SCOTUS to hear arguments over Trump’s birthright citizenship ban
THE U.S. Supreme Court announced on Thursday, April 17, that it will hear oral arguments regarding President Donald Trump’s plan to end automatic birthright citizenship—one of the current administration’s latest efforts to crack down on immigration.
The announcement followed the Trump administration’s attempt to challenge three injunctions, wherein federal judges in Washington state, Massachusetts and Maryland attempted to override the president’s order for federal agencies to overlook the citizenship status of those with birthright citizenship.
In response to SCOTUS’s plan to hear arguments, Trump told reporters that he is “so happy” and, “I think the case has been so misunderstood.”
Birthright citizenship allows anyone born in the U.S. to automatically become a U.S. citizen, a mandate that applies to children of undocumented
Fil-Am hooper
Dylan Harper among projected top picks for 2025 NBA draft
WITH the 2024 NBA Draft in the rearview, the spotlight now shifts toward next year’s class. And leading the early buzz is another Filipino American standout, Dylan Harper.
A 6-foot-7 point guard from New Jersey, Harper is already drawing comparisons to NBA greats. Most notably, LeBron James publicly praised the rising star in a video posted to X (formerly Twitter).
“I’ve been watching him for quite a while. He calls me ‘unc,’ I call him ‘nephew.’ Special kid, special talent. He’s going to be really good in this league,” said James in a message to Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson.
Tagle seen as contender for next
MANILA — Predict who the next pope will be at your peril.
An old Italian saying warns against putting faith or money in any presumed front-runner ahead of the conclave, the closed-door gathering of cardinals that picks the pontiff.
It cautions further that “He who enters a conclave as a pope, leaves it as a cardinal.”
Nevertheless, among the handful of cardinals cited by Reuters who are being talked about as “papabili” or “electable” is Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle, who is
often called the “Asian Francis” because of his similar commitment to social justice.
On paper, the 67-year-old Tagle, who generally prefers to be called by his nickname “Chito,” seems to have all the boxes ticked to qualify him to be a pope.
He has had decades of pastoral experience since his ordination to the priesthood in 1982. He then gained administrative experience, first as bishop of Imus and then as archbishop of Manila.
Pope Benedict XVI made him a cardinal in 2012.
Vatican experience
In a move seen by some as a strategy by Francis to give Tagle some Vatican experience, the Pope in 2019 transferred him from Manila and appointed him head of the Church’s missionary arm, formally known as the Dicastery for Evangelization. He comes from what some called “Asia’s Catholic lung,” because the Philippines has the region’s largest Catholic population. u PAGE 2
by Jean Mangaluz Philstar.com
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Easter Monday, April 21 said that the Philippines joins the international Catholic community in grieving the loss of Pope Francis. Weeks after a prolonged hospital stay due to double pneumonia, Francis passed away the day after Easter Sunday.
“The Philippines joins the Catholic community worldwide in grieving the loss of His Holiness Pope Francis. A man of profound faith and humility, Pope Francis led not only with wisdom but with a heart open to all, especially the poor and the forgotten,” Marcos said in a Facebook post.
by Javier Joe ismael ManilaTimes.net
MANILA — Sen. Bong Go emerged as the leading candidate in the most recent senatorial preference survey conducted by Social Weather Stations (SWS) between April 11 and 15, which Stratbase Group commissioned. With a voter preference of 45 percent, Go has firmly established himself in the top position, showcasing robust public backing ahead of the 2025 midterm elections.
This recent figure indicates a steady and consistent upward trend
in his rankings over the past few months, increasing from 32 percent in December 2024 to 37 percent in January 2025, then climbing to 38 percent in February, advancing to 42 percent in March, and now reaching 45 percent in April.
Regarding the survey results, Go thanked Filipinos nationwide for their enduring trust and encouragement.
"Thank you again to our countrymen for your continued trust and support," Go said. "Your continued support in my service in every part of the country — Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao — is
Cristina Chi Philstar.com
MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte said on Tuesday, April 22, that her lawyers are "more than confident" that they will prevail against the impeachment case filed against her.
"Hindi ko naman masabi kung ano 'yung preparations ng mga abogado sa impeachment. Pero nung paguwi ko galing The Hague ay
Duterte also told reporters at a chance interview in Cebu that she had met with her legal team upon returning from her stay in The Hague, Netherlands, where her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, is detained on International Criminal Court charges.
VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church and a transformative figure in modern religious life, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. The first Latin American pope and the first Jesuit to hold the papacy, he died peacefully at his Vatican residence, Casa Santa Marta, after a prolonged battle with pneumonia. His passing marks the
end of an era defined by humility, inclusivity, and a deep concern for the marginalized.
From Buenos Aires to the Papacy
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was the son of Italian immigrants. Before his priestly vocation, he trained as a chemist. He joined the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1958, was ordained in 1969, and served
The People’s Pope, Pope Francis, visited Typhoon Yolanda survivors in Palo, Leyte on January 17, 2015. Malacañang file photo by Benhur Arcayan
Tagle seen as contender for...
PAGE 1
His mother was an ethnic Chinese-Filipino. He speaks fluent Italian and English.
Between 2015 and 2022, he was the top leader of Caritas Internationalis, a confederation of more than 160 Catholic relief, social service and development organizations around the world.
In 2022, Pope Francis fired its entire leadership following accusations of bullying and humiliation of employees, and appointed a commissioner to run it.
Tagle, who was also removed from his role, had been nominally president but was not involved in the day-to-day operations, which were overseen by a lay director general.
Announcing the Pope’s dramatic decision, Tagle told a meeting of the confederation that the changes were a moment for “facing our failures.”
It remains to be seen how the saga will impact Tagle’s
chances at the papacy. If elected, he would be the first pontiff from Asia.
Pope’s visit remembered Meanwhile, church bells are expected to toll in the coming days as the country mourns the passing of “Lolo Kiko,” who was well beloved by Filipinos.
Many remembered the four-day visit of Pope Francis in 2015, where he comforted the still grieving survivors of Super Typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan) in the Visayas and celebrated with more than 6 million Filipinos in Rizal Park, making it the largest papal gathering in history.
Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), called for the tolling of the bells of all the churches and for the Filipinos to unite in praying for the eternal repose of the Holy Father.
Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas called Pope Francis “the Je-
sus of our age.”
“He was the gift of the Good Shepherd to the Church. He served us with humility. He showed us God’s mercy. He linked us with bridges of compassion with fellow believers and with nonbelievers. He bravely disturbed us in our complacency and prejudices. He taught us to care for God’s creation. He taught us Jesus,” he said in his message.
Villegas, who was the president of CBCP when Pope Francis visited the country in 2015, remembered the warmth that the Holy Father gave to the Filipinos.
“The images of his memorable visit to the Philippines are clear and vivid in our grateful hearts. In sunshine or under the rain, he made us feel the love of God. The rains and our tears of joy were mixed running down our cheeks.
We knew that in him, Jesus was in our midst,” he said. (Inquirer.net)
Marcos: Philippines mourns with Catholic...
“By example, Pope Francis taught us that to be a good Christian is to extend kindness and care to one another. His humility brought many back to the fold of the Church. As we mourn his passing, we honor a life that brought hope and compassion to so many, and inspired us to love one another as Christ loved us,” he added.
The president called Monday a “profoundly sad day.”
In a separate statement from Malacañang, Marcos
described Pope Francis as unique, stating that he was "the best Pope" of his lifetime.
The Philippines is predominantly Catholic, with the Philippine Statistics Authority reporting that, as of 2020, 78.8% of Filipinos identified as Roman Catholic. It is one of the few countries in Asia where Catholicism is the dominant religion.
Francis visited the Philippines in 2015 in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan), one of the most powerful cyclones in
recorded history. Yolanda caused widespread devastation, leaving a death toll of more than 6,300 people, with over 1,000 still missing to this day. The pontiff visited the country to offer his support to those hardest hit by the tragedy.
“The central message of this trip will be the poor, the poor who want to carry on, the poor who suffered from Typhoon Yolanda and who are still suffering the consequences, the poor who have faith and hope,” the pope told reporters in 2015. n
Go tops senatorial race for April...
tireless."
He quickly stressed that these numbers were not cause for complacency, but a call to work harder and serve better.
"This inspires me to do more in my work, service, and compassion, especially for our poor fellow citizens," he continued.
Go then reiterated that his primary concern remains the welfare of ordinary Filipinos, especially those who need the most help.
"You can count on me to always put the nation's
interests and the welfare of our poor fellow citizens first. Diligence, compassion, and more service are all I can offer to our fellow Filipinos,"
Go affirmed. "We will try to bring our services closer to our fellow citizens, especially medical services for our poor patients." n
Sen. Bong Go
Photo from Facebook/@SenatorBongGo
IN MEMORIAM. Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula leads the Requiem Mass for Pope Francis at Manila Cathedral in Intramuros on Tuesday, April 22. Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Charles John Brown, joined the Mass for the pontiff who died the day before at the age of 88. PNA photo by Avito Dalan
COMPANION. Accompanied by then Manila Archbishop Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pope Francis boards the papal mobile upon his arrival in the Philippines in 2015. Before Francis, John Paul II was the last Pontiff to visit the country in 1995. Malacañang file photo
by Julie Appleby KFF Health News
THEY’RE the fixers, the ones who step in when Affordable Care Act enrollees have a problem with their coverage, like a newborn incorrectly left off a policy or discovering that a rogue broker had signed them up or switched their plan without consent.
Specially trained caseworkers help resolve such issues, which might otherwise cause consumers to rack up large doctors’ bills or prevent them or their family members from getting care. Now, though, the broad federal reduction in force set in motion by the Trump administration has cut the ranks of those caseworkers, slashing two out of six divisions of caseworkers, according to one affected worker and a former Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services official familiar with the situation, Jeffrey Grant. Currently, the number of ACA enrollees is at an alltime high of 24 million. The ACA — known as Obamacare — has long drawn disfavor from Republicans and Trump himself. The health law faces additional changes next year that, if adopted, could sow confusion and more problems. Consumers would face a new learning curve with extra paperwork and rules. And the caseworker cuts might extend the time needed to resolve any difficulties.
“It impacts not only our jobs, but all these people we serve,” said one New York City-based caseworker, who was let go in a Feb. 14 purge affecting federal employees in their probationary periods.
“Usually, we would have on average 14 days to take care of a case that was very difficult, although the urgent cases would be solved within two to three business days. It will now be delayed so much more. Whole teams got wiped out completely.” NPR and KFF Health
News are not naming the two affected workers in this article because they fear professional or personal repercussions for speaking to the media.
The two teams of caseworkers were dismantled in a haphazard fashion that left some workers without an official notice but locked out of their computers.
The cuts have demoralized caseworkers, whose jobs demand a grasp of complex and arcane health insurance rules in a little-known government department that most consumers don’t interact with — CMS’ Exchange Customer Solutions Group — until they need help.
“The loss in staffing is going to reduce the ability for people to get through” to caseworkers after contacting the marketplace or other organizations for help, said Jackie Kiger, executive director of Pisgah Legal Services, a nonprofit that provides legal and ACA help for North Carolina consumers and is facing a budget reduction under a separate effort by the Trump administration to cut “navigator” funding by 90%.
Navigators are governmentfunded nonprofits that help people enroll in the ACA or resolve problems with coverage.
The federal force reduction aims to decrease the number of employees at agencies within the Department of Health and Human Services from 82,000 to 62,000, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, the National Institutes of Health, and CMS.
CMS, which oversees the ACA and other government health programs, will lose about 300 workers, including about 30 caseworkers scattered nationwide. The cuts come amid thousands of other federal job losses, including front-line workers across an array of agencies,
from Social Security field offices to the National Park Service.
In a press release, HHS estimated its reduction in force will save taxpayers $1.8 billion a year. No one from CMS responded to KFF Health News’ questions about the caseworker reductions. What will be affected?
When consumers have a problem with their ACA plan, their first step is usually to call the federal or state marketplace on which they purchased coverage.
Those call centers can handle basic questions about plans purchased on the federal exchange, which serves 31 states. (State marketplaces handle their own complex cases and don’t rely on federal caseworkers.)
When someone calls the federal marketplace 800 number with coverage problems, the inquiry probably winds up on a caseworker’s desk, said one affected caseworker. That employee received a reduction-in-force notice several days after losing access to their work computer on April 1.
Caseworkers usually don’t speak directly with consumers, the worker said. Using information sent over by the federal marketplace — including notes taken when consumers called in with problems, as well as ACA applications — they handle or oversee consumer requests, such as canceling a plan or adding a member.
One of the last problems handled by that caseworker involved a child born in November who was not added correctly to the family’s plan for 2024, meaning any care the child received during the last two months of the year was not covered and the family risked being stuck with the bills.
“This person did everything right, including calling the marketplace within 60 days to report the birth and add the newborn u PAGE 4
by SunitA SohrAbJi
American Community Media
WORLDWIDE HIV/AIDS deaths are expected to rise by 1.5 million annually as the U.S. terminates funding for research and its global prevention program.
The world will also experience a spike in HIV/ AIDS-related opportunistic infections that take over the body of a person with a greatly-weakened immune system, said Dr. Richard Sutton, professor of Medicine, Infectious Diseases, and of Microbial Pathogenesis at the Yale School of Medicine.
“Without HIV therapy, people get OIs — opportunistic infections— and they get certain cancers and they die,” said Sutton in an interview with American Community Media. “They get cryptococcal meningitis. They get pneumocystis pneumonia. They get all sorts of herpes virus infections. They get histoplasmosis. In California, they get coccidioidomycosis (Valley fever), which is nasty.”
”We’re going to be seeing millions more people with
very high, dangerous viral loads and zero CD4 counts,” said Sutton. CD4 cells are a type of white blood cell specifically called a T helper cell. They are crucial for the immune system’s ability to fight off infections.
Treatment can prevent death Dr. Richard Sutton, Professor of Medicine, Infectious Diseases, and of Microbial Pathogenesis at the Yale School of Medicine.
Sutton’s lab is currently working on regulating CCR5 inhibitors, which essentially prevent HIV from entering CD4 cells, and thus slow down infections. His lab also works on novel HIV therapeutics.
Sutton also serves as the chief of Infectious Diseases Research at the Veteran’s Administration in Connecticut — VACT. The West Haven VAMC oversees roughly 300 patients infected with HIV. “Their viral loads are undetectable, their CD4 count is okay, and they can live for decades,” said Sutton, making the point that HIV/ AIDS need not be a death sentence when treatment is
available and administered.
On Feb. 27, the Trump Administration announced it was suspending funding to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS. In 2023, the US was the largest contributor to the program, with a grant of $50 million. UNAIDS focuses primarily on treatment and prevention. In a statement, UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima said that countries in the developing world are scrambling to keep their programs going once funds are terminated in June. Many countries have already scaled back some or all of their AIDS prevention and treatment programs, noted an April 8 report.
PEPFAR
Separately, the Trump Administration shuttered the majority of programs under the US Agency for International Development. The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief — PEPFAR — founded in 2003 by President George W. Bush, is administered through USAID. The continuation of PEPFAR is uncertain. u PAGE 7
STATE FUNERAL. The funeral procession of “Superstar” and National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Aunor makes its way to Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on Tuesday, April 22. Before the interment, Aunor’s remains were brought to the Metropolitan Theater in Manila for a state necrological service. PNA photo by Avito Dalan
VP Sara Duterte says lawyers ‘more than...
nag-meeting kami dahil isa din 'yun sa mga inaasikaso ko," Duterte said.
(I can't really say what the lawyers' preparations are for the impeachment. But when I got back from The Hague, we had a meeting because that's also one of the things I'm handling.)
"At sinabi nila that they are more than confident in winning the impeachment trial — impeachment case. So 'yan lang 'yung masasabi ko," she added.
(And they said that they are more than confident in winning the impeachment trial — impeachment case. So that's all I can say.)
The House of Representatives voted to impeach Duterte on February 5, sending the articles of impeachment to the Senate for trial.
Senate President Chiz Escudero has scheduled the trial to begin after the May 2025 elections. According to the timeline he proposed in February, the actual impeachment trial is set to start on July 30, after pre-trial proceedings and the swearing-in of newly elected senators who will also serve as judges in the case.
Public opinion on the impeachment remains divided, according to a February survey by WR Numero. The poll found that 46.7% of Filipinos oppose the impeachment, while 33.3% support it, with approximately 20% still undecided. According to the survey, Mindanao, Duterte's bulwark, shows the strongest opposition to the impeachment at 65.6%, compared to just 16.6% in favor.
The upcoming impeachment trial for the vice president has loomed over senatorial bets of the PDP-Laban slate — of which her father is chairperson — as they have repeatedly called on their supporters to vote for them to prevent Duterte's conviction.
Recap: What's VP Sara Duterte accused of?
The impeachment charges against Duterte encompass seven allegations, with the most grave being an alleged plot to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez. This accusation stems from Duterte's statements during a late-night press conference last year when she claimed
to have arranged for someone to kill the president, the first lady, and the House speaker should she herself be assassinated.
The articles also charge the vice president with improperly using confidential funds, totaling at least P254.898 million in alleged "ghost expenses." Additionally, Duterte is accused of corrupting former high-ranking Department of Education officials by allegedly distributing cash envelopes containing tens of thousands of pesos.
The impeachment articles also resurrect longstanding claims regarding her connection to extrajudicial killings through the so-called Davao Death Squad during her tenure as Davao City mayor. The complaint further alleges that Duterte accumulated "hidden wealth" that was reportedly unexplained in her Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth filed from 2013 to 2016.
The sixth and seventh articles accuse Duterte of inciting sedition and rebellion, as well as "gross faithlessness against trust and tyrannical abuse of power."
Pope Francis dies at 88: A humble...
as Provincial Superior of the Jesuits in Argentina, then Archbishop of Buenos Aires, and later became a cardinal in 2001.
He was elected pope on March 13, 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI—becoming the first pope from the Americas and the first non-European in over a millennium. He chose the name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, known for his devotion to peace, poverty, and care for creation.
The Papacy of Pope Francis Pope Francis’s tenure was defined by sweeping changes in tone and emphasis within the Catholic Church. He called for a Church of inclusion rather than condemnation, repeatedly urging Catholics to focus on mercy over judgment.
In a widely quoted 2013 interview, Francis described his vision of the Church:
“I see the Church as a field hospital after battle. It is useless to ask a seriously injured person if he has high cholesterol… You have to heal his wounds. Then we can talk about everything else.”
His 2015 encyclical, Laudato Si’, positioned environmental protection as a moral and spiritual imperative, earning praise from both faith leaders and scientists. He also championed the rights of migrants, the poor, and the socially excluded.
Known as “The People’s Pope,” Francis favored simple living, refused the papal palace, and rode in modest cars. He touched millions with his direct, down-to-earth approach
and willingness to address difficult global issues.
Illness and final days
In early 2025, Pope Francis was hospitalized for double pneumonia, leading to a 38-day hospital stay, the longest of his papacy. Despite his frailty, he made one final public appearance during Easter Sunday Mass on April 20, blessing thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
He died quietly the following morning, surrounded by members of his household and medical staff.
A world in mourning Pope Francis’s death prompted a global outpouring of grief and tributes:
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, who met him just a day before his death, called him “a shepherd to the world and a conscience for our time.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said he “inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and love so pure for the less fortunate.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised him as “a beacon of compassion, humility, and spiritual courage.”
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. honored the pontiff as “a man of profound faith and humility” who led the Church “with wisdom and a heart open to all, especially the poor and the forgotten.” Marcos added, “As we mourn his passing, we honor a life that brought hope and compassion to so many, and inspired us to love one another as Christ loved us.” In the Philippines, the
largest Catholic nation in Asia, cathedrals filled with faithful for memorial Masses, recalling the pope’s beloved 2015 visit and his support for Filipino overseas workers.
In Argentina, the government declared three days of national mourning, and churches held vigils.
Funeral and succession
The Vatican announced that Pope Francis will be buried at Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where he often prayed before apostolic journeys. His funeral will take place in St. Peter’s Square later this week, expected to draw global dignitaries and millions of faithful.
The College of Cardinals will convene in early May for the conclave to elect a new pope. Observers expect growing influence from cardinals from Africa, Asia, and Latin America—regions where Francis’s message of justice and inclusion resonated deeply.
A legacy of compassion and courage
Pope Francis leaves behind a Church more open to dialogue, less defined by hierarchy, and deeply engaged with the world’s wounds. He reminded Catholics that leadership begins with listening and that the Gospel calls for solidarity with the most vulnerable.
“The thing the Church needs most today is the ability to heal wounds and to warm the hearts of the faithful,” he once said. “It needs nearness, proximity.”
His life—marked by simplicity, sincerity, and service—touched people of all faiths. And while his voice is now silent, his message of mercy endures. n
World faces rise of new HIV/AIDS...
No vaccine yet exists to prevent HIV/AIDS. PEPFAR, which works in 50 countries, primarily focuses on preexposure prophylaxis, providing treatment to people who are HIV seropositive — those with HIV antibodies in their bloodstream, indicating they have been exposed to HIV. PEPFAR also provides antiretroviral therapy to millions of people living with HIV/AIDS. It also provides supportive care for people living with HIV/ AIDS, including palliative care, nutritional support, and treatment for opportunistic infections.
”Does all this just disappear?” Sutton questioned. In 2004, there were 2.1 million global deaths from HIV/AIDS. By 2023, that number had dropped to 630,000. Sutton credited the huge drop in HIV/AIDS deaths to the success of PEPFAR and UNAIDS programs.
U.S. consequences
“And so stopping all that funding, the number of deaths from HIV will just go up again,” he stated.
Numbers of infections and deaths from HIV and related opportunistic infections will also rise in the U.S., as residents travel to countries with fewer resources for treatment and prevention.
Critics of the PEPFAR program say countries must “own their epidemics.” In South Africa, for example, 83% of funding for HIV/AIDS programs and services comes from the government’s own coffers. But Sutton said the economics of most countries in the developing world would prevent them from creating and maintaining HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programs. He gave the example of Uganda, in which almost 6% of the population — 1.4 million people — live with AIDS. “I was just Zooming with folks in Uganda this week, and they said the cuts in funding are going to hit them really hard, because a lot of their patients get their anti-retroviral drugs from the PEPFAR program. And boom, it’s gone,” he said. Sutton noted he has hosted several postdoctoral researchers from Uganda in
The ranks of Obamacare ‘fixers’
axed in...
his lab, who understand the science. “Everything we do is relatively straightforward. And our protocols are written down. So could they do this in Uganda or elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa? Yes, they could, if they had the money. But they don’t. And so it is up to the U.S. and the Western world to fill in here.”
NIH funding
The researcher also noted that the National Institutes of Health has cut funding for 230 grants related to HIV/ AIDS research, particularly in the area of vaccines. His lab has received a 2-year grant to study HIV-Rev, a protein that is essential to regulating HIV expression. He will soon be required to submit a progress report. In ordinary times, 99.9% of progress reports are approved and funding continues. However, Sutton said he has heard through the grapevine that roughly half of progress reports are being rejected this year.
”This will crush the research enterprise, for several years on. It’s not just about the research that’s being done now,” he said. n
to their coverage,” said the worker, who was quickly able to resolve it because it was a marketplace error.
The worker, who is now soured on federal employment and will look for a new job in the private sector, said caseworkers handled an average of 30 issues a day, but that in recent months the number kept climbing, heading past 45, and grew even more intense after the Feb. 14 dismissal of probationary employees.
“It’s not an easy job,” the worker said, noting the challenge of constantly evolving rules and policies governing health plans.
Ferreting out fraud
In the past year, caseworkers have dealt with cases involving unauthorized enrollments or switching, a problem that ticked up in late 2023, according to KFF Health News investigations, and continued through much of last year, resulting in at least 274,000 complaints to CMS through August. The complaints centered on practices by rogue brokers who enrolled or switched coverage for consumers without their express knowledge. That could leave them without access to their health provider networks or drug coverage, or even facing a tax bill.
Though it is unclear how many such complaints fell to a federal caseworker, some improperly switched
consumers want to be restored into plans they had originally chosen, while others want them canceled.
“I have seen people who were enrolled and every two or three months a broker would switch them to a different plan,” said the caseworker who was locked out in early April. “The more health plans they were enrolled in, the more difficult it was to handle on the back end.”
New hires spend months learning the ropes. The New York-based worker let go in February during her probationary period said she had joined CMS in October and spent three months in training.
Just about a month after completing that training, she was let go — a bitter irony, she said, because she had sought stability in a job with the federal government, having experienced a layoff during her private-sector career.
“I took a huge pay cut — over $40,000 — when I went from the private sector into the government,” said the mother of three whose husband serves in the military. Her federal salary was about $76,000, which is not high for an expensive market like the New York metropolitan area. “But I took it as an opportunity to get in the door and move up. Then, boom, I get hit with another layoff.”
“I can only imagine how
hard it is for people with 10 to 15 years with the government who are banking on it for retirement,” she said. Starting next year, the Trump administration has proposed several changes to the ACA, including ending year-round eligibility for very low-income applicants, requiring additional financial and eligibility documentation, and charging some people a monthly $5 fee when autoreenrolled in coverage until they confirm their eligibility. Such changes will “make things harder, so there you will have more things that go wrong,” said Grant, the former CMS official, who founded Schedule F Healthcare Strategies after leaving CMS. “You will then also have fewer caseworkers to handle the work.”
We’d like to speak with current and former personnel from the Department of Health and Human Services or its component agencies who believe the public should understand the impact of what’s happening within the federal health bureaucracy. Please message KFF Health News on Signal at (415) 5198778 or get in touch here. KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.
Fil-Am hooper Dylan Harper among...
In a recent episode of SLAM, fans got a closer look at Harper, not just as a player, but as a person.
According to his mother, Maria Harper, Harper’s dedication to the game runs deep.
“He works really hard. He’ll grind early morning and late night. When he cares about something, he’ll figure out every single way he can be good at it,” she said, describing how he studies and mimics moves until he masters them.
“He’s determined and he doesn’t think like there’s anything he can’t accomplish,” she added.
Harper’s grandmother shared how meaningful the draft will be to their family: “The draft is gonna happen for him and he had expressed that he wants us to be there. It would be the happiest moment for our lives because he had achieved his dreams.”
Harper is projected as a top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, alongside fellow elite recruit and teammate Ace Bailey.
CBS Sports even predicted last year that Dylan Harper could be selected by the San Antonio Spurs, signaling the league’s growing interest in his all-around game and high ceiling.
The Harper legacy already runs deep in basketball. The Fil-Am guard is the son of
five-time NBA champion Ron Harper, who won titles with the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls and later with the Los Angeles Lakers.
He is also the younger brother of Ron Harper Jr., a Rutgers alum who carved out his own path in college hoops. With the draft scheduled for June 25–26, all eyes are now on this young Fil-Am phenom, who may soon be the next big name representing the Filipino community on basketball’s biggest stage. (Gavin Martinez/Inquirer.net)
SCOTUS to hear arguments over Trump’s...
immigrants, tourists or those with temporary visas. The practice has been in place for decades.
On Sunday, April 13, Trump told the hosts of “Meet the Press” that he “absolutely” wants to end birthright citizenship altogether “because it’s ridiculous.” Opponents of birthright citizenship argue that birthright citizenship encourages “birth tourism,” which involves pregnant women entering the U.S. illegally to give birth to U.S. citizens.
Trump signed the order on his first day in office, and it was to take effect starting Feb. 19, but multiple federal judges have blocked the order.
Back in January, 22 state attorneys general—as well
as dozens of immigrant rights groups—argued that the order to end birthright citizenship violates the Fourteenth Amendment in the U.S. Constitution, which states that all “persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside.”
It also stated, “No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States.”
The Trump administration argues that the amendment— ratified in 1868 after the Civil War and assured citizenship to all regardless of race— didn’t apply to everyone. However, the 22 state attorneys general filed
lawsuits against the administration, including California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who in a statement in January referenced the 1898 case of Wong Kim Ark, a Chinese American born in California who was denied reentry into the country after a trip abroad.
“The president’s executive order attempting to rescind birthright citizenship is blatantly unconstitutional and quite frankly, un-American,” said Bonta, who is of Filipino American descent. “As home of Wong Kim Ark, a San Francisco native who fought–successfully–to have his U.S. citizenship recognized, California condemns the President’s attempts to erase history and ignore 125 years of Supreme Court precedent.” (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)
ALCOHOL-INDUCED. The video of Quezon City Police District Staff Sergeant Jordan Marzan entering a private residence and allegedly assaulting a minor while intoxicated in Barangay Damayan, viewed by the media during a press conference at Camp Karingal on Tuesday, April 22. Charges will be filed against Marzan for the April 21 incident while QCPD Director Brig. Gen.
Melecio Maddatu Buslig Jr. was administratively relieved.
PNA photo by Joan Bondoc
Dylan Harper
Photos from Instagram/@dylharpp
DAteline PhiliPPines
Joint PH-US drills a ‘full battle test’
by FrAnCeS MAngoSing Inquirer.net
MANILA — The Philippines and the United States kicked off their biggest military exercises on Monday, April 21 to conduct for the first time a “full battle test,” where the capabilities of both forces will be measured in multiple scenarios.
The exercises come as regional tensions simmer in Asia over China’s activities in the South China Sea and around Taiwan, which neighbors the Philippines.
The annual “Balikatan,” or “shoulder-to-shoulder,” drills, which will run until May 9, will involve more than 17,000 Filipino and American troops simulating mock invasions on enemyoccupied islands in areas facing Taiwan and the South China Sea as part of a “rehearsal” of a defense plan that has been previously drawn up by the two longtime treaty allies.
Nineteen nations, including Australia and Japan, are taking part as observers.
Beijing in recent years has stepped up its aggressiveness in the South China Sea, which it claims almost entirely, and around Taiwan, which it has not ruled out taking by force.
The drills have evolved a lot since their inception in 1991.
Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo, the guest of honor at the opening ceremony, said that when he attended the opening event in 2009, the focus of the exercises was counterterrorism.
“Times have indeed changed. The geostrategic environment is more complex and increasingly vulnerable to miscalculation,” he noted.
Officials did not identify China by name in its exercises, but Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. earlier called Beijing as “the biggest disruptor” of peace in the region, with its increasing aggression in the South China Sea.
“Balikatan is not against any nation, but it is joint training with the forces to increase our capability in securing our territory. And of course, it will increase our capabilities and our preparedness and responsiveness to any eventuality,” the Philippines’ Balikatan exercise director Maj. Gen. Francisco Lorenzo said in a briefing after the event.
His American counterpart, Lt. Gen. James Glynn, said the design of this year’s exercise was more for the South China Sea rather than Taiwan.
“We’re looking at elevated tensions in regional security in the larger region, in this case focused on the South China Sea,” he said.
Advanced weapons
This year’s exercises will see many firsts on top of the inaugural deployment of the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System antiship missile launchers in the Luzon Strait close to Taiwan as part of “maritime key terrain security operations” (MKTSO) or island retaking from an enemy force.
A similar MKTSO exercise will be held in Balabac, Palawan, facing Philippine and Chinese outposts in the West Philippine Sea, or Manila’s exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea.
The United States will also send overseas for the first time the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (Madis), a sophisticated air defense system designed to counter drones and other unmanned aerial systems.
The Madis will be used in the integrated air and missile defense system live-fire in Zambales, another exercise taking place for the first time, where combined forces will shoot down an outlaw drone while at sea.
President Marcos will witness the event from an undisclosed location. n
for 2 days special envoy in Duterte arrest
by CeCille Suerte Felipe Philstar.com
MANILA — The Senate has taken into custody the special envoy on transnational crime, who has been cited in contempt for allegedly lying about details in the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte and turnover to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.
Senate secretary Renato Bantug Jr. confirmed that Markus Lacanilao will be under Senate custody for two days, following the April 21 order by Senate President Francis Escudero.
“He’s OK, and based on the last medical check this morning, he remains fine. And as per our medical director, the ambassador was not complaining about anything,” Bantug said.
Sen. Imee Marcos, chairperson of the Senate committee on foreign affairs, was not happy with the twoday detention of Lacanilao.
“Ambassador Lacanilao
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was cited by the committee for direct contempt. Lacanilao should have been detained immediately since the rules do not even mention a need for a show-cause order. However, instead of immediate detention, Lacanilao was given 11 days before he was eventually ordered to be detained. In contrast, it took the administration only several hours to arrest and whisk Duterte out of the country,” Marcos said.
“Furthermore, to add insult to injury, Lacanilao is to be detained for only two days.
While ordinary people are locked up until they purge themselves of the contempt, as sanctioned by Section 18, Resolution No. 5, Series of 2010, as amended, Lacanilao is given an ever-so-gentle slap on the wrist,” she added.
Senate spokesman Arnel Jose Bañas said the Senate President decided to place Lacanilao under the Senate’s custody after “having failed to satisfactorily explain, through a clear statement of facts,
why his answers during the hearing were not evasive.”
Bantug noted he has yet to receive a report or request to visit Lacanilao, who drew the ire of Marcos and other proDuterte senators, including Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, for allegedly lying about details of Duterte’s arrest and turnover to the ICC.
Bañas said the order of the Senate President mentioned a period not exceeding two days.
He noted that a copy of the order was sent to the Office of the Special Envoy for Transnational Crime at 3 p.m. yesterday, after which Lacanilao’s legal counsel immediately proceeded to the Office of the Senate Secretary to confirm the order.
“Ambassador Lacanilao voluntarily presented himself before the Senate to personally receive and comply with the order. He went through the standard procedure and was checked by the medical and dental bureau,” Bañas noted. n
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OPiniOn FeAtures
Requiem for Pope Francis
FROM his first day as leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Roman Catholics, Pope Francis signaled his desire to break from tradition. He walked around in his old orthopedic shoes rather than switching to the iconic red loafers of the pope. He moved into the Vatican hotel rather than the Apostolic Palace, and made his own phone calls. He was driven around in compact cars.
Conservative critics scoffed at the moves, but many others saw the gestures to be in keeping with the man who rose from humble beginnings in his native Argentina and became the first pontiff to pick Francis for his papal name, after St. Francis of Assisi, who renounced wealth and dedicated his life to the poor.
Editorial
traditionalists in the Church. And despite his sincere efforts to address clergy sexual abuse scandals that have driven away the faithful from the Church, Francis fumbled in his handling of a case in Chile. Although he later moved to make amends, other cases remain unresolved and the sex scandals have festered.
It soon became clear that the changes Francis wanted went beyond his personal arrangements. The man who was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio 88 years ago to Italian immigrants in Buenos Aires reinvigorated the Catholic Church with his compassion for the downtrodden and his inclusive policies, which resonated among those who were dismayed by the remoteness and rigid conservatism of his predecessor Pope Benedict XVI.
Francis’ policies, however, including his efforts to address the financial and other scandals rocking the Vatican bureaucracy, also drew increasing criticism from
Still, Pope Francis’ efforts, combined with his natural warmth, gained him global admiration as he addressed problems troubling not only Catholics but all of humanity, from armed conflict to climate change and the many forms of social injustice.
In the Philippines, which he visited in January 2015, Pope Francis prayed for the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda, which killed thousands and devastated much of the Visayas in 2013. He also memorably highlighted the social costs, especially to the family, of Filipinos who found it necessary to work overseas.
While he fell short of allowing the ordination of women, Francis gave women a greater role in the Vatican and Church life. He allowed divorced and remarried Catholics to receive Holy Communion, and approved “blessings” for same-sex couples as well as baptism for transgender believers.
Pope Francis stressed that homosexuality is not a crime. Asked to comment on gay Catholics, he famously said, “Who am I to judge?” Whether the Church will sustain the direction that he took or return to traditionalism will be known in the selection of his successor. In the meantime, the world pauses to mourn the passing of a beloved shepherd of the faith. (Philstar.com)
chaRine Lomibao
one aPia nevada
AS we celebrate Earth Week, we are reminded of our collective responsibility to protect the environment not just for ourselves, but for future generations to come. The American Lung Association reports that urban centers in Nevada experience some of the worst ozone and air
Horizons
RichaRd heydaRian
“THE test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function,” F. Scott Fitzgerald famously argued, emphasizing the inherently dialectical nature of genuine intellect. More importantly, however, genius is ultimately about “the ability to put into effect what is on your mind.”
By all indications, Fitzgerald’s fellow Princetonian, Walden Bello, exhibits “genius” in ways unparalleled by any fellow Filipino intellectual since Isabelo de los Reyes.
Author of a dozen global bestsellers, including one that coined the very term ”deglobalization,” Bello’s impressive range of indepth political analysis over the past half-century covers much of the world. But what makes him even more compelling as a public intellectual is his praxis, namely the unparalleled courage to repeatedly risk his life for a greater cause, both in his home country and beyond.
The newly published “Global Battlefields: My Close Encounters with Dictatorship, Capital, Empire, and Love” (Ateneo de Manila University Press) provides a precious insight into the works, life, and
Earth Week reflections: Electrifying Nevada for clean air and lower pollution levels
particulate pollution in the country.
To help with this, Nevada has made meaningful progress toward a cleaner, healthier future thanks to landmark federal programs like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). Together, these initiatives have brought over $15.5 billion in clean
energy investments to our state and created more than 21,700 good-paying jobs for Nevadans.
Several federal tax credits exist to help Nevadans reduce their energy bills, make their homes more weather resistant, and transition to clean energy such as the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit
which can provide up to $2,000 for heat pumps (HVAC and water heater) and the Electric Vehicle Tax Credit which provides up to $7,500 toward brandnew electric cars (or up to $4,000 toward used electric cars) which can save money on gas and maintenance in the long run. These initiatives
protect our air, help shield our communities from pollution-related illnesses, and ensure our home energy costs stay affordable, however, recent federal actions threaten to reverse these programs and take away resources that our communities are counting on.
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.
Protecting our Earth starts with actions at home and investments within our state. We must continue to stand at the forefront of that fight and secure resources our communities need.
Duterte, demagogues, and the middle class
loves of one of the most prolific thinkers in the post-colonial world. It’s a surreal combination of literary elegance, personal reflections, and political analyses. On one hand, it’s an excellent overview of his oeuvre—a “Walden Bello for Dummies.” Moreover, it reads like a “Forrest Gump” drama, except one told from the perspective of an activist-sociologist, who happened to repeatedly find himself in the middle of some world-historical event, either by chance or design. From his accidental entry into the world of activism at the height of the IndoChina Wars to his decadelong engagement with the anti-Marcos resistance movement, and, ultimately, pivotal role in various antiglobalization movements across much of the postcolonial world, Bello’s soulful memoir is a peerless panoramic view of our contemporary world and its discontents.
Arguably, the most trenchant element of the book, and Bello’s overall oeuvre, is his pioneering analysis of the reactionary side of the middle class, beginning with his doctoral work on the tragic demise of the Allende administration in Chile. Contrary to standard political science literature, Bello found that, “when the poorer classes were being mobilized with a revolutionary agenda, the middle classes could become a mass base for
counterrevolution” as in early 20th-century Germany and Italy, and, a century later, in places as varied as Thailand, Türkiye, Brazil, India, and Indonesia.
Comparative empirical evidence shows how “middle classes were not necessarily forces for democratization” but instead a “Janusfaced class,” which could be a force for good when “fighting elites defending their power and privileges” but also a reactionary force “when confronted with lower classes seeking a revolutionary transformation of society.”
Throughout the book, Bello repeatedly returns to this theme, since it explains both the failures of the Philippine Left and, crucially, the rise of what my fellow columnist Randy David has described as “Dutertismo.”
The facts speak for themselves. During both the 2016 and 2022 elections, pre-election surveys and exit polls clearly show that a far larger share of the “ABC” voters fell for the “strongman” rhetoric of the victorious candidates than the most marginalized sections of the society. It’s quite telling that per a privately commissioned authoritative survey last month, liberal-progressive candidates, such as former Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, enjoy the highest support among E (35.4 percent) and D voters without property (33.5 percent) — but lowest
support among ABC voters (25.3 percent). The reactionary sections of the Philippine middle class not only supported oligarchic “liberals” who supplanted the Marcos regime, Bello observes, but also served as the most eloquent apologists of the Duterte dynasty in the past decade. Perhaps better than any other social scientist, Bello has shown that time and again, the Filipino middle class either failed to sustainably coalesce around progressive candidates or, worse, served as the
resource-rich backbone of authoritarian demagogues. The “bobotante myth” therefore, masks a far starker reality: the dark legacy of the elitist sections of the Filipino middle class, which clearly lacks both political critical thinking and class consciousness. Arguably, the fate of our democracy hinges on politically educating and effectively organizing our middle classes. Above all, “Global Battlefields” shows what makes Bello most admirable as an intellectual: genuine
humility and constant selfexamination against the rough texture of complex social reality. No wonder then, his ultimate hero is Albert Camus, who once lamented: “Everyone wants the man who is still searching to have already reached his conclusions.” (Inquirer.net)
* * * 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.
* * * rheydarian@inquirer.com.ph
ManilaTimes.net photo
During both the 2016 and 2022 elections, pre-election surveys and exit polls clearly show that a far larger share of the “ABC” voters fell for the “strongman” rhetoric of the victorious candidates than the most marginalized sections of the society. Inquirer.net file photo
NBI files raps vs vloggers outside PH for disinformation
by JAne bAutiStA Inquirer.net
MANILA — Four vloggers based abroad are facing multiple complaints at the Department of Justice (DOJ) for allegedly spreading disinformation through spliced videos of National Bureau of Investigation director Jaime Santiago, misrepresenting his statements about the potential arrest of overseas Filipino worker (OFW) vloggers spreading false information.
In a complaint affidavit filed by NBI Intelligence Service agent Mikhail Sebrio on Tuesday, April 22, Maricel Tondi, Jennifer dela Cruz, Jacinta Cayme Antasuda, and Cherry Lyn David Capanas were charged with violations of several provisions of the Revised Penal Code, namely the Anti-Alias Law under Article 178, unlawful use of means of publication and unlawful utterances under Article 154, intriguing against honor under Article 364, and inciting to sedition under Article 142. These charges are all in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
According to the complaint, Tondi, who is currently in Saudi Arabia, was identified as the originator of the spliced video that falsely implied Santiago was threatening all OFWs with arrest.
Dela Cruz, who is based in New Zealand, allegedly shared the same spliced video on her OFW-focused Facebook page, which has more than 202,000 followers, amplifying its reach and influence.
Antasuda, reportedly in the United Kingdom based on overseas voter records, was found to have a verified Facebook badge and an established public persona and the complaint said that her online presence may have “lent credibility to the content, despite its misleading nature.”
Lastly, Canada-based
Capanas’ post was said to have gone extremely viral — garnering millions of views and thousands of shares — with the NBI alleging that she profited from the content.
Social media posts
The investigation began after Sebrio, while conducting cyber patrol on April 8, came across several TikTok posts that linked to a user named “wild.flower269 Bae Lebon Blaan.”
The account had uploaded “what appears to be a legitimate full statement of NBI Director Jaime Santiago in an interview, if unknown to viewers of the original statement.”
In the original video, Santiago said he had directed the NBI’s technical intelligence and cybercrime divisions to take action against trolls, including U.S.based Maharlika, who he said may face charges in the Philippines.
“We will ask for help from Interpol—arrest that fool there, bring her here to the Philippines. Those who are here in the Philippines, we will arrest; those who are abroad, we will file cases… they will not be able to return home here, they will not be able to visit their families, as soon as they arrive at [Ninoy Aquino International Airport], we will arrest them,” Santiago said.
However, Sebrio noted that the edited video was transcribed as follows:
“’Yong mga andito sa Pilipinas arestuhin namin!
Yung mga nasa abroad, [we] will file a case ’di na sila makakauwi dito, hindi na sila makakadalaw sa kanilang mga pamilya nila, pagdating palang sa Naia aarestuhin na namin sila!” (Those who are here in the Philippines— we will arrest them! Those who are abroad—we will file cases against them so they won’t be able to return, they won’t be able to visit their families. The moment they arrive at Naia, we will arrest them right away.)
Targeting trolls Sebrio emphasized that
the NBI director’s original statement referred only to OFWs who are actively engaged in spreading false information, not all overseas workers.
He said the manipulated version “tends to cause discredit, dishonor or contempt,” and noted that the viral content also carried a remark indicating that the government is threatening OFWs who are helping the economy.
He added that thousands reacted to the post and that the misleading video has caused confusion, drawing over 12,000 negative comments from Filipinos around the world, many of whom rely on social media for news about the Philippines.
“Clearly the intention of the viral video post was maliciously published to cause disinformation to the public which tends to cause hate and to discredit the government and its duly constituted authorities,” Sebrio said.
On the Anti-Alias Law violation, Sebrio said aliases are allowed only for economic, entertainment, or athletic purposes, or when authorized by a court.
“Here, the respondents demonstrated an intention to conceal their true identity by using different social media accounts with a name that cannot be linked to their personal circumstances and to achieve an evil purpose, to malign, discredit and cause hatred to their intended target [the NBI director] by spreading false information/ news. Their true identities were only revealed due to joint efforts of this office to discover the same,” the complaint noted.
As for inciting to sedition, Sebrio said the respondents’ acts violated the law because the viral video led to the circulation of “scurrilous libels against the government and/or the duly constituted authorities thereof,” particularly the NBI director. n
BI records over 800K passenger arrivals, departures during Holy Week
MANILA – Over 800,000 inbound and outbound passengers were recorded during the Holy Week, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported on Tuesday, April 22. There were 371,092 arrivals and 432,763 departures in the country’s international airports during the period, according to a news release.
At Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) alone, daily arrivals peaked at 51,000 while daily departures reached 61,000.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the smooth flow of passengers was due to the deployment of more than 40 additional immigration officers at the NAIA, ensuring that all counters remained fully manned
throughout the holiday period. He also highlighted the positive impact of the newly operational overseas Filipino workers’ wing at NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City, which helped decongest immigration queues and provided more convenient processing.
"In line with our Bagong (New) Immigration vision, we continue to modernize our systems, enhance our manpower capacity and improve frontline service delivery," Viado said.
"These improvements are part of our ongoing efforts to contribute to the President’s vision of a Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines)." (PNA)
DepEd to launch summer learning programs to boost student literacy
by ZACAriAn SArAo Inquirer.net
MANILA — The Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday, April 22 said it will be launching summer learning programs meant to boost literacy and foundational skills of students nationwide.
According to a statement from DepEd, four summer learning programs will be launched in May: the Bawat Bata Makababasa Program (BBMP), Literacy Remediation Program (LRP), Summer Academic Remedial Program, and Learning Camp (LC).
All four programs, said DepEd, are designed to provide “targeted support and instruction” involving reading abilities for students across various grade levels.
Education Sec. Sonny Angara said the four programs are meant to “rebuild the foundations of learning, one reader at a time.”
“We call on our partners and stakeholders to stand with us in this missin,” Angara said.
“Every Filipino child deserves the chance to read, to understand, and to
succeed—and it will take all of us working together to make that happen,” he added.
DepEd said the pilot test for BBMP will be in Zamboanga Peninsula, targeting around 75,000 Grades 1 to 3 students identified as struggling readers. From May 8 to June 6, 2025, the BBMP will feature daily reading tutorials and engaging activities led by about 7,500 teachers and volunteer tutors. Pre-service education students can volunteer for relevant experience, receive training, and help implement
support like free snacks and vision screening for learners. Meanwhile, the LRP will be conducted nationwide, targeting 59,627 Grade 3 learners identified as “Low Emerging Readers in English.”
The students will undergo two-hour daily remediation sessions from May 13 to June 6 under 14,023 trained teachers.
“A cascade of training activities for educators is scheduled from late April to early May. Participating teachers will receive service credits and a daily meal allowance for their involvement,” DepEd said. n
Alex Eala advances in Madrid Open, sets up rematch vs Iga Swiatek
by roMMel FuerteS Jr Inquirer.net
MANILA — Alex Eala’s Mutua Madrid Open 2025 campaign is off to a rousing — and somewhat familiar — start.
Eala ousted World No. 64, Viktoriya Tomova of Bulgaria, 6-3, 6-2, in her opening game in Madrid on Tuesday, April 22 setting up a rematch against defending champion Iga Swiatek in the Round of 64. Their match is set for Friday, April 24 with the time yet to be determined.
Swiatek, currently the World’s No. 2, was one of Eala’s victims in her stellar run in the Miami Open 2025. The young Filipino tennis star upset Swiatek, 6-2, 7-5, in what was arguably the biggest win of her young career.
Swiatek, who is coming off a quarterfinals loss in the Stuttgart Open last weekend, earned a bye to the second round.
The victory is Eala’s second ever victory in Madrid, a WTA 1000-level tournament, after her win
Open in Portugal.
According to the WTA, Eala is the only player from the Philippines to have recorded a victory in the tournament–one of the top tier events on the WTA Tour.
Eala, the current World No. 72, is looking to put on a better showing on the clay courts following her early exit in the Oeiras Ladies
“My goals for this clay season, especially after Miami, are just to do better than last year, to improve my game on clay. It’s a shorter stretch compared to hard court, but I want to feel myself getting better and keeping the level,” Eala said in an interview after exiting in the round of 16 last week.
Eala has earlier earned a main draw entry into this year’s French Open. n
Filipino tennis star Alexandra Eala
Photo courtesy of fptennis
COMMUNITY EFFORT. Parishioners and volunteers decorate Easter eggs at the Parish of the Holy Sacrifice, located at the University of the Philippines-Diliman campus in Quezon City, on Black Saturday (April 19) The Church reminds the faithful that Christ’s Resurrection is the real celebration on Easter Sunday.
PNA photo by Joan Bondoc
over then No. 41 Lesia Tsurenko of Ukraine in the 2024 main draw.
VEGAS&STYLE JOURNAL
A hero’s send-off for the ‘one and only’ Superstar
by natHalie toMada Philstar.com
A RESOUNDING standing
ovation erupted after artists, colleagues and fans bid farewell to National Artist Nora Aunor during a necrological service held in her honor at the Metropolitan Theater.
The “one and only superstar” was given a hero’s sendoff for her life’s work that gave a voice to the voiceless, championed the marginalized in society and embodied the soul of Philippine cinema.
Among those who delivered moving tributes were National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee, acclaimed filmmaker Joel Lamangan, and former ABS-CBN executive and actress-producer Charo Santos-Concio. Their words painted a portrait of Nora not just as a star, but as a cultural force, a rebel, a giver — and ultimately, an artist of the people.
Award-winning screenwriter Ricky Lee, who collaborated with Aunor in some of her most unforgettable roles, including “Himala” and “Andrea: Paano
Ba ang Maging Isang Ina?” recalled how Nora resonated deeply with ordinary Filipinos.
“Noong 1993 ay naglibot sa iba’t ibang bansa ang dulang DH na sinulat ko at pinagbidahan ni Guy,” Ricky began. “Nagpunta kami sa Central Park sa Hong Kong. Daan-daang DH (domestic helpers) ang nandoon. Halos
My P.E.P. (People, Events,Places)
RogeLio constantino medina
THE late Jaime M. Fernandez Jr., popularly known as Jim Fernandez, was a native of Masbate City. He was a Philippine comics writer, novelist, and illustrator. He was considered one of the greatest Philippine comics book writers. He began his comics illustration career in the early 1950s and was mentored by Filipino illustrator Tony S. Velasquez. The first Philippine comics he illustrated was the “Batas ni Sumakwel,” published by Marte Komiks. Later, Jim also drew comics novels. The first comics novel he illustrated was “Mga Haragan,” published by Liwayway Magazine.
Jim illustrated many comics novels from various publishers and drew famous works by known graphic novelists, including Mars Ravelo’s Darna Series, Captain Barbel, Flash Bomba, Haydee and Tiny Tony. In 1967, he made cartoon strips for the Manila Times newspaper titled “Feathers.” A year later, he wrote and illustrated his comics narrative, “Reverend Fr. Romano Guerrero, the Fighting Priest,” published in Hiwaga Comics, and it became well-known among comics book enthusiasts.
Jim discovered at this point that he could also write engaging novels. In 1970, he began focusing on them. He produced many novels and established himself as a prolific writer. He also collaborated with various Philippine comics book illustrators. He developed another engaging comics novel narrative, the “Zuma” series which became popular with readers and it was eventually made into a film. His novels like Nunal sa Balikat, Farida, The Dormitory, Life Everlasting, Kingpin, Brutus, and Kambal sa Uma had been adapted into films. ABS-CBN aired an adaptation of his novel “Galema, Anak ni Zuma” in 2013.
Certainly, Jim Fernandez made substantial contributions to the Philippine comics industry and left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of comics fans.
bawat isa ay niyayakap ni Guy, kinakausap, kinukumusta kung ano ang mga problema nila.”
As they were leaving, Ricky said that he witnessed something unforgettable. Lumingon ako at nakita kong tumatakbo sa kalsada ang mahigit sampung DH, lumuluha habang humahabol sa van.
“Pinagmasdan ko si Guy at naisip ko, bakit ganito ang epekto niya sa tao? Bakit sila umiiyak?” The answer, nevertheless, was clear — they saw themselves in Nora. “Dahil nakikita nila si Guy sa kanilang mga sarili. Dahil sila si Guy ” he said.
For him, it was this kind of connection — deep, authentic and even wordless — that defined Nora’s artistry. He particularly cited how in “Himala” (1982), despite many of the 3,000 extras not understanding at that time her monologue in the Ishmael Bernal film, they were moved by her delivery.
Nasa puso ni Guy ang masa. May paraan siya ng pagkonekta sa kanila na hindi laging nangangailangan ng mga salita,” he said.
For Ricky, Nora was not just an actress; she was a rebel who defied industry norms and redefined what beauty, strength and artistry looked like on screen.
“Sa loob ng pitong dekada ay nilabanan niya ang status quo,” he said. “Binago niya ang kolonyal na pagtinging nagsasabing mga mapuputi lang at matatangkad ang
maganda sa puting tabing.”
He pointed out her astounding range of roles — from nun, prisoner, lesbian, NPA, OFW, mistress, servant, villain, Muslim, Igorot, to assassin and one suffering from dementia. Even in eras when the idea of a lead character dying in a film was taboo, she dared to challenge that norm. “Sa isang panahong hindi tanggap ng mga tao na namamatay ang bida sa ending, namatay siya sa ‘Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos,’ ‘Himala,’ ‘Nakaw na Pag-ibig,’ ‘Andrea,’ ‘Flor Contemplacion,’” Ricky said. According to him, she chose not just to be a superstar, but to be “isang tunay na artista ng bayan.”
Ricky also spoke of the high cost of stardom and the contradictions that came with Nora’s life. “Simple pero komplikado. Laging nakangiti pero sa loob ay maraming takot. Sobrang mahiyain
pero sentro ng atensyon.”
But despite her stature, she was very accessible. “Napakadaling maabot. Isang taong ordinaryo, na ekstraordinaryo.” He recalled a moment of vulnerability when he asked her why her eyes always seemed filled with sadness. Sinabi niyang ipinaglihi daw kasi siya ng ina niya sa Mater Dolorosa — iyong may pitong punyal sa puso,” he said. “Kaya siguro kahit na nakatawa siya, sa mga mata niya ay may lungkot pa rin.” And while she gave everything to her audience — her voice, her time, her love — he said that she was often left with very little. According to Ricky, even in her final years, she dreamed of building a foundation to help her fans. “Kaya sa gitna ng ating pagdadalamhati ngayon,” Ricky continued, “gusto nating sabihin sa
NOT long after meeting BTS’ J-Hope, Niana Guerrero experienced another high point in her career as she made her first Coachella appearance during the set of singer-songwriter d4vd.
Guerrero made a surprise appearance at d4vd’s Coachella set while the latter was performing “Feel It,” as seen in a clip on UMG Philippines’ Instagram page on Saturday, April 19. The video also showed the content creator grooving to the American singersongwriter’s music, much to the delight of the audience.
“NIANACHELLA!! Our very own @nianaguerrero debuts at the #Coachella2025 stage with the ‘Here With Me’ singer @d4vddd performing ‘Feel It,’” the post read. Guerrero also took to her Instagram page to share
snippets of her Coachella experience, where she posed for photos at the star-studded music festival, and snapped peace signs with d4vd. “first coachella ever!!! day one went crazzyy. @d4vddd URE THE BEST. also lady GAGGEDD,” she captioned her post.
The dancer-content
creator’s Coachella debut came less than a week after meeting and filming a dance collaboration with BTS’ J-Hope during the latter’s “Hope on the Stage” concert at the Mall of Asia Arena earlier this month. Guerrero, who has made a name for herself as an internet celebrity, caught the attention of multiple celebrities including BTS’ J-Hope and Jungkook, Blackpink member and solo artist Lisa, Katseye, Billie Eilish and Gordon Ramsay, to name a few. She currently has over 45 million followers on TikTok as of this writing.
Jim Fernandez, a great Filipino comics writer
* * * Basketball coach-sportscaster Frederick Francisco often joins a “senakulo” presentation in Cainta, Rizal during Holy Week, enacting the role of Pontius Pilate in Samahang Nazareno, Inc., the only senakulo group in the Philippines bestowed by the Gawad CCP Award for Arts and Culture.
Frederick Francisco is the founder of NXT LEVEL Basketball Academy.
* * * Philippine President Bongbong Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos attended recently a thanksgiving mass, officiated by Cardinal Jose Advincula, for D. Edgard Cabangon’s 61st birthday at Wack Wack Golf and Country Club in Mandaluyong City.
* * * The White House held an observation of Holy Week with U.S. President Donald Trump participating in a number of events to celebrate and honor the holiday “with the observance it deserves.”
* * * Advanced birthday (April 24) greetings to Michael Isip, Lapu Films photographer-videographer, who is based in Hawaii.
For as long as he can remember, it has been his passion and aspiration to capture fleeting experiences and spontaneous moments that he has able to go back and share with friends and family. This also translates into his wedding photography and videography, where he aims at giving each couple an authentic experience and delivering a wedding photo album and wedding film they can truly call their own.
“My main goal is to bring timeless and elegant wedding photos and films which allow couples to relive their special day. I have a great and professional team that’s all dedicated and committed to capturing every important detail and moment in its raw and honest form, and translating those moments into a cinematic masterpiece,” he says. He further says, “We take pride in our passion. We revel in our growth. As a team, we are in a relentless quest
to raise the bar higher. We are a group of dedicated artists who thrive in your love stories, and we consider it a great honor to be a part of them.”
For further details, you may see https://www.lapufilms.com or email him at michaelisip@gmail.com.
* * * A pre-mature miracle baby Franklin Racelis, son of Francis and Abigail Racelis, recently turned one year old in Suisun City, California. This amazing little warrior has given his parents’ strength and so much joy to this child’s grandparents Wally and Josephine Racelis. I am joyful and praise the almighty Father for this miraculous God’s handiwork. Indeed, it is stated in Hebrews 13:5: “I will be with you.” God said He will never leave us. He is with you al-
ways. You are never alone.”
In 2 Corinthians 12:710, it says, “I will be your strength.” So when I am weak, He is strong.
* * * There are some 9 accredited civil surgeons by the USCIS in Northern California: Dr. Yolanda Petrofsky at North Bay Occupational Health in Fairfield and Vacaville; Dr. William T. O’Connor Jr. at William T. O’Connor Jr. M.D. in Vacaville; Dr. Luis Cousin at OLE Health in Napa; Dr. Jeffrey Brooks at California Medical Center in Napa; Dr. Daniel Andrews at Heart & Health Center in Napa; Dr. Clifford Hoffman at Clifford Hoffman DO MPH in Benecia; Dr. Biqi Gao at Dr. Gao Medical Clinic in Concord; Dr. Jose Arias-Vera at J. Arias Medical Group in Concord; and Dr. Mubasher Rana at Pacific Health Clinic Inc. in
Antioch.
* * * April Joy Samantha “Sam” Ayson, 24, was surprised when a group of his friends in a Bible fellowship threw her a simple birthday celebration in Hiddenbrooke in Vallejo, California. As Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
* * * Thanks to La Visual Corp. (especially to Ms. Lalaine), Janice Israel Delima and Alegre De Pilipinas for including me in the New York City Time Square billboard this April 2025 for three forthcoming awards: 2nd Sovereign Seal of Business Triumph & Remarkable Achievers; 3rd Philippines Finest Business Awards and Outstanding Achievers; and 3rd Southeast Asian Prewmier Business and Achiever
by HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net
The life of National Artist Nora Aunor is celebrated during the state necrological service led by the Cultural Center of the Philippines and National Commission for Culture and the Arts and held at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila. Philstar.com photo
Niana Guerrero dances to d4vd’s “Feel It” in Coachella debut. Photos from Instagram/@nianaguerrero
AJ columnist Rogelio Constantino Medina in New York City’s Time Square billboard. Photos compiled by Rogelio C. Medina
Jim Fernandez (right) with son Jay in Canada.
The White House Faith Office and faith leaders from across the country joined President Trump to pray in the Oval Office.
UCAL (Universities and Colleges Athletic League) broadcast panel: (from left) veteran sportscaster Benjie Santiago, court side reporter Avia Zunic and basketball coachsportscaster Frederick Francisco.
(From left) Sharon Tan, celebrant D. Edgard Cabangon, Cardinal Jose Advincula, Pres. Bongbong Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.
(Seated, from left) Victoria Isip, Rosita Medina, Victoria Toribio, and Anna Toribio Isip; (standing, from right) Al Marquez, Henry Roxas Ayson, Claire Beltran, Cheeya Isip, Arvin Tanjuaquio with child Matti, celebrant Sam Ayson, Anita Marquez, David Isip, Rogelio Constantino Medina, Roland Isip, Vincent Isip, and Hermin Bernardo.
Michael Isip, a product of Los Angeles Film School, owns Lapu Films, a photography and videography business in Honolulu, Hawaii. The Racelis Family: (from left) Francis, Franklin and Abigail.
AJ columnist Rogelio Constantino Medina (extreme left) is blessed to be with the members of the Racelis family (from right) Wally, Josephine, Francis with child Franklin and Abigail in Suisun City.
Award. Others included are as follows: Edwin Lisa Brows and Aesthetics, Phisavong World Travel and Tours, SCPM Trading & Roofing Solutions, Bhylinns Modern Fashion, JP Catering Services, Gown and Events Management by Touting, Jamin Lim, Renaissance Credit Collection and Recovery Solutions Corporation, Sheanne Roll Up Construction Service, Gabriel John Rimando, Genuine Diamonds PH, Pink Muhly Beauty and Cosmetics, White Jade Glutathione Film Strip, Jammybox’s BBC Geoinstruments, Audrey Gorriceta, Alfonso delos Santos, Salvacion “Salvie” Collado Paparon, Saleha Pangarungan Sacar, Gilbert de Los Santos, Shirley B. Belangel, Jigo Postolero, Marc Logan, Earlo Bringas, Annabelle Surara, Wej PAGE 9
CT (Computerized Tomography), also referred to as CAT scan, one of the most valuable discoveries for diagnosis, was invented by British engineer Godfrey Hounsfield in 1967. This life-saving tool is used about 375 million times each year around the world, increasing 3-4 percent a year, with 93 million CT scans having been performed in the United States alone in 2023.
A new study, involving 61.5 million patients and funded by the NIH, revealed that CT scans “could account for 5 percent of all cancer cases a year,” according to clinical research at the University of California, San Francisco. The ionizing radiation from imaging (a known carcinogen) “could lead to cancer of the breast, lungs, colon, leukemia, bladder, etc., with a 10-fold increased risk for babies, followed by infants, children and adolescents.”
Nearly 103,000 cancers are predicted to result from the 93 million CT scans in the U.S. in 2023, as reported in the April 14, 2025 issue of JAMA Internal Medicine.
This finding also highlights the overuse and overdosing of CT scans, which “abuse and malpractice” by clinicians worldwide must stop. This diagnostic imaging has more than 90 percent accuracy and is beneficial to early diagnosis and treatment.
Top sexy states Nevada, where the City of Lost Wages, I mean, Las Vegas is, has been ranked by a study “second among America’s most sex-obsessed states, demonstrating high engagement with 7,362 sexrelated internet searches per 100,000 residents.” It is a state that stands out with the highest percentage of single households, with 53 percent of residents living alone. The Silver State’s residents also maintain an active intimate life, averaging 1.02 sexual encounters per week,” according to a recent study by Lion’s Den.
Another study shows New York to be “the most-sexually inquisitive” state, and two states that have higher than national average reported sex frequency per week are Alaska (2.8) and New Mexico (2.06). Those in their 20s have sex about 80 times a year, once every 4 to 5 days.
Ejaculation and cancer
A Harvard study, “The Health professionals Followup Study,” has been collecting information about a large group (29,342) of medical professional volunteers since 1986, aged 46 to 81, about
CT: Cancer risk
their average ejaculations per month. These included masturbation, sexual intercourse, and nocturnal emissions. There was no evidence that frequent ejaculations were unhealthy or increased the risk for cancer. Actually, frequency of ejaculations was linked to reduced risk for prostatic cancer. Men who ejaculated 21 or more times a month enjoyed a 31 percent lower risk for cancer of the prostate.
In another study (Australia) shows a 36 percent reduced risk. Sex or masturbation among men and women is a part of a healthy lifestyle, as I have alluded to in my book, “Let’s Stop ‘Killing’ Our Children,” a proactive and pre-emptive guide to living a healthy lifestyle and disease prevention from the cellular level (available on Amazon. com).
Acid in cola drinks
A can or bottle of cola soft drinks contain an average of 58 milligrams of Phosphoric acid (H3PO4), 50-70 mg per 100 cc, which is unhealthy, especially for bone health. H3PO4 is also toxic to the kidneys, increasing the risk for stone formation, and negatively impacts the microbiome (gut health). Overall, soft drinks in general, increase the risk for metabolic syndrome, a cluster of health issues that increases the risk for heart disease, stroke, and T2 diabetes. Soft drinks are poison to the body.
This is what coke is good for: The phosphoric acid in coke could be used as a powerful household cleanser/stain and odor remover, with the following formula – 250 cc coca cola, 1 teaspoon of tooth paste. Cap the bottle and shake very well, then very slowly open (to allow gas to dissipate) and pour into a bowl. Add 3 tablespoonful of dish soap, 1 tablespoon of baking soda, and 1 cup of water. Mix well and pour into a spray bottle. Voila! An inexpensive, very effective and safe, home cleanser. I have also used coke as a sink drain unclogger, left overnight, and flush with hot water in the morning.
Refrigerator odor Instead of using a “flowthrough” baking soda box for the refrigerator to remove the odor, its lesser expensive to buy regular baking soda of any brand and divide the content into 4 bowls. Add finely crushed charcoal and mix well. Cut one lime into halves and insert 3 pieces of cloves into each half, and place each half into each bowl. Repeat for the remaining two bowls. You place two bowls into the freezer and two bowls in the
refrigerator or however you wish. Foods not to ref
Most of us refrigerate all food items to extend their “shelf-life,” or for better taste. Scientifically, though, refrigerating some food items could alter or reduce their nutritional value or quality. Foods not to refrigerate include the following: coffee, avocados, potatoes, tomatoes, melons, hot sauce, honey, basil, nuts, bananas., bread, garlic, onions.
Nuts to avoid My wife, Farida, a pediatrician, warns parents about children’s allergies to some nuts and some food items, like cow’s milk, egg, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, edible seeds, tree nuts, and sesame. She suggests children with allergies to know how to administer and carry with them at all time Epi-pen or other autoinject epinephrine to prevent severe allergic reaction and anaphylactic shock.
The following is her list (for adults) of healthy nuts to eat and nuts to avoid: Recommended nuts – walnuts, pistachios, almonds, and Brazil nuts. Nuts to avoid because of their potential unhealthy effects include peanuts, cashew, macadamia, and pine nuts. Occasional indulgence on these last four nuts poses no significant harm to those without allergies.
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * * The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people to live a healthier lifestyle, to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation, or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable to or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.
*
* * Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, health advocate, medical missionary, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He is a recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, U.S. senator, and later a presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry S. Truman, President George HW Bush, pugilist Muhammad Ali, David Letterman, Astronaut Gus Grissom, distinguished educators, scientists, etc. (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.
Learn Tagalog through everyday expressions and colorful illustrations
LAS VEGAS – Kids Reading Adventures LLC proudly presents Tagalog Language: Everyday Expressions, a fun, beginner-friendly guide that helps young readers learn Tagalog through simple translations and vibrant illustrations. Available now in paperback and eBook formats via the Kids Reading Adventures website, Amazon, Apple, and Kindle.
This colorful phrasebook introduces practical Tagalog phrases for everyday situations—school, home, the park, and more—making it ideal for kids, parents, students, and travelers. Each section features clear translations and engaging visuals, making language learning fun and interactive.
“We created this book to make learning Tagalog enjoyable and accessible for all ages,” says Mark Satorre, founder of Kids Reading Adventures LLC. “It’s a great way to connect with Filipino culture.”
About the Publisher: Founded in May 2024, Kids Reading Adventures LLC is committed to inspiring young readers through imaginative stories and educational tools. Led by Mark Satorre, the company sup-
ports childhood literacy and a love for language. Learn more or order now at: https://www.kidsreadingadventures.com Also available on Amazon, Apple, and Kindle.
Jim Fernandez, a great Filipino comics...
Vegas PBS statement on proposed rescission of CPB funding
FROM our very beginning, Vegas PBS was designed to assist our community’s educators in preparing children for success in school and life. The effort to rescind funding for public media through the U.S. Congress would disrupt the essential services that PBS and local member stations like Vegas PBS provide to the people of Southern Nevada and all of America.
Millions of Americans receive quality programming and emergency services from PBS in times of crisis. Rescinding these funds would devastate PBS member stations like Vegas PBS and the crucial role we play in communities, especially in rural areas where our broadcast is one of the only reliable sources of emergency communications. Federal funding significantly provides the means for that service.
For every dollar Vegas PBS receives from
Corporation for Public Broadcasting, we are able to raise over six dollars through local support. All of the money that Vegas PBS raises in Southern Nevada stays here. We invest in community through hands-on educational workshops, a robust emergency communications system, training a sophisticated workforce and much more. We celebrate what makes life in our region so unique and tell stories that might otherwise be forgotten. Our work is made possible through decades of public trust and bipartisan support from the Nevada Congressional Delegation, as well as the entire U.S. Congress. Alongside the over 350 PBS stations across the country, our continued service will demonstrate our value to Congress, the people of Southern Nevada and the American public.
Lotlot de Leon bares mom Nora Aunor’s last text message, battle with COPD
by
LOTLOT de Leon’s eulogy for her late mother, Superstar Nora Aunor, drew tears from attendees on the last day of the wake on Monday, April 21, at Heritage Park in Taguig City, as the former revealed the last text message she received from the latter.
De Leon read aloud her mother’s final text message sent just days before her passing, in which Aunor told her daughter not to worry about her, seemingly hiding her true health status.
“Pinakamamahal kong Lotlot. Kausap ko ang doktora kong si doktora Lua. Magkausap daw kayong dalawa at tinatanong mo raw sa kanya kung anong sakit ko. Sabi ko kay doktora na sabihin sa iyo na okay ako. Wala ka o kayong dapat ipagalala. Dating sakit ko lang ito at na-trigger lang nung nagkaroon ako ng ubo at sipon. Nagpapasalamat ako sa iyong pag-aalala. Pero ‘wag, kaya ko,” the celebrity daughter tearfully read.
(My dearest Lotlot. I was talking to my doctor, Dr. Lua. She said you talked to her and asked her what my illness is. I told the doctor to tell you that I am okay. You have nothing to worry about. I used to have this illness and it was only triggered when I had a cough and cold. I appreciate your concern. But don’t worry, I can handle it.)
De Leon went on to read the latter part of the message, which seemed to subtly convey her mother’s “habilin” or last wishes.
“Wala kayong dapat ikabahala. ‘Pag oras na ng isang tao, wala na tayong magagawa. May sarili na kayong pamumuhay at masaya ako dahil maganda ang inyong naging buhay. Lalo na buhay ng mga anak mo at ikaw. Napakabuti niyong mga anak sa mata ng tao at sa mata ng Diyos. Ano man ang mangyari mahal na mahal ko kayong lahat na magkakapatid. Mag-
iingat kayo lagi. Lalo na mga anak mo, ‘wag mo huwag mong papabayaan. ‘Yan ang kayamanan mo, ang mga anak mo, ang pamilya mo,” she continued. (You have nothing to worry about. When someone’s time comes, there’s nothing we can do. You have your own life and I’m happy because you’ve had a good life. Especially the lives of your children and you. You, my children are very good before the eyes of the people and the eyes of God. No matter what happens, I love you all my children very much. Please take care always. Especially your children, don’t neglect them. That’s your treasure, your children, your family.) Silent battle with COPD
De Leon also revealed that the late National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts had been silently battling Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
“Matagal din po nagkaroon ng kondisyon ang mommy (Mommy had the condition for a long time). Matagal naming itinago sa lahat (We hid it from everyone for a long time). She’s been suffering with COPD for a long time.
At kinakaya niya (And she was coping). Dahil ayaw niya may nag-aalala sa kaniya (Because she didn’t want anyone worrying about her),” she shared.
Mayo Clinic in is a lung condition caused by damage to the lungs resulting in
swelling and irritation inside the airways that limit airflow into and out of the lungs.
Symptoms include trouble breathing, a daily cough that brings up mucus and a tight, whistling sound in the lungs called wheezing.
This is also the same illness that befell the King of Comedy, Dolphy in 2012.
De Leon underscored that her mother fought to the end, despite flatlining twice following her medical procedure before her death. She also disclosed that the late Superstar was in the intensive care unit (ICU) two years ago, where she also flatlined.
“I whispered in her ears, I said, Ma, it’s okay. Okay lang kami (We’re okay). Ako nang bahala sa mga kapatid ko (I will take care of my siblings) […] I’m sharing this with all of you because I want all of you to know the truth,” she said. De Leon emphasized that Aunor will always be a superstar to her fans but will forever be a mother to her and her siblings, Ian, Matet, Kiko and Kenneth.
“Our relationship as a family is not perfect. Our mom is a superstar for all of you. But for us, nanay namin siya (she’s our mother). Mommy. Iba po ang relasyon niya sa inyong lahat (Your relationship with her is different). Iba ang relasyon niya saming mga anak (Her relationship with us her children is different),” expressed the celebrity daughter.
A hero’s send-off for the ‘one and...
kanya, Guy… tanggapin mo ang aming walang hanggang pasasalamat. Nagpapasalamat kami na nabuhay kami sa isang panahong naririto ka.” Director Joel Lamangan also shared anecdotes from working with Nora, but turned emotional as he lamented the words he never got to say while Nora was alive. “Hindi ko man lang nasabi kay Ate Guy nung buhay siya na isa siya sa pinakaimportanteng tao para sa akin,” he said, dahil sa kanya nabuo ang paniniwala ko na ang pulitika ay dapat talagang sumasanib… sa ordinaryong tao. He recalled a conversation with her during a difficult time in the country. When he asked where she stood, she responded: “Kung saan lalago, kung saan makikinabang ang ordinaryong tao, doon ako.” He described how Nora’s acting was rooted in truth, how her emotional depth exposed realities that others sought to ignore. “‘Ang katotohanan ay hindi dapat pagtakpan, ang katotohanan ay dapat sabihin,’ yan ang sinasabi ni Nora Aunor, lalo na sa pulitika ng ating bayan.” And even when others in the industry turned their backs on her and didn’t see the box-office value of casting her, direk Joel said that she
remained steadfast. “Sabi ko, ‘Ate Guy, hayaan mo sila. Gagawa tayo.’ At gumagawa siya. Gumagawa siya ng indie at tinutulungan niya ang mga independent films.” Joel hailed her as a true symbol of Philippine cinema, with her life and legacy serving as a reminder that cinema is not a trivial art — it is a powerful and meaningful medium. “Mahal ni Nora Aunor ang pelikula. Kailangang mahalin din natin ang pelikula dahil… ito ay artistic expression ng bayan.” Producer and actress Charo Santos, who worked with Nora in “Himala,” among others, and became one of her close friends, echoed the sentiments of those present. “Walang himala. Pero mayroong nag-iisang Nora Aunor,” she said.
Charo reflected on how Nora’s real-life journey — from selling water and peanuts near the train tracks to becoming a National Artist — mirrored the very characters she portrayed: Elsa, Corazon, Delia, Flor Contemplacion. But even those roles couldn’t capture the magnitude of who Nora Aunor was.
“She was even bigger than all her roles,” Charo said.
Binibigyan niya ng buhay ang pangarap ng milyunmilyong Pilipino.” Her legacy, according to Charo as a die-hard fan, isn’t
just found in awards and iconic performances, but in the way she made fans feel seen, heard and represented.
“We were called the bakya crowd, and we were proud of it, dahil may superstar kami, na isa sa amin.” Charo also recounted the first time she worked with Nora — on “Himala,” where Charo served as producer. It was then that she witnessed firsthand the power and artistry of Nora’s performance.
“There’s something about her that cannot be explained by technique alone,” she continued. “She is raw. She is real. She is authentic. She doesn’t act. She becomes. She transforms.” Even amid fame and adulation, Charo said that Nora remained the same simple probinsyana at heart. Walang attachment sa glamour, fame or wealth,” said Charo. Ang naging mahalaga sa kanya ay ang kanyang dedikasyon sa kanyang craft dahil yun ang kanyang sukli sa pagmamahal ng kanyang mga tagahanga.” After the necrological service, the remains of Nora who passed away on April 16 at the age of 71, were brought to the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City, where she was laid to rest with full military honors.
