 31 press conference opposing the sAVe Act. more than 150 million Americans lack passports, he said, noting that 70 million married women — including his wife — do not have birth certificates that match their current names.
overall, 21 million eligible voters lack birth certificates, predominantly in rural areas. many are older people, who have consistently voted in elections, but were born at home, and not issued a birth certificate.
Additionally, transgender people would largely lack identity documents that match their names on their birth certificates. they would also be ineligible to vote. “this is a blatant attack on the founding principles of our nation,” stated morelle.
Burdensome bill the bill will have a disproportionate impact on voters of color in deep red states, noted speakers. seventy three percent of Black Americans do not hold passports. Presenting documents in person at an election office poses a barrier to many, who must travel great distances to reach their election
offices.
sean morales Doyle, director of Voting rights at the Brennan Center for Justice, said hr 22 was “one of the worst voting bills in our nation’s history.” he noted that the provision mandating people to show up in person to register places an additional burden on alreadyoverstretched election officials. moreover, election officials would face criminal penalties if they registered people without the required proof of citizenship.
”Congress should be expanding the freedom to vote, not suppressing it,” said morales Doyle.
Poll tax
eighty percent of Asian Americans are naturalized citizens, noted Yang. “We don’t have American birth certificates, but we are Americans, and have the right to vote,” he said. “We’ve seen this playbook before. When our communities start showing up, there are deliberate attempts to silence them.”
Deborah Dicks maxwell, president of the North Carolina NAACP, said the sAVe Act was “a solution to a problem that does not exist.” she likened it to a poll tax, actively seeking to repress voter participation. (Sunita Sohrabji/American community Media)
Massive cuts at HHS deal severe blow...
of these cuts will reverberate for years to come.”
Undermining decades of research scientists who are working on uncovering innovations, it’s not like you start it today and you have the results of it next month. these are often years and years, sometimes decades, of building the type of research and data and evidence and iteration on the scientific process that gets us to an outcome that’s beneficial, either improving treatments, improving device delivery, reducing disease or morbidity of other kinds.”
“And so when you cut it today, you’re cutting off decades you know, decades of back research. And it’s not like you can just start it back and it starts from that point in which you left it. It’s going to take then years, potentially decades, building that back up again.
Communities across the country who will unfortunately pay the price of this,” said Joseph. “I am deeply concerned personally that these cuts were going to result in more illness and less prevention,” she said.
Lawsuit the American Public health Association, along with United Auto Workers, which represents some research scientists, and several scholars represented by the American Civil Liberties Union collectively filed a lawsuit April 2, stating that the NIh grant cancellations are “ideologically driven,” and therefore illegal.
Dr. richard Besser, president and Ceo of rWJf issued a statement April 1. “this is not a so-called restructuring. these are reckless, thoughtless cuts that will only make American communities less healthy and less safe. they represent an abdication of the department’s essential responsibility to
promote and protect health.”
“It is clear that political leaders in this administration are neither committed to nor serious about improving everyday people’s lives and health,” wrote Besser.
‘Five-alarm fire’
Anthony Wright, executive director of families UsA, also issued a statement. “the mass firings from hhs are yet another five-alarm fire caused by President trump that threatens to torch the health system we all rely on. this slash-and-burn approach to our key health care agencies seemingly makes no sense unless the President’s goal is to destroy our nation’s health care infrastructure and the ability of families and seniors to access life-saving health care.”
families UsA, along with several health advocacy organizations, is calling on the trump Administration to reverse the hhs layoffs. n
Gloria Perlas Pulido appointed chair of the Cerritos Planning Commission
by AJPress
CerrItos — the City of Cerritos has appointed Gloria Perlas Pulido as the new Chair of the Cerritos Planning Commission, ushering in a new chapter of community-driven leadership for one of the city’s most influential civic bodies.
Pulido, a longtime Cerritos resident and public servant, brings to her role a deep-rooted passion for thoughtful urban planning and civic engagement. the Cerritos Planning Commission is a five-member advisory board appointed by the City Council. It is responsible for reviewing zoning applications, subdivision and parcel maps, environmental impact reports, and development projects. the Commission also advises the Council on updates to the General Plan and Development Code, and serves as the final review authority for residential design.
A steward of community growth
Gloria Perlas Pulido is no
stranger to public service. As a longtime Cerritos resident and community advocate, she has consistently supported educational, cultural, and civic initiatives throughout the city. she is married to mark Pulido, a former two-time mayor and longtime Cerritos City Councilmember, who returned to elected office in 2025. the Pulidos have raised their family in Cerritos and have long championed programs that strengthen local communities.
Gloria’s appointment to Chair reflects her own leadership, independent of her husband’s well-established public service career. Known for her thoughtful and inclusive approach, she now leads the commission at a time when Cerritos continues to evolve amidst regional housing demands, sustainability goals, and commercial development opportunities.
Current planning commissioners
Chair Gloria Perlas Pulido is joined by four fellow commissioners who collectively
shape the city’s development strategy:
each member brings their own perspectives and expertise to planning decisions that directly impact the quality of life for Cerritos residents.
Empowering community voices the Planning Commission continues to serve as a vital space for public engagement. With Pulido at the helm, residents are encouraged to participate in monthly meetings, voice concerns, and take part in shaping the city’s built environment through open and transparent dialogue.
Commission meetings are held on the first Wednesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber. for more information, visit www.cerritos. gov or contact the Community Development Department at (562) 916-1201. n
Unemployment benefits and job services for...
throughout California state government are highlighted on the Calhr Work for California website which also features tutorial videos that guide job seekers through every step of the CalCareers application process. Applicants can find hiring events and career fairs hosted
by departments across the state and get insight from recruiters with additional advice on how to approach the application, statement of qualifications, and job interview.
The Employment Development Department (EDD) is prepared to assist workers who have lost their jobs due to the recent federal lay-
Who’s safe from deportation?
march 28 American Community media briefing. she referred to the Alien enemies Act of 1798, which trump invoked in mid-march for the first time since World War II to deport hundreds of migrants to countries other than their own including el salvador and Panama.
While he targeted the Venezuelan tren de Arangua gang, no evidence has been provided as to who was deported and whether they were gang members or criminals.
As of monday, march 31, the administration said that it has deported 17 more “violent criminals” from the tren de Aragua and ms-13 gangs — citing murderers and rapists among them — to el salvador’s maximum-security prison. this is in continuation of an early february agreement U.s secretary of state marco rubio made with the salvadoran President Nayib Bukele to jail deported U.s. criminals, regardless of nationality: “the most unprecedented, extraordinary, extraordinary migratory agreement anywhere in the world,” as rubio later described it. other tactics have included a day one executive order nullifying birthright citizenship, which trump has since taken to the supreme Court; rescinding the Biden-era “sensitive locations policy” that had protected public areas like churches, schools, hospitals and funerals from immigration enforcement; and eroding safety nets through an executive order directing data sharing between states and federal agencies like the Irs, alongside mass federal layoffs and budget cuts. they have not been just going after criminals, like the administration said … Immigrants are being used to test the rule of law,” continued Lai. “U.s residents are being snatched off the street, and green cards revoked without due process.” the past few weeks have seen at least nine such incidents of visa holders detained by ICe — largely graduate students accused
of being “pro-hamas,” most famously tufts graduate student rumeysa ozturk and Columbia graduate student mahmoud Khalil.
“We as a country, ask people to come in, and we are now stripping that status away,” said todd schulte, president of fWD. us. “In the next couple of years, we can be a country that not only keeps people in these statuses, but builds towards a permanent status, and if that’s not going to happen, we shouldn’t be throwing people into chaos.”
“We need to guard very carefully when people say they’re just going after certain sorts of people … whether they had contact with the criminal justice system, whether they are from a certain country, with this sort of criminalization is a trap that expands out from there,” he continued, mentioning as an example the trump administration’s targeting of parole and tPs holders. the trump administration has revoked the work permits and deportation protections of 532,000 Cuban, haitian, Nicaraguan and Venezuelan under a Biden-era parole sponsorship known as ChNV, effective late April, 25 days after march 30. meanwhile, a san francisco District Judge ruling on monday, march 31 blocked about 348,000 of the country’s 600,000 Venezuelan tPs holders alone from deportation.
“Parole authority has gone back seven decades. It’s been used by every president of every party, and it’s been a tremendous success,” said schulte, adding as example the 76,000 Afghanis who fled the taliban takeover in 2021 and the over 280,000 Ukrainians who have fled the war with russia since 2022.
“People seeking refuge is not an invasion,” he continued.
“Last November, the public was unhappy with what they saw as a chaotic border. Let’s build a secure pathway to citizenship … because if you create a situation where immigrants don’t have access to education, housing or basic health care, the chaos is a force multiplier for everyone.”
“If the administration is
offs and funding cuts impacting federal contractors. EDD representatives are available to help workers apply for unemployment benefits as well as search for jobs available in state government, and elsewhere throughout the state. A new EDD federal worker webpage provides a collection of helpful resources. n
willing to violate principles of due process, when it comes to immigrants, there is no reason. there’s no reason to think that anybody is going to be exempt from that … including citizens and permanent residents,” said martin Kim, director of immigration advocacy at AAJC southern California. he added that the administration’s January 27 decision to cut over $3 trillion in federal grants and loans means that nationwide, “community organizations are having trouble continuing to provide vital services like english language education, citizenship workshops and legal assistance … Now we can really see, day by day, how the weakening of rights for immigrant communities weakens rights for everyone.”
“the through line with all of this is a destruction of American due process,” said David Leopold, former president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and current partner at UB Greensfelder LLP in Cleveland, ohio.
“Immigrants are the tip of the spear, and what are being offended are core American values,” he explained. “Nobody wants dangerous gangs in the country, but people have a right to defend themselves. People have a right to be heard … this is something we have not ever seen, at least in my lifetime, and it’s a very, very dark moment in history.”
“my grandfather, as a Jew, didn’t outsmart the Nazis to get the United states so that I could cower in fear. I have worked with people in totalitarian regimes, and the best protection is public honesty,” Leopold continued. there’s a saying that I can’t get out of my head since this all started, and it comes from rabbi hillel from the middle Ages,” he added: “‘If I am not for myself, who will be for me, and if I’m only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?’ this is the moment that we’re in, and every one of us has to decide for ourselves how we are going to look at ourselves 20 years from now and wonder: What did we do?” (Selen ozturk/ American community Media)
Gloria Perlas Pulido has been named Chair of the Cerritos Planning Commission. Learn about her leadership role and how the Commission shapes the city’s future through smart, community-centered planning.
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DAteline PhiliPPines
US approves sale of 20 F-16 fighter jets worth $5.5 billion to PH
by John eric menDoza Inquirer.net
WAshINGtoN
— the United states announced on tuesday, April 1 it has approved a sale of $5.5 billion in f-16 fighter jets to the Philippines, as Washington backs its ally in rising tensions with China. the state Department reported it was green-lighting the sale that includes 20 f-16 jets and related equipment to the Philippines, a treaty-bound ally of the United states.
“the state Department has made a determination approving a possible foreign military sale to the Government of the Philippines of f-16 aircraft,” the U.s. Defense security Cooperation Agency (DsCA) said in a statement on tuesday.
‘Corruption
DsCA noted it delivered the required certification, notifying U.s. Congress of this possible sale. the sale will “improve the security of a strategic partner that continues to be an important force for political stability, peace and economic progress in southeast Asia,” a state Department statement said. the sale will boost “the Philippine Air force’s ability to conduct maritime domain awareness” and “enhance its suppression of enemy air defenses,” it emphasized. President Donald trump’s administration has sought to redirect U.s. military efforts to Asia to face a rising China, especially as tensions rise over taiwan, and to lessen involvement in europe despite
russia’s invasion of Ukraine. the Philippines and China have seen months of escalating confrontations in the south China sea.
Beijing claims almost the entirety of the crucial waterway, despite an international ruling that its assertion has no merit. on a recent visit to manila, Defense secretary Pete hegseth vowed to “reestablish deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region” in light of “threats from the Communist Chinese.” secretary of state marco rubio has reiterated U.s. defense commitments to the Philippines, a contrast to the trump administration’s frequent talk of “freeloading” off the United states by allies in europe. (With reports from Agence FrancePresse)
a hindrance to US trade, investment’
CorrUPtIoN has been identified as one of the barriers to trade and investment confronting United states firms doing business in the Philippines, according to the office of the U.s trade representative (Ustr).
In its 2025 National trade estimate (Nte) report to U.s. President Donald trump and Congress, the Ustr said corruption is a pervasive and longstanding problem that U.s. businesses have to deal with in the Philippines.
“National and local government agencies, particularly the Bureau of Customs, are beset with various corruption issues. Both foreign and domestic investors have expressed concerns about the lack of transparency in judicial and regulator processes,” the Ustr said.
Although the Bureau of Customs launched a modernization program in 2021 to address customs and corruption concerns, the Ustr said there are still widespread reports of corruption and irregularities in customs processing, including undue and costly delays, irregularities in the valuation process, 100 percent inspection and testing of some products and inconsistent assessment of fees.
the Ustr said that stakeholders have raised concern over the Philippines’ pre-border technical verification (PtV) and cross-border electronic invoicing (CeI), which are intended to streamline inspections and monitor international trade transactions.
stakeholders have expressed concerns about the PtV, citing increased inspection and logistics costs, delayed movement of goods, duplication of other importation processes, susceptibility of
inspection agents to corruption in the country of export and its deviation from standard industry practices,” the Ustr said.
In addition, the Ustr said the implementation of PtV as an integrated package with CeI, which is focused on goods often misdeclared to avoid duties and taxes, shows that the Philippines may be intending to utilize pre-shipment inspection for tariff classification or customs valuation, raising concerns under Article 10.5 of the World trade organization trade facilitation Agreement, which discourages the use of pre-shipment inspections.
Biased procurement the Ustr also said the Philippine government’s procurement system generally favors Philippine nationals or filipino-controlled enterprises.
“While the Philippines passed amendments to the Government Procurement reform Act on July 20, 2024 which are intended to improve the public bidding process, government agencies are required to prioritize and favor Philippine products and services throughout all stages of the procurement process, including raw materials, ingredients, supplies and fixtures,” the Ustr said.
It said that concerns over intellectual property protection and enforcement remain despite the Philippines’ removal from the Watch List in the 2014 special 301 report, which identifies countries with intellectual property problems. stakeholders report issues with online piracy and sales of counterfeit goods, including apparel, shoes, watches, jewelry, perfume and electronics.
u PAGE A7
Imee probe to proceed without Marcos Jr. Cabinet
mANILA — With or without the attendance of Cabinet members, sen. Imee marcos was determined to proceed on thursday, April 3 with her second public hearing on the legality of former President rodrigo Duterte’s arrest and transfer to the custody of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the hague. the senator said she was dissatisfied with the information she gathered from the first inquiry last march 20, hence thursday’s continuation.
While her office has yet to disclose the lineup of resource persons for the second hearing, senator marcos earlier told The STAr that she wanted to invite legal experts, possibly retired justices.
After executive secretary Lucas Bersamin said Cabinet officials would not attend thursday’s hearing, the senator asked the Palace in an April 1 letter for a reconsideration.
the undersigned hopes that you reconsider your decision and allow the invited Cabinet members to attend the scheduled hearing… regrettably, the undersigned finds none of the reasons you adduced in the letter as sufficient justification for the refusal of executive officials to attend the hearing,” she said.
the elder sister of President marcos has beeny vocal in her support for Duterte. she has withdrawn from the administration’s Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial slate.
Bersamin said Cabinet secretaries and other pertinent officials had already provided information during the march 20 hearing. he added that matters not covered by executive privilege had already been discussed.
the senator said the reasons provided by malacañang to decline the senate invitation are insufficient as she pointed out that the presence of government officials at the hearing is essential to clarify previously raised issues and answer questions from the last hearing.
the committee is keen to provide the executive officials
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OPiniOn FeAtures
Electoral malpractice
It’s good to know that many Filipinos are wary of widespread vote buying in the midterm elections. the problem has been a persistent concern in Philippine electoral exercises.
A non-commissioned survey conducted from feb. 22 to 28 by the oCtA research Group showed 66 percent of the 1,200 respondents believing that vote buying will be prevalent in the may elections. the high expectation cut across geographic and socioeconomic classes.
Editorial
Asked about the impact of vote buying, 68 percent of the respondents said it would negatively affect the election results.
oCtA said the survey was conducted to highlight the threat posed by vote buying to the integrity of Philippine elections and democracy itself. the group described vote buying as “a form of electoral malpractice.” even during elections under the authoritarian regime of the elder ferdinand marcos, voters had sought guidance from the opposition on how they would deal with vote buying by administration candidates.
Jaime Cardinal sin, at the time the archbishop of manila, advised the people to accept the money but to vote according to their conscience. It was a recognition of the reality that millions of filipinos in dire financial straits needed the money.
the visit of Defense secretary Pete hegseth to the Philippines is a clear signal of how important our alliance is with the United states and the security of our region. there is absolutely no doubt that the two-day trip to manila – secretary hegseth’s first trip outside the United states – is indicative of the continued upward trajectory of the bilateral relations between our two nations.
We were encouraged to hear this during our in-person meeting at the West Wing of the White house last January with Defense secretary Gilbert teodoro and U.s National security Advisor mike Waltz, Principal Deputy National security Advisor Alex Wong and National security Council senior Director for Asia Ivan Kanapathy, shortly after President trump’s inauguration where we reaffirmed the robust ties and the enduring alliance between our two countries.
In preparation for secretary hegseth’s visit to the Philippines, I met with Deputy Assistant secretary of Defense for south and southeast Asia, Dr. Andrew Byers, to discuss closer security cooperation against the backdrop of regional and
oN thursday, march 27, 2025, ferdinand “Bongbong” romualdez marcos Jr. quietly marked his 1,000th day in office as president of the Philippines. the milestone was celebrated with a remarkable lack of frill and flourish. the Department of housing put out a press release of President BBm visiting a highrise housing in Bocaue, Bulacan. In his first state of the Nation Address, BBm promised to build six million homes in six years, or one million units per year. It was an outlandish pledge, matched only by his campaign pledge of a P20 kilo rice. Alas, both promises cannot be fulfilled. the entire housing industry can deliver only 200,000 units a year. the cost of rice when you buy it at the farm is already P20 per kilo. Bad roads, bad logistics and bad speculators bring that up to a minimum of P50 at retail. so now Agriculture secretary francis tiu Laurel
today poverty persists, with 17.4 million families or 63 percent rating themselves as poor as of December 2024 – the highest in 21 years or since the 64 percent in November 2003, according to pollster social Weather stations. At the start of this year, the National economic and Development Authority announced its target of cutting the poverty rate to 13.2 percent or lower in 2025. that’s still a lot of filipinos living below the poverty line, and who are vulnerable to the buy-and-sell of votes, regardless of its impact on electoral integrity. following the oCtA survey, the question is whether needy voters can say no to the vote buyers, and whether the general public will heed calls from the Commission on elections to report suspected cases of vote buying and selling.
Perhaps the results of the oCtA survey indicate public readiness to cooperate in efforts to address the problem. the Comelec, concerned groups and other stakeholders working for credible elections can consider this an opportunity to ramp up efforts to stop vote buying and punish the perpetrators. (Philstar.com)
US Defense Secretary Hegseth: Deterrence through strength
global challenges. A wellrespected figure in the Defense establishment, Dr. Byers has worked in counterproliferation, counterterrorism and homeland security as well as technology development. In his current role, he serves as the principal advisor for policy on the development and implementation of defense strategies for the south and southeast Asian region. During his visit, secretary hegseth emphasized that the partnership between the Philippines and the U.s. “not only continues today, but we are doubling down on that partnership. And our ironclad alliance has never been stronger,” he said, highlighting that the key next step would be to “reestablish deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region.” these efforts, he added, “build on an ongoing $500-million commitment to foreign military financing and other security assistance to support the Philippines’ military modernization. first, we agree that the United states will deploy additional advanced capabilities to the Philippines,” he said. “the fact that you have come to the Philippines as your first stop is a very strong indication and sends a very strong message of the commitment of both our countries to continue to work together, to maintain the peace in the Indo-Pacific region within
the south China sea,” President marcos remarked during the courtesy call of the U.s. Cabinet official in malacañang.
the president also lauded its only treaty partner for its continued support for peace, describing the U.s. as “the greatest force for peace” in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in the south China sea.
“Peace through strength is a very real thing,” the U.s. official said, emphasizing once again that “deterrence is necessary around the world, but specifically in this region, in your country, considering the threats from the communist Chinese and that friends need to stand shoulderto-shoulder to deter conflict, to ensure that there’s free navigation.”
As I have told our friends in the media, the U.s. Defense secretary’s visit only proves that we are part of the overall mutual defense strategy which also serves as a tacit recognition of the important role our country plays in the overall deterrence factor, together with our other allies such as Japan and Australia in the Indo-Pacific region.
At the same time, the visit exemplifies the commitment of the trump administration to strengthen the military ties between the United states and the Philippines, with focus on “deterrence through strength,” which underscores the need
A thousand days
targets a more realistic retail price of P45 per kilo. In America, the first 1,000 days of the presidency were immortalized in a book by harvard historian Arthur schlesinger Jr., who wrote the prize-winning “A thousand Days” of President John f. Kennedy. said The New York Times of JfK’s book in 1965: “schlesinger has caught both the sweep and the ferment of the thousand days. he has chronicled Kennedy’s long and skillful nomination campaign, the battle with Nixon, the feverish preparations for office, the scintillating inaugural days and then the burdens of power – Latin America, Berlin, southeast Asia, Africa and always moscow and Peking; and at home, economic recovery, the civil rights revolution and the fight with Big steel, and all the rest. Nor does he ignore the disappointments – burning humiliation after the Bay of Pigs, the frustrations on Capitol hill and the immovability – as schlesinger sees it – of the bureaucracy in general and of the state Department very much in particular.”
In his first 1,000 days, JfK established the Peace Corps, enshrined civil rights for Blacks, signed the first nuclear pact, challenged the soviets in Berlin, removed soviet missiles in Cuba and inspired Americans about the power and idealism of America. of course, JfK tried to break up Big Business, failed to invade Cuba and failed to kill fidel Castro. those failures ultimately contributed to his assassination, which assassination turned him into a national hero, etched in the memory of every American forever.
During BBm’s 1,000 days, here are some of what history and historians might want to remember:
1. the first president to export for incarceration and trial for crime against humanity a former President, rodrigo roa Duterte, his predecessor. this act renders immediately justice to the victims of extrajudicial killings, estimated at between 12,000 and 30,000, during Duterte’s reign as long-time mayor of Davao and as president for six years. Duterte’s arrest also shows that
for the Philippines to boost the capability of its armed forces and enhance interoperability through joint exercises and other activities.
this was highlighted by Defense secretary Gilbert teodoro, who said that “because of the increased interoperability activities, we expect increased rotational presence of likeminded and allied troops in the Philippines. With our strategic basing initiative, we will also expect a heightened tempo of the Philippine armed forces for external and territorial defense to put in our share of deterrence.”
As I have said on many occasions, we do not wish to instigate any conflict, practicing maximum restraint, pursuing preventive diplomacy and keeping communication lines open to deescalate the ongoing tension in the West Philippine sea, primarily because of the aggression and harassment by the China Coast Guard and militia vessels.
“We don’t seek intervention. President trump has made it clear we don’t seek war. We don’t seek to nation-build. We don’t seek to use chess pieces and move them around the board. All we seek is peace. All we seek is freedom and cooperation and mutual benefit. And we find that in friends like our friends in the Philippines,” secretary hegseth underscored. In the same vein, he also issued a stern warning: “Do not mistake
impunity has its day of reckoning. Duterte is also the first Asian head of state to be arrested by the International Criminal Court and face trial for crimes against humanity. hopefully, Duterte, 80, would last the length of his trial, three to 10 years, long enough to face conviction. If Digong dies before his conviction (assuming he is indeed guilty), his body will be returned home to the Philippines a hero and given a hero’s burial.
2. BBm is the first president since 1991 when the senate rejected the renewal of the bases treaty to welcome the return of the military facilities (numbering nine to 12 nationwide) for use by Us forces. America’s forward base in the Philippines rebalances the security structure in the Indo-Pacific, which covers roughly half the earth’s surface and is home to 4.7 billion people. American forces are back in the Philippines, with their missiles and other weapons of mass destruction.
3. BBm is the first president to destroy in such a short time one of the most powerful political dynasties in the Philippines, first by the police arresting its patriarch for trial abroad
our friendship, do not mistake our belief in peace and our desire for peace, for a lack of resolve. too many have. And America still stands strong today and will continue in the future,” he said, adding that there has been “a long line of countries in the past who have attempted to test U.s resolve. We are resolved at this time, at this moment, to work with our partners to reestablish the warrior ethos, to rebuild our military and reestablish deterrence and come alongside our allies and partners, first and foremost, in this region.” Let me be clear: while we seek to resolve conflict through diplomacy and wish to pursue
and second, by exposing the unmitigated corruption and abuse of power of the dynasty’s wouldbe successor, thanks to highprofile months of investigations by Congress.
4. BBm united the country. for the first time in over half a century, or since ferdinand edralin marcos in 1969, a president has been elected with a majority vote of the people. except in Bicol and Western Visayas, BBm won in 2022 by large majorities, garnering 31.6 million votes – the largest vote by any president and the largest margin ever by a winning president over his nearest opponent.
5. BBm reconnected the Philippines to the world. he stopped the pivot to China, strengthened ties with old ally the U.s., dealt substantially with europe, while maintaining close and solid relations with old partners Japan, south Korea, Australia and the AseAN.
BBm became one of world’s most popular leaders, with an approval rating at its 2023 peak of 82 percent, beating the over 76 percent of Narendra modi of India. Basking in that popularity, BBm accordingly embarked on
good relations, no amount of coercive actions and misleading comments from China can undermine the enduring partnership between the United states and the Philippines, which has been reinforced over the years through agreements such as the 1951 mutual Defense treaty. In other words, our alliance with the U.s. is – and will continue to be –ironclad. (Philstar.com)
* * * 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.
* * * Email: babeseyeview@gmail.com
record-breaking foreign trips –one trip per month on average.
6. BBm is modernizing the economy, opening it up to new players and easing the rules of engagement to allow for a more competitive business environment, one that promotes efficiencies, lowers costs, promotes quality of products and services and is more inclusive. the Philippine economy is one of the strongest, if not the strongest, in the 10-nation AseAN
7. In financing the economic growth, for the first time, with BBm, an administration is pooling state funds, earnings and savings in a meaningful way, through the maharlika Investment fund.
8. Build, Build, more. BBm is keen to expand the country’s stock of infrastructure on a scale and vision never before seen, with annual infra spending exceeding P1 trillion or more than five percent of GDP. (Philstar.com)
* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visits President Ferdinand Marcos at the Malacañang Palace on Friday, March 28, 2025. Malacañang photo
Palace downplays fears of recession
mANILA — Citing the resilience of the economy, malacañang on friday, April 4 downplayed fears that the trump administration’s slapping of a 17-percent tariff on Philippine exports to the United states would result in a recession in the Philippines.
“Definitely, the administration of President (marcos) will not allow that to become the result. What we can see now is that the Philippine economy is resilient,” Palace press officer Claire Castro said in an interview over teleradyo on friday.
U.s. President Donald trump has unveiled a raft of punishing tariffs targeting countries, including the Philippines and some of its closest trading partners, in a move that risks sparking a ruinous trade war.
speaking at the White house rose Garden against a backdrop of U.s. flags on Wednesday, April 2, trump slapped the most stinging tariffs on China and the european Union on what he called “Liberation Day.”
“We are primarily driven by domestic demand rather than export. We will be affected, but we should look at this in a positive way. first, we are the second lowest, 17 percent and at the same time, we will have a competitive edge, particularly the Philippine garment export as the tariffs imposed on our
neighboring countries like China and Vietnam are higher. ours is still lower, so we may have a competitive edge,” Castro added.
she said the government should also take advantage of the lower tariff imposed by the U.s. to attract more investors.
“If the tariff here is lower compared to our neighboring countries, it could attract investments like for manufacturing, they may avail of the lower tariff on us by the U.s.,” Castro added.
she said the government should accept the policies of the U.s
“We just need to be more competitive. for our exports, there is a need to have rerouting, where countries offer lower tariffs and we should produce more products,” she said.
Chiz: Brace for impact
Despite the Palace’s assurances, senate President francis escudero has urged the country’s economic managers to brace for the impact of trump’s tariff of 17 percent on Philippine exports.
“What are the pains and what are the gains, if any, that we should expect? Will it be an economic earthquake that will shake our economy to its foundations? or will it just be a slight tremor that will not cause any harm?” escudero said.
he cautioned against a “rushed retaliatory response” because a trade war would
‘Corruption a hindrance to
such counterfeiting and piracy concerns led to the continued inclusion of manila’s Greenhills shopping Center in the 2024 review of Notorious markets for Counterfeiting and Piracy (Notorious markets List),” the Ustr said. moreover, prosecution and conviction of cases are slow, the Ustr said. other barriers cited in the report are sanitary and phytosanitary measures in agriculture and foreign ownership limits in certain sectors. this year’s Nte report was released ahead of the April 2 unveiling of trump’s reciprocal tariffs plan targeting
only increase prices of goods and unduly burden filipino consumers.
“Any tariff raised is a passon tax to our already overtaxed people,” escudero said.
he cited soybeans, a key import from the U.s. used in local animal feed, as a commodity that could see an increase in price in case of retaliatory tariffs.
this means prices of goods will also increase, because $1 in every $6 of the country’s export earnings comes from our trade with the U.s.,” escudero said.
In 2024, the Philippines exported $14.2 billion worth of goods to the U.s., while importing $9.3 billion, resulting in a $4.9 billion trade surplus.
In february, the Philippines exported nearly $1 billion worth of goods to the U.s surpassing other key trading partners like Japan, hong Kong, China and the Netherlands.
“I am sure our economic managers have considered this possibility and will act accordingly with dispatch. they have my full trust and confidence on how to minimize the pain and maximize the gain,” escudero said.
“Any upheaval carries opportunities, and I know that we will be able to spot it, seize it and skillfully navigate the new economic terrain and exploit it for our gain,” he added. (With reports from Marc Jayson cayabyab)
US trade...
all countries, supposedly to address trade imbalances. Tariff war downplayed recently, trade secretary Cristina roque said the looming reciprocal tariffs are unlikely to have a significant impact on Philippine trade. “We feel that we will not be affected. We’re allies. And also our trade deficit with them is very minimal. so it’s not something that we can worry about for now,” she said. While it is business as usual for now, she said she had asked for a meeting with her U.s counterparts to discuss trade matters.
rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist michael ricafort said in an email that
the proposed reciprocal tariffs and other protectionist policies could lead to higher U.s. import tariffs and eventually retaliatory trade wars, which could slow down global trade and world economic growth.
As the Philippines does not have a free trade agreement (ftA) with the Us, he said the U.s. is likely to match tariffs on its exports.
“In view of these risks, there is a need to further diversify the Philippine export markets to include more goods or products and also more export destinations, especially in reducing reliance on the U.s as the biggest market for Philippine exports,” he said.
(Louella Desiderio/Philstar.com)
Imee probe to proceed without Marcos Jr. Cabinet
in the interest of fairness and transparency, the committee would like to give executive officials a chance to explain their side relative to these new pieces of information,” the senator noted.
she also asserted that there are supreme Court decisions that support the senate’s power to conduct investigations as part of their responsibilities, regardless of ongoing cases.
the power of legislative inquiry is an essential component of legislative power. the same cannot be made subordinate to a criminal or an administrative investigation or to special civil actions pending before the supreme Court,” the senator added.
Not hiding anything In response to senator marcos, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro maintained that Cabinet officials have provided enough facts to the senate panel, noting that the senator had even released her preliminary findings on the matter.
“Nothing was hidden, because the long hours of the first hearing were enough to say what our Cabinet officials have to say with regard to the surrendering of former president Duterte to the ICC,” the Palace press officer said in a briefing.
“We cannot claim that the questions in aid of legislation were not answered. Probably, the things that our Cabinet officials said are enough to come up with a law related to this (issue),” she added.
Asked if the Palace would reconsider its decision to decline the senate panel’s invitation, Castro replied: “Let us see what will happen. If she (Imee) seeks a reconsideration, es Bersamin has not responded to it.” (With reports from Alexis romero)
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Duterte’s ICC arrest prompted Senator Imee Marcos to hold a Senate
Family, survival, immigrant struggles: The Cleaning Lady continues to shine a light on the undocumented experience
by MoMar G. Visaya AJPress
IN a television landscape where stories about women of color are still too rare, The Cleaning Lady stands out as a thrilling drama that does more than entertain—it confronts societal ills head-on. At its core, the show is about survival, resilience, and the sacrifices women make for their families. But it also shines a necessary spotlight on systemic injustices, from the struggles of undocumented immigrants to the harsh realities of power imbalances in America.
The heart and strength of Thony At the center of The Cleaning Lady’s gripping narrative is Elodie Yung’s portrayal of Thony De La Rosa, a Cambodian doctor (married to a Filipino) who turns to unconventional means to survive and protect her son, Luca.
“When they called me to say ‘We are renewing it,’ I was ecstatic, I was extremely happy,” Yung told the Asian Journal. “And it’s been a really good season, because I think all of us
Led by a powerhouse cast that includes Elodie Yung and Martha Millan, The Cleaning Lady is one of the few shows that celebrates and highlights women who fight back, take control, and refuse to be erased. The two women’s journey continues on its fourth season, after a hard and challenging third season.
cast in crew, we felt the that we were very privileged and lucky to be back again.”
Yung’s performance has been lauded for its depth, intensity, and the raw vulnerability she brings to the character.
“She is absolutely fearless,”
Martha Millan said of Yung. “The way she plays Thony—with so much grit and heart—it’s incredible to watch.” Thony’s journey from an undocumented immigrant cleaning hospital rooms to navigating the dangerous world of organized crime is one of resilience, intelligence, and fierce maternal love.
Yung herself has spoken about how meaningful it is to bring Thony’s story to life, especially as a Southeast Asian woman leading a primetime drama. “This is the kind of representation we need more of,” Yung said. “Thony is complex, she’s layered—she’s not just one thing, and that’s what makes her so compelling.”
This season she also gets a crack at getting behindthe-scenes, directing her first episode.
“It was the best experience, the best artistic experience for me,” she shared. “But you know, I’m someone who love connecting deeply with people and I realized that about myself and then being put in this position of director, you get to connect with absolutely every artist on the show, every department.”
Her dynamic with Millan’s
Atty. Gurfinkel about the process of bringing more of these skilled professionals into the
Gloria Diaz still speaks her mind
MISS Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz, known for her unfiltered comments whenever she’s interviewed, mused that she’s trying to dial down her bluntness — but it’s proving to be a challenge.
On the sidelines of the media conference for Regal Films’ horror movie “Untold” premiering on April 30, Gloria appeared aware of an observation that while she’s fearless, many are afraid of the things she says.
“I know, that’s what they say,” she quipped in response to the notion that her candor had caused some stir.
She noted that even her daughter, Isabelle Daza, has even joked about it, commenting on her mom’s Instagram back in 2018, “Without filter since 1969.” But Gloria admitted that she’s making a conscious effort to be more careful with her words. “No, I try. Because nowadays, I always have to try to lower… not say everything kasi napapahiya sila,” she said, explaining how sometimes her comments are misinterpreted. “Or I’m quoted… sometimes, taken wrongly.”
Despite her best efforts, Gloria confessed that it’s not always easy to keep her honest thoughts to herself. “In a way, I’m able to explain why I said this and why I said that. But in truth, I’m trying very hard,” she shared. “Not always successful to be more, you know, sedate, more careful, medyo filtered. But it still comes out.” But in the end, she said, “I also always say what I want.”
She clearly spoke her mind when asked about possibly sharing “untold” stories from her life in a memoir. “No. Too many men, too little time,” she quipped.
On the current state of beauty pageants, Gloria didn’t hide her reservations about the overemphasis on training and preparation. “I don’t like too much yung training-trainingtraining,” she said. “Ayoko yung masyadong trained na pati turning, pati tingin, pati tayo, I don’t like
that… I want to see a more natural person.”
She’s neither in favor of candidates being judged solely on their answers.
“I also don’t like that they are judged by what they answer. Because sometimes, the answer is so complicated I myself always cannot understand what they’re saying.
“This is not an IQ contest. It’s a beauty contest. It’s okay with me, all the plastic surgery and all that. I don’t care.
“But I don’t like these very parang genius answers and people think just because you could speak English, magaling ka na. Hindi.” Gloria said that she prefers that candidates speak in Tagalog, Bisaya or whatever their local language is so that the answer is “more from the heart.”
“I always wanted them to speak in their language, whatever they’re comfortable with…
“I’m not impressed with those big words na diaspora, serendipity. Parang balewala naman iyan sa akin, hindi ba?
As for the evolving Miss Universe competition, Gloria acknowledged the changes but admitted she wasn’t fully on board. “The Miss Universe now,
I think, basta iba, iba na talaga They made it more, how do you say that? Inclusive, hindi ba?”
She noted the inclusion of older women and nontraditional contestants.
“But I’m not really for that.
Because Miss Universe should be mga ganun, 18 to 25, 26… During my time, when you’re above 23, 24, they always say, ‘And now, the oldest candidate for Miss Universe, 24-year-old something-something!’ Right?
“So parang naninibago ako. But I try to adjust, kasi marami namang magagandang 28 years old… But I’m not crazy about, you know, all the changes happening.
Gloria, nevertheless, still holds Miss Universe as the top pageant, despite the rise of many others. “Siyempre, Miss Universe pa rin. And there’s nothing next.”
Meanwhile, the veteran actress is turning 74 on April 5. She shared her birthday wish: “Health, wealth, and time to spend it.” She revealed that her celebrations have traditionally been intimate, usually involving dinner with her long-time partner, banker Mike de Jesus. This year, she plans to still keep things low-key and celebrate at home with her family. (Philstar. com)
Kathryn Bernardo is single, mom Min says
by anne Pasajol Inquirer.net
AMID speculations on Kathryn Bernardo’s relationship status, her mom Min Bernardo set the record straight, saying that while the actress has many suitors, she is single at the moment.
Min spoke about this during an ABS-CBN “On Cue” interview with entertainment reporter MJ Felipe, in which she emphasized that she lets the actress explore and decide for herself on matters of the heart. “Hinahayaan ko lang siya pero nandyan pa rin ako sa side na bumubulong, ‘Hindi tama ‘yan; hindi okay ‘yan’ — mga gano’n,” Min admitted. “Pero at the end of the day, mahirap kasi sa isang nanay na may sinasabi ka [pero] hindi ka pinakikinggan.” “Ngayon ina-accept ko na lang na ‘sige na nga, matanda ka na. Ikaw na magdesisyon by your own, pero sana isipin mo hundred times kung sino man ‘yan, ano man ‘yan kasi mahirap magkamali,’” she continued.
“Especially sa stature niya ngayon, maraming naghihintay na magkamali siya.” Felipe then asked, “May nanliligaw? Marami?” to which Min responded with a nod and a giggle. “Syempre naman. Ang panget
ba naman ng anak ko kung walang manliligaw, ‘di ba?” she said.
Felipe then made a followup question, “Tsaka single naman siya, ‘di ba?” Min replied, “Yea, oo.” Min then said that she is ready whenever Kathryn decides to settle down, with the celebrity mom revealing that she had even advised her children to get married at the age of 25.
Pero wala`g nag-asawa nang 25,” she said, laughing. “Si Kath sabi niya last year siguro mga 33, tapos pausod nang pausod
Nung isang araw narinig ko nga 34 daw.”
Speaking about how Kathryn is as a woman, Min said, “Independent na siya. Strong woman siya.” Just last month, speculations linking Kathryn to Lucena City Mayor Mark Alcala were further fueled after actorshowbiz insider Ogie Diaz cited an anonymous source who supposedly confirmed to him the pair’s relationship. Kathryn and Alcala have yet to comment on these claims as of this writing.
Arnel Pineda dismisses false claims he faces life sentence
by anne Pasajol Inquirer.net
ARNEL Pineda slammed the fake videos circulating on social media and claiming that the Journey lead vocalist was “sentenced to life imprisonment” in the United States.
The fake claims stated that Pineda was supposedly convicted in a San Francisco, California, court due to an apparent “pattern of predatory and abusive behavior.”
These claims have been spread online through videos on YouTube which used an edited photo of Pineda wearing a prison uniform. These clips have garnered thousands of views.
Pineda then seemed to have subtly dismissed this through his Instagram page last Saturday, March 29, as he showed himself enjoying the view of Metro Manila from a high-rise building.
“Heatwave in Metro Manila won’t stop me from enjoying my unfiltered sunsets,” he captioned his post.
One netizen then left a comment on this post, asking, “What’s going on with the YouTube video about you being sentenced to life?”
Making an outright response, Pineda wrote, “Well I’m somewhere nice and the sentence was in [San Francisco]. Do the math,” adding a kissing face emoji.
Citizen Pinoy continues immigration Q&A...
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country to help fill critical staffing shortages in healthcare.
Jowana Lynn raised a heartbreaking family matter. Her cousin had been petitioned by his mother, but she passed away before the immigration process was completed. She wanted to know if her cousin could still immigrate despite this unfortunate turn of events.
Atty. Gurfinkel explained the legal implications of such situations and whether there were any options available to keep the petition moving forward.
Brandon Lim, owner of Ling Nam, inquired about employmentbased immigration, asking whether his restaurant could petition family members from the Philippines to work in the business.
With family-run establishments being the backbone of many Filipino American communities, his question would surely resonate with many entrepreneurs seeking ways to support both their businesses and loved ones abroad.
Atty. Gurfinkel breaks down the complexities of immigration law, offering practical advice on familybased petitions, employment sponsorships, and opportunities for Filipino professionals seeking to live and work in the U.S.
Whether you are an employer, a family member, or someone navigating the immigration
Family, survival, immigrant struggles...
Fiona is another highlight of the series. The sisters-in-law share a bond that is tested by circumstance but remains unbreakable. “It’s such a special relationship,” Millan noted.
“They love each other, they fight, they challenge each other—but at the end of the day, they have each other’s backs.”
Fiona’s next chapter
With The Cleaning Lady securing a fourth season, Millan admitted she was “dumbfounded” by the renewal.
“Season 3 was such a journey, and I honestly didn’t know where else they could take us,” she says. But Fiona’s story is far from over.
After being deported and fighting her way back, Fiona is now focusing on her own version of the American dream.
“She has nothing to lose at this point,” Millan said. “She’s just incredulous about her situation.
But she’s also taking control of her life in the best way she can.” That means pushing forward with her unconventional rideshare business and, more importantly, supporting her children’s futures.
While The Cleaning Lady is known for its high-stakes plotlines, Fiona’s personal journey is equally compelling.
“She’s going back to her roots as a mother. At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about— fighting for her kids to have a better life.”
Millan sees Fiona’s evolution as a reflection of the perseverance of many real-life immigrants.
“For me, Fiona represents so many women I’ve met, so many moms, so many workers who are just doing everything they can to survive,” she said. “She’s had moments of fear, but this season, I think she’s stepping into herself more.”
Lea Salonga’s ‘villainous’ guest appearance
When The Cleaning Lady announced that Broadway icon Lea Salonga would be joining Season 3, Millan couldn’t believe it. “I was like, ‘Oh my God, no way!’” she recalled.
“She’s a legend.” But beyond the excitement of working with a musical theater icon, Millan found herself deeply impressed by Salonga’s warmth and
professionalism. “She was so down-to-earth and so generous in every scene,” Millan said. “That intimidation I felt at the beginning quickly disappeared because she just made everything easy.” Their on-screen dynamic, however, was anything but easy. Salonga’s character Rose, a wealthy Filipina businesswoman, embodied the tensions that exist within immigrant communities— particularly the divide between those who have privilege and those who struggle to make ends meet.
“There’s always that one person who looks down on you,” Millan acknowledged. “It was written so well—there’s that condescending tone, that quiet judgment.” Even Salonga herself agreed, telling us in a conversation, “You and I have met these people before.” The complexity of this portrayal wasn’t lost on Millan, who found that their scenes together reflected real-world issues. “It’s a reality in our culture and in many others—the idea that some people forget where they came from once they’ve ‘made it.’”
But one of Millan’s favorite aspects of The Cleaning Lady is its ability to showcase the full spectrum of Filipino culture, from its community dynamics to small but meaningful details, like the food and language used on screen. In one episode, we see Fiona devouring a huge jar of ube butter, in another one, she and Thony were rolling lumpia “We are a Southeast Asian family
from the Philippines,” she said.
“It’s important that we show that—not just in how we look, but in how we talk, what we eat, and how we live.”
Breaking barriers for women of color
In an industry where TV shows led by women of color still feel rare, The Cleaning Lady is breaking barriers. “Not only are we faced with challenges of feeling of being a minority, being marginalized, but also the fact that we are unapologetic in who we are as women, and at the same time, we’ll fight for better opportunities for our children, no matter what, clearly, in this show at all costs,” Millan said.
The show’s representation doesn’t stop at its leads. It extends to the world they inhabit—from the Filipino dishes that appear on screen to the mix of English and Tagalog in everyday conversations.
“It’s real,” Millan said. “I do that with my sister—throw Tagalog into an English sentence. So many Filipino Americans do.”
That sense of reality also extends to the show’s themes, particularly in how it tackles the struggles of undocumented families. Millan notes that while The Cleaning Lady is ultimately a drama, it provides an unflinching look at the constant fear and difficult choices faced by those without legal status. “It’s entertainment, yes, but it also gives people a look into the fear and struggles that undocumented families face every single day,” she said. n
Jowana Lynn (right) with Atty. Gurfinkel
Tim Schulze, Associate COO of Seton Medical Center (left), with Atty. Gurfinkel
Ling Nam owner Brandon Lim (right) with Atty. Gurfinkel
Martha Millan as Fiona De La Rosa
Elodie Yung as Thony De La Rosa
Another netizen urged the singer to take legal action against those who disseminate such false claims to teach them a lesson. Pineda did not immediately respond to this. Pineda was introduced as the lead singer of Journey, replacing the band’s original vocalist Steve Perry in February 2008.
Kathryn Bernardo. Image Photo from Instagram/@bernardokath
Arnel Pineda Photo from Instagram/@arnelpineda2007
‘Game
of Thrones’ actor Iain Glen says filming Quezon biopic is an adventure
by jessica ann eVanGelista Inquirer.net
“GAME of Thrones” star Iain Glen described his work experience in the production of the upcoming historical Filipino film “Quezon” as a thrilling “adventure.”
Through a recent post on Instagram, Glen gave a glimpse into his character in the movie, Leonard Wood, a physician and former governor-general of the Philippines.
One of the images he shared was him in a full-white ensemble seated in a wooden chair surrounded by the production crew. The post also included another snap of him in his military uniform.
The Scottish actor also posted an image of him posing with Filipino actors Jericho Rosales, Benjamin Alves and Mon Confiado.
“Shooting a film, #Quezon, in the Philippines, playing their last Governor General, Leonard Wood, as the country sought independence from American rule. Really wonderful cast and crew. What an adventure. More to follow,” he captioned the post. In the comments section, Glen’s co-stars also extended their enthusiasm having
the chance to work with the Hollywood star.
“Honored and privileged! You are an amazing actor! ” wrote Confiado.
Leonard Wood was an American Army general who served as the governor-general of the Philippines from 1921 to 1927. He played a significant role in the political and economic decisions that preceded the Philippines’ independence from colonizers.
Given his historical influence, two major roads, in Baguio City and in Zamboanga City, and a public school in Mandaue City were named after him. Glen, on the other hand, rose to fame for his performance
as Ser Jorah Mormont in the hit series “Game of Thrones” alongside Kit Harrington, Emilia Clarke, Lena Headey, and Peter Dinklage, among others. He’s also known for his role as Dr. Alexander Isaacs in the “Resident Evil” film series, Sir Richard Carlisle in “Downton Abbey,” and Larry Winters in “Silent Scream,” for which he won the Silver Bear for Best Actor at the Berlin International Film Festival.
Meanwhile, Rosales was earlier announced as the lead star of “Quezon,” where he will portray the titular Manuel L. Quezon with Alves set to play the younger version of the character.
Sharon Cuneta to attend ABS-CBN ball for first time after ‘weight insecurity’
by jessica ann eVanGelista Inquirer.net
MEGASTAR Sharon Cuneta
expressed her excitement over her attendance at the ABS-CBN ball for the first time after years of not gracing it due to her insecure feeling of being “so fat.”
On her Instagram page, Cuneta said that she always chose not to go to the ball because she didn’t feel her “best self.”
“I was always invited, but could never come because I didn’t feel like it. I was always so fat. Nothing wrong with that per se, but I just never felt like my best self,” she wrote.
However, after overcoming her insecurities, the awardwinning actress is now ready to join the party on Friday night, April 4, writing, “So now that I do, I am joining my Kapamilya!!! Finally!!! Yehey!!! Thank You Lord!!!”
Cuneta earlier opened up about her weight-loss journey, sharing her delight that she can
Binibining Pilipinas 2025 candidates receive official numbers, places to represent
JUST a day after they were chosen as official candidates for this year’s edition of the Binibining Pilipinas pageant, the lucky ladies received their official number assignments.
On Thursday evening, April 3, the longest-running national pageant in the Philippines released on social media the candidates’ photographs bearing their official competition numbers and the places that they will carry.
In the images, the ladies were set against a white background wearing identical pink tank tops emblazoned with the iconic Binibining Pilipinas” emblem.
The cities, towns or provinces that the candidates will carry were determined after discussions between the ladies and a team from the Bb. Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI).
Their numbers, meanwhile, were assigned after an evaluation
that involved Aika Events and Productions Inc., the production team behind the Bb. Pilipinas pageant’s coronation shows for the past years, including the grand 60th anniversary celebration last year.
Thirty-six ladies were chosen to compete in this year’s pageant at the final screening held at the New Frontier Theater at the Araneta City in Quezon City on Wednesday afternoon. Out
Iain Glen as Leonard Wood in the upcoming Filipino historical film “Quezon.”
Photo from Instagram/@iainglen60
Sharon Cuneta
Photo from Instagram/@reallysharoncuneta
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by arMin P. adina Inquirer.net
Bb. Pilipinas candidates with their official competition number and the places they represent/
BINIBINING PILIPINAS FACEBOOK PHOTOS
Jodi Sta Maria ready to face House hearing on fake news Kristel Fulgar gives glimpse of her wedding dress options
by jan Milo seVero Philstar.com
KAPAMILYA actress Jodi
Sta Maria is ready to face the Tri House Committee hearing on fake news if she would be invited.
At the recent press conference of her upcoming movie “Untold” under Regal Films, Jodi said that she’s open to share her experience on fake news.
Kung ano siguro ‘yung maitutulong ko, kung sa palagay nila, importante ‘yung boses ko at ‘yung sasabihin, bakit naman hindi ?” Jodi said.
Tulad nga ng sabi ko kanina, wala namang taong nabubuhay para sa sarili lamang. Lahat tayo, mayroon tayong responsibilidad para sa isa’t isa ,” she added.
Jodi will star in the suspensehorror movie “Untold” directed by Derick Cabrido.
She will portray the role of
Bascon, Gloria Diaz, Lianne Valentin and Sarah Edwards, “Untold” will be shown in cinemas on April 30.
by jessica ann eVanGelista Inquirer.net
ACTRESS -turned-vlogger
Kristel Fulgar and her Korean fiancé, Ha Su Hyuk, continue to delight their fans with wedding preparations as they shared some moments from their wedding dress fitting in South Korea.
Fulgar, who was accompanied by her soon-to-be husband, gave a sneak peek through her vlog of wedding dresses she considered for her big day but ended up not choosing.
The former child star is set to wear two wedding dresses, one for the church ceremony and another for the reception.
For her first option for the church ceremony, Fulgar wore a short-sleeved dress with a sweetheart neckline and draped bodice. Although she found the quality of the silk good, the vlogger said she did not choose it because it was “too simple.”
Vivian Vera, an award-winning journalist that will be haunted by different spirits. Starring JK Labajo, Joem
The former “Goin’ Bulilit” star then sported a small, puffysleeve dress with a beadedrhinestone waistline for her second option. Fulgar remarked that she found the style very elegant but did not like the size
of the sleeves. Fulgar then showed her third option, a floral-patterned beaded ensemble, which she found perfect for the church ceremony yet found “too heavy to wear.”
Actress Jodi Sta. Maria
Photo from Instagram/@jodistamaria
Kristel Fulgar Screengrab from Facebook reels/Fulgar
PAGE B7
JULES del Gallego, first cousin of Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel “Babe” del Gallego Romualdez, told me that my grandfather, ship captain Lt. Col. Peregrino Bunye Medina, together with my grandmother Paz Calzado Bendicio Medina, returned a huge amount of money to the family of Don Juan del Gallego, especially to Dona Potenciana (wife of Don Juan) on Dart street in Paco, Manila at the height of World War II.
“My grandfather Juan died in June 1941, and that’s why your grandfather saw my grandmother instead,” said Jules, author of the book “The Brothers Luna.”
When my grandmother Paz was still alive, she made a handwritten account of that event: “World War broke out December 1941. Pumutok ang balitang binomba na ng mga Hapon ang Pearl Harbor kaya nagkakagulo na ang mga tao sa Maynila .” She rented a truck for P200 for her mother and siblings that would bring them to Tuy, Batangas, near Balayan, her mother’s birthplace. My grandmother Paz waited for my grandfather Peregrino.
“ Nang gabing binomba na ang Camp Aguinaldo ay biglang dumating si Pereg at walang dala kung di isang maletang balat na malaking-malaki. Sinalubong ko si Pereg sa pintuan at napuna ko ang napakabigat na maletang dala-dala niya. Hindi ako sinagot ni Pereg at tuloy-tuloy na pumasok sa loob ng bahay, isinara ang pintuan at binuksan ang maleta. Laking gulat ko nang makita ang laman ng maleta na punong-puno ng pera,” reminisced my grandmother.
My grandfather said that his ship was captured by Japanese soldiers and it was fortunate he saved the money that was intended
Babe Romualdez’s
for the salary of the people of the Del Gallego Saw Mill and for the daily expenses of the Del Gallego family. Then my grandmother accompanied my grandfather to the Del Gallego family in Paco, Manila to return the money to the right owner.
Jules del Gallego recounted to me that, “The steamship Santa Teresa captained by your grandfather was sunk by the Japanese. According to my late aunt Carmen, your grandfather showed up at the Del Gallego’s Dart Street Mansion with the 45 thousand payroll money. He invited my grandmother and her family to move to Balayan.”
I found out in my grandmother’s handwritten story that my grandfather Peregrino Bunye Medina applied as a captain in the army of the United States. “He was accepted and was given the rank of Lt. Col. assigned in a certain ship, the S.S. - 155 of the U.S. Army. He also took with him Pedro de Mesa (husband of Maura, sister of Paz) as his radio operator in the ship assigned to him.”
* * * While I was looking for chicken longganisa, a kind fellow Filipino assisted me. His name is Nick Santos who has been working at Seafood City in Vallejo City for 12 years now. He regularly reads Asian Journal Northern California edition to be updated about the Philippines and the Filipino American community in the U.S.
* * * Singer Eduard Banez, founder of spluk.ph, has been in the U.S. for 10 years now.
A visionary media entrepreneur with a deep passion for storytelling and digital innovation as well as a former TV news anchor, international VJ, and Nickelodeon artist, Eduard has built a platform that bridges Hollywood and Asian
Eduard Banez
media, bringing global stories to Filipino audiences. With his extensive experience in entertainment, journalism, and content creation, he has positioned spluk.ph as a powerhouse in digital media. His dedication to empowering voices and creating meaningful connections has shaped spluk.ph into a leading force, redefining how Filipinos engage with stories that matter. His rendition of “Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko” has been a super-hit among OPM enthusiasts.
* * *
U.S. Pres. Donald Trump pledged to rescue the astronauts stranded in space for 9 months. Recently, they safely splashed down in the Gulf of America, thanks to Elon Musk, SpaceX, and NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).
What struck me is NASA astronaut Butch Wilmore’s remark: “My feeling on all of this goes back to my faith. It’s bound in my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is working out His plan and His purposes for His glory throughout all of humanity. And how that plays into our lives is significant and important. And however that plays out, I am content because I understand that. I understand that He’s at work and all things. Some things are for the good. Go to Hebrews Chapter 11. Some things look to us to be, not so good, but it’s all working out for his good, for those that will believe and that’s the answer.”
* * * I still could not forget a mysterious man (who looks like American actor Jay Harrington). He was taking photos of me inside the Bouchon Bistro’s rest room in Yountville while I was washing my face with water. When I noticed what he was doing, he shifted to take photos of the frames hanging on the wall. Then he asked if he could wash his face too and I left innocently.
It was my first time to go to Yountville, an incorporated town in Napa County, the “Wine County of California.” Almost a third of the town’s population lives at the Veterans Home of California.
Yountville is a popular tourist destination, particularly for its wineries and its famed Michelinstarred restaurant, The French Laundry. While I was in front of the Bouchon Bakery, a group of Filipino tourists greeted me and my mom
in Tagalog. We were watching a Mardi Gras parade at that time.
Gregorio Fernand Imperial of Legazpi, Albay introduced himself as a licensed real estate broker from RE/MAX Prime-Philippines. He had just attended a 4-day conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. Then he introduced me to Paolo Jesus Villavicencio, a principal broker from Muntinlupa City who in turn introduced me to other female Filipino companions, Juni Calingo, Nikki de Guzman, Atty. Jill Borja and Nadelyn TorresBaldonado. All of them were part of the Philippine team of the RE/ MAX Prime. It was a surprise to me that both Imperial and Villavicencio are friends of the late Rustan Commercial Corporation executive Juan Paolo Tantoco, husband of Deputy Social Secretary Dina Arroyo-Tantoco, my former boss Congressman Iggy Arroyo’s daughter.
* * * Happy birthday (April 7) to my niece fashion designer Ann K. Isip, who represented me on stage last November 2024 when I received the prestigious Amerika Prestige Award for Inclusive Media Excellence recognition in North
Hollywood in Los Angeles.
* * * 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.
Jules del Gallego (seated), author of the book “The Brothers Luna”
(From left) Rogelio Constantino Medina, Juni Calingo, Nikki de Guzman, Atty. Jill Borja, Nadelyn Torres-Baldonado and Gregorio Fernand Imperial in Yountville.
Singer
Fashion designer Ann K. Isip
NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Bruce Wilmore
AJ columnist Rogelio Medina (left) with Nick Santos of Seafood City in Vallejo, California.
(From left) Gregorio Fernand Imperial, Rogelio Constantino Medina and Paolo Jesus Villavicencio in Yountville, Napa County, California.
Can I file a divorce in California if my spouse resides outside California?
THIS is a common question among people contemplating divorce in California when the other spouse does not live in the state. The California Courts has the power to grant a divorce, annulment, or legal separation if either party is domiciled in the state. Domicile is where a person lives and intends to remain. However, there is an additional requirement if you are seeking a divorce rather than annulment or legal separation.
To obtain a divorce in California, one of the parties must have been a resident of California for six months immediately before the filing of the divorce petition. Responding spouses can use this requirement as a defense if the Petitioning spouse does not meet such requirement when the petitioner filed for divorce. In addition, divorce petitions may be filed in the county where at least one spouse resided for 3 months immediately prior to filing the petition. Now apart from getting a divorce, legal separation, or annulled status, there may be issues relating to distributing community and separate properties between the
spouses and awarding support payments. In order for the California Courts to have the power to make orders, the California Courts must have personal jurisdiction over the respondent. Personal jurisdiction means the respondent has minimum contacts with California even if not physically here. Some of the factors looked at is respondents presence in the state, domicile, residence, citizenship, consent, appearance in the action, doing business in the state, doing an act that causes an effect in the state, ownership in the state, other relationship to the state. If the respondent does not have minimum contact with California, respondent may challenge any orders relating to distribution of property and support based on the court’s lack of jurisdiction.
With regards to initial child custody issues, these issues are resolved under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. California Courts have the power to make initial custody orders if it is the child’s home state at the time the action was filed.
California may also assume power to make custody orders if California has been the child’s home state within six months before the action was filed, the child is absent form California, and a parent continues to live in California. California may also exercise jurisdiction when no other state is the child’s
home state or when all court’s having jurisdiction over the child has declined to act and deferred to California as the more appropriate place to make custody orders. California may also exercise jurisdiction if no other state would have jurisdiction over the child.
*
* * Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APC. This article is not a solicitation.
* * *
Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. He is founder and Managing Partner of LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APC located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@ kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com. (Advertising Supplement)
Sharon Cuneta to attend ABS-CBN ball...
finally fit into small and medium clothes, which are the sizes that she “actually wants to wear.”
The singer-actress also revealed that she is taking treatments to improve her appearance as she showed scars on both her arms, which she acquired from a cosmetic
surgery in 2023. At the time, the “Mr. Dream Boy” singer had lost over 100 pounds and had to remove extra skin. Aside from this, Cuneta also disclosed that she also underwent breast reduction.
The Megastar shared in February that she had lost 15 lbs. after stepping up her fitness
journey anew, a progress that she has been doing for nine years now.
“I decided to lose weight slowly on my 50th birthday [in] 2016. It’s been 9 years of losing weight, gaining weight again, being happy and inspired, feeling disappointed and frustrated,” she said at the time.
Binibining Pilipinas 2025 candidates...
of the hundreds of applicants who signified their intention to join the contest, more than 70 aspirants were invited to the final
call-back.
The details of this year’s grand coronation night have yet to be released. Reigning Bb. Pilipinas International Myrna Esguerra
and The Miss Globe 2024 second runner-up Jasmin Bungay will relinquish their national titles to their respective successors at the end of the competition.
ReveRend Rodel G. BalaGtas
I HAVE always been intrigued by Jesus’s gesture of bending down and writing on the ground after the Pharisees and scribes dragged a woman caught in adultery to Him. What did He write? Why did He do this twice? What message was He trying to communicate to those around Him, including the woman?
One scripture professor suggested that Jesus was writing the names of the woman’s accusers on the ground, indicating that they too would experience shame and that their names would be laid bare if they did not repent—for rejecting Him as the Son of God and His teachings, which are encapsulated in the law of love and mercy. They too would be shamed if they failed to acknowledge their sins and embrace the stream of Living Water that Jesus offers. They needed to confront their hypocrisy, hatred, and arrogance, set aside their pride, and seek God’s forgiveness. The tragedy
is that they refused to do so; they remained mired in arrogance and pride rather than embracing forgiveness, understanding, and mercy. This is why Jesus told them, “He who has not sinned, cast the first stone.”
Friends, Lent is about recognizing and confronting our shame and sinfulness, lamenting our pride and judgmental attitudes, and committing to changing our un-Christian ways. Lent calls us to accept Jesus’s challenge “to sin no more.”
Furthermore, Lent is a time for healing from shame and trauma by allowing Jesus to touch the painful parts of our lives. It is an opportunity to become whole again by immersing ourselves in God’s mercy. Lent challenges us to rise from our sins, our emotional hurts and pains, and to fully trust in Jesus’s invitation to walk in His light. As Hildegard of Bingen, a mystic, once wrote: “Dare to declare who you are. It is not far from the shores of silence to the boundaries of speech. The path is not long, but the way is deep. You must not only walk there, you must be prepared to leap.”
I appreciate what Fr. Gregory Boyle expresses about “salvation”
in his new book, Cherished Belonging. He sees it as God’s invitation to wellness, “not about morality but about staying true to our deepest longing to let love live through us.” Salvation signifies wholeness, health, soundness, and healing. I believe this was Jesus’s desire for the woman caught in adultery. He wished for her to recognize her dignity as a human being, not merely as a sexual object, and to hear God saying to her, “You are precious in my eyes, and I love you.” Thus, Lent serves as a reminder of our dignity as children of God, worthy of love, compassion, and belonging. This is the message the adulterous woman in the Gospel received from Jesus. Like her, may we rise from the shame of our sinfulness and leap with joy toward the transformative encounter with Christ in our lives. In Christ’s love and mercy, Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas * * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions,
Nadine Samonte, husband to renew wedding vows next year
by jessica ann eVanGelista Inquirer.net
ACTRESS Nadine Samonte recently shared plans to renew wedding vows with her nonshowbiz husband, Richard Chua, in 2026. Samonte shared the news on her Instagram page as she posted their pictures using the famous landmarks of Paris and Milan as backdrop.
“I just said YES AGAIN!!!! [red heart and heart-eyed emojis],” she captioned her post.
After almost 13 years of being married, the “StarStruck” alumna said that Chua asked for her hand in marriage again on April Fools’ Day, which she initially tried not to take seriously.
“I’m so kilig haha but thinking it’s April 1, baka April fools day hehe Let’s see tomorrow. I’ll post sa stories kung serious [talaga]. Pero he looks so serious. So next
year we will renew our vows.
Love you so much, Richard. Can’t wait,” she wrote. Samonte also shared the song that her husband dedicated to her when they first met, which was Christopher Cross’ “Swept Away.”
after
Chua left a comment on the Facebook post of the 37-yearold actress, writing, “I’d marry you over and over again.” Samonte and Chua married in 2013 in a private ceremony on a farm in Zambales. They welcomed their first child, Titus, three years later. In 2021, the couple announced the birth of their second child, Harmony. Meanwhile, the
Kapuso actress recently made headlines
she walked the runway of Paris and Milan during fashion week for the collection of Filipino fashion designer Norman Acuba.
Nadine Samonte and her non-showbiz husband, Richard Chua. Photo from Instagram/@nadinesamonte
IF I were to describe the feeling you are bound to experience when you come to our medical spa facility Iskin in Beverly Hills and Rancho Cucamonga, I would simply use the words “luxurious” and “zen.” I think those two (words) best describe what a typical day overlooking Hollywood hills in one of the most gorgeous spot (the penthouse) at the heart of Beverly Hills feels like, along with the most advanced medical spa treatments that we have at our Rancho Cucamonga location –– ah, life is beautiful indeed!
Both facilities offer the latest technologies like Exion with AI technology, RF and Microneedling for acne scarring, minimized pores and skin tightening , Exion Clear for sun damage, Exion Face for skin tightening and face contouring and Exion body for body contouring; as well as Emsculpt Neo, Exilis RF and medicalgrade health innovations such as HydraFacial, IV drip glutathione, Masseter Botox injections and more. We pride ourselves for providing comprehensive and unique protocols that are made specifically for every individual’s needs. Best of all, our Iskin protocols are completely customizable, which is one of the reasons that a number of Hollywood and Filipino celebrities list our spas as part of their must-visit destination-spas when they come to L.A.
Our main goal is to turn your skincare routine into a sustainable lifestyle that yields un-compromised results. It is our passion to educate and influence people on the significance of maintaining a lifestyle of caring for their skin – the earlier in life, the better. With safe and quality products that are USAmade, the price point is relatively competitive (note: economical) with what they offer in the Philippines. Our products are clinically proven as safe and are specially formulated for antiaging, skin rejuvenation, treating acne and skin discoloration purposes.
We strive to teach that beauty is a lifestyle and consistency is key. That goes without saying we understand what your skin and body need, which basically means you don’t need to wait and get treatment in the Philippines, Korea or Mexico thinking it is cheaper. The truth is about having regular treatment with a trusted spa is that we know how to address your skin-and bodyspecific needs. You only have one body and one face so investing in good products and treatment machines would not only improve your quality of life but would, in many ways, lengthen your life expectancy. Both our spas carry ONLY the latest and FDA-approved technology, making us the leading medical
What to expect at ISkin MedSpa in Beverly Hills and Rancho Cucamonga
spa with experienced providers (for over 10 years) and comprehensive protocols. There are a ton customized signature protocols for just about any skin or body enhancement you can think of like how to look 10 years younger or a treatment/ correction for a slimmer face.
Iskin MedSpa Beverly Hills and Rancho Cucamonga are one of the few registered providers of ISKIN EXION RF which uses AI technology to analyze a patient’s skin, which has proven to be more effective, safer, and more comfortable for the patient. A few short treatment sessions with ISKIN EXION RF Microneedling causes the “unwanted marks” on your skin to even out and clear up, as if they were never there. RF microneedling is great for busy people who would typically squeeze in at least a once-ortwice-a year-treatment for anti aging, skin tightening, and minimizing pores . One of the latest anti-aging technology we have at the spas is the IV drip Stem Cells. Stem cells have become the new buzzword in medical spa technology. The process involves the administration of stem cells directly into the bloodstream. Stem cells used for IV therapy can be derived from different sources, including umbilical cord blood and bone marrow. The benefits include: quality control of life, mobility, serves as a fountain of youth as it reverses aging . More than it serving as a fountain of youth, it relatively gives you back the quality of life and mobility your body used to have as it makes your body look and feel young again. We have testimonies from individuals in theirs fifties claiming that after stem cells treatment, they feel like their bodies are in its twenties. People in their 60s and 70s tell us how it helps them have more energy, feel less tired, and move around more like their energy levels seem like they are in their forties or fifties.
Iskin Medspa is also highly regarded for its IV drip bar which carries a wide menu of standard IV drip cocktails made to provide specific benefits, and can be customized based on the client’s needs.
The most popular ones we have are the Hollywood Cocktail and the Immune Booster.
Another medspa innovation is the use of Exosomes for hair and scalp treatment, accompanied by Keravive, a hair-restoration treatment.
This highly effective therapy is designed to improve scalp health and boost hair growth. Combined with the power of Exosomes, this treatment enhances scalp rejuvenation by deeply cleansing, exfoliating, and nourishing the scalp while delivering essential growth factors to promote hair regrowth.
The addition of Exosomes, which contain high concentrations of
results in as little as 30 minutes.
growth factors, proteins, and anti-inflammatory properties, supercharges the treatment, promoting new hair growth at the cellular level.
The ISkin EMSCULPT NEO is the first non-invasive device designed to eliminate fat cells and build muscle non- invasively by a combining radio-frequency heating & HIFEM in a single 30minute treatment session. It is available at our MedSpa (both in Beverly Hills and Rancho Cucamonga), and we are one of the legitimate and FDA-approved (machine) providers in the city. It is clinically proven to reduce fat in the abdominal area, flanks, arms, butt, thighs, and prepares muscles for exposure to stress which is somewhat similar to what a warm-up activity does before any workout. Most of our clients who couldn’t consistently maintain a rigorous workoutroutine and eventually, would too busy or too tired to work out as much as they want or used to, take advantage of this treatment. Plus, EMSCULPT NEO works faster! It does not only do the work for you, it does it FASTER than you could have done it yourself. It is perfect for those who are too busy or too tired to lift weights.
Another well-known procedure we offer is the Iskin Exion Body Contouring, which is basically a body-sculpting machine that is equivalent to 20,000-crunches and yields
ISKIN EXION Body is the perfect remedy for hard-to-reach areas needing fat reduction and skin tightening. It utilizes monopolar radiofrequency and targeted ultrasound for precise body contouring, permanent fat reduction in those areas that are hard-to-reach – and remedy.
This
You would see an improvement in your skin as this tool uses a patented combination of Monopolar Radiofrequency and targeted ultrasound addresses production of hyaluronic acid, collagen & elastin to treat skin laxity on the body. It also uses deep dermal heating stimulates the extracellular matrix and enhances skin firmness.
On the other hand, directing heat to fat tissue in hard to reach areas via the integrated active cooling protects the skin and allows for increasing the temperature in the fat tissue to levels leading to fat cell apoptosis resulting to a localized fat reduction.
Last, but definitely not the least, is our new treatment for 2025: The Exion Clear RF, which is a noninvasive skin treatment that uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to improve skin tone, texture, and clarity. It can treat fine lines, wrinkles, uneven texture, and skin discoloration. It is designed to treat: sunspots, age spots, facial redness, irregular skin texture, lines and
Kristel Fulgar gives glimpse...
Her options for the reception also included three dresses; one is off-the-shoulder, with a v-neckline, and is embellished with small, pearl-like beads.
“It looks good on screen but not so much in reality,” the actress described the dress.
The second option, which Fulgar admitted she almost chose, was an off-the-shoulder, sweetheart neckline wedding gown with intricate floral embroidery and beading.
While the last option was a fitted bodice with light-colored beads densely scattered across the fabric of the dress.
“This was my first choice when I searched on their website, but something else caught my eye the most,” she wrote.
wrinkles, and rough skin. It has minimal downtime, comfortable, and promises noticeable results.
I could go on and on about the all the treatment and products we offer (we obviously have a lot) but it would be best to see it for yourself. We offer free consultation. When you come in for a consult, you get a customized treatment plan that is designed for your specific concerns. Our treatment procedures yield natural-looking results, with flexible protocols that cater to different ethnicities.
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
The vlogger did not disclose the wedding dress she ended up choosing, which was not shown from the earlier options. Fulgar then revealed that it cost around P50,000 to rent both dresses. She emphasized that she prefers to rent rather than buy a customized one.
“Para sakin kasi hindi ko kailangan ikeep ‘yung wedding dress ko dahil sa sentimental value. Okay, na-saking yung mga picture as a memory sa special day ko,” she said.
(For me, I don’t need to keep my wedding dress because of the sentimental value. I’m okay with the pictures as a memory of my special day.) Fulgar and Su Hyuk announced their engagement in February.
