ment of education has officially resumed collections on defaulted federal student loans as of may 5, 2025, ending a pandemic-era relief that shielded millions of borrowers from financial penalties for over five years.
The move affects approximately 5.3 million Americans whose loans are currently in default and comes amid a broader reorientation of federal student loan policies under the trump administration.
End of the collections freeze the pause, originally enacted in march 2020 at the start of the COVID-19 crisis, had prevented the government from garnishing wages, withholding tax refunds, or seizing social security payments from borrowers who had fallen behind. the reactivation of the treasury offset Program this month means those protective measures have been lifted.
According to the U.s. Department of education, borrowers in default are now subject
WAshINGtoN — President Donald trump has intensified his crackdown on “sanctuary cities” through a sweeping executive order that mandates swift federal action against jurisdictions limiting cooperation with U.s. immigration authorities.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are now required to identify non-compliant cities and states within 30 days, potentially exposing them to lawsuits and funding cuts. the White house said the measure strengthens public safety and enforces immigration law uniformly. Administration officials cited a reported 95% decline in illegal border crossings since March 2024 as justification for doubling down on internal enforcement.
“sanctuary policies violate common sense and public trust,” President trump said
mANILA — Consumers may soon pay more for their daily cup of joe as supply woes brew in the global market—but this could be a blessing in disguise for filipino coffee farmers who now have greater opportunity to boost their income.
Global coffee prices may further rise this year if key growing regions experience further significant supply reductions, a report by the food and Agriculture organization of the United Nations (FAO) says.
May 12 mid-term elections, with the
Philippine National Police (PNP) going on
status beginning midnight Saturday, May 3 until May 15 or three days after the polls. “our personnel are committed to maintaining
and order throughout the election period,” PNP chief Gen. rommel francisco marbil said in a statement. he said police officers across the country are ready to thwart acts of violence, especially those meant to disrupt or undermine the integrity and credibility of the elections.
marbil said the PNP is working closely with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and other government agencies to make sure the public’s right of suffrage is not compromised.
As a precaution, marbil said he has instructed all standby support and quick reaction forces as well as regional units to always remain on guard during the election period and respond immediately to reports of any untoward incident.
Police units have also heightened their presence at
Bong Go leads 2025 senatorial surveys
Duterte's defense team wanted these judges to step aside, specifically for ruling on whether the ICC has jurisdiction to proceed with his crimes against humanity case.
they made this request by arguing that there is the "possibility of perceived bias" given that the two judges had previously
mANILA — the International Criminal Court has rejected the bid of former Philippine President rodrigo Duterte's camp to remove two judges from deciding whether the court can hear his crimes against humanity case. In a four-page decision on May 6, the court's Pre-trial Chamber ruled that Duterte's legal team cannot seek the recusal of judges reine Alapini-Gansou and maría flores Liera from adjudicating on the issue of the court's jurisdiction.
It cites several factors behind the recent price spikes: limited supplies from Vietnam and Indonesia, adverse weather conditions in Brazil and higher shipping costs. Coffee, one of the most widely consumed beverages worldwide, is commercially produced in more than 50 countries. the world consumes 3 billion cups a day, says the International trade Centre, a joint agency of the UN and the World trade organization. Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia and Indonesia are the major coffee producers. fAo estimates that
mANILA — sen. sherwin Gatchalian urged the Department of Education (DepEd) to provide alternative learning to students with poor comprehension skills following a Philippine statistics Authority (PSA) survey which found close to 19 million “functionally illiterate” graduates in 2024. In a dwIZ interview on Saturday, May 3, Gatchalian reiterated his call for the Deped to address the issue of “functional illiteracy” or the
inability to comprehend despite knowing how to read and write as the PsA defines it.
he said the Deped should look for these students at schools and place them in the alternative learning system.
they can also be provided with tutors so that they could be assisted in their learning and not graduate with poor comprehension skills, Gatchalian said.
the senator also noticed that the provinces with the greatest number of illiterate children are those with a high
to 24, Go led with 62.2% of respondents naming him among their senatorial choices. similarly, oCtA research’s final “tugon ng masa” poll showed Go statistically tied at the top with ACt-CIs representative erwin tulfo, with 56.8% of respondents supporting Go and 52.7% favoring Tulfo. Duterte connection remains potent
Go’s political identity remains closely associated with the legacy of Duterte, who still commands significant influence among filipino voters. his early service in malacañang and his alignment with
Nevada bill sparks HOA debate: Class, costs...
CArsoN CItY
— for thousands of Nevadans living in communities governed by homeowners associations (HOAs), the rules are meant to protect property values—but they can also pose challenges for everyday working families.
A new bill under debate in the state legislature is bringing those tensions to the surface, sparking fierce discussion over fairness, finances, and the future of hoA governance.
Senate Bill 121 (SB 121), sponsored by senator Dina Neal (D–North Las Vegas), proposes several changes that would directly impact residents living under hoA management. Chief among them: extending the deadline for completing backyard landscaping from 180 days to 36 months for new homeowners—a shift that supporters say gives breathing room to families still financially recovering from the purchase of a home.
“most people have spent most of their money on the refrigerator, the blinds, the furniture,” Neal said during a legislative hearing last week.
“they actually don’t have the funds to spend within six months on landscaping.” she described current regulations as creating “a classist system,” noting that many working-class homeowners cannot afford to comply quickly with hoAimposed requirements.
A push for relief
Under existing hoA rules in many communities, new
homeowners must landscape their backyards within six months of moving in. missing that deadline can result in fines, reported delinquencies, or legal action. sB 121 seeks to delay such penalties by:
• Extending landscaping deadlines to 36 months
• Prohibiting late fees until 30 days after a missed payment
• Blocking credit reporting for overdue dues during that same window
• Limiting liability for oil stains on driveways
•Loosening restrictions on parking work vehicles in front of homes.
for homeowners juggling mortgage payments, utility bills, and basic living expenses, these reforms could offer muchneeded flexibility.
Opposition voices property value concerns But hoA attorneys and some community leaders warn that the bill could weaken the standards that maintain neighborhood appeal.
“When they purchase a home, they know whether or not they can do it,” said Adam Clarkson, a prominent hoA lawyer who spoke against the bill. “the bright line test is: don’t purchase these homes if you don’t want to have to do this.”
Critics worry that relaxed landscaping rules could affect curb appeal, reduce home values, and make it harder to enforce uniform standards in planned communities.
A larger battle over equity and autonomy for residents in hoA-managed communities, the debate over sB 121 reflects deeper issues: who gets to decide how homes should look, how quickly residents must comply, and whether rules disproportionately burden those with fewer financial resources. this is about the American Dream,” senator Neal emphasized. “But not all people are walking into a home with the same amount of money in their bank account.”
the bill has sparked passionate reactions from homeowners, hoA boards, and lawmakers alike, with many calling it a litmus test for how Nevada balances collective community interests with individual homeowner rights. No vote has been taken yet, but the debate continues to grow louder.
What’s next for homeowners for those living in hoA communities—particularly first-time buyers and working families—sB 121 could offer greater control over their budgets and peace of mind as they settle into new homes. others fear it might erode the uniformity that many believe makes their neighborhoods desirable.
As the bill moves through the Nevada Legislature, homeowners across the state are watching closely. for updates on sB 121, visit the Nevada Legislature’s official site. n
DepEd urged to provide alternative learning...
incidence of poverty and child malnourishment.
“An underweight and stunted child who is hungry cannot learn properly. Proper nutrition helps in their learning,” Gatchalian said.
Poverty and illiteracy are also linked, Gatchalian said, adding that education remains a key step to getting out of poverty.
meanwhile, Cagayan de oro City 2nd District rep. rufus rodriguez said the national government can address the problem of functional illiteracy by funding the personnel, infrastructure and equipment requirements of the primary and secondary education sector.
“there is need for more classrooms, more teacher positions, additional training for teachers, more books, more school equipment and provision of more computers and tablets to public elementary learners and high school students, especially in mindanao where the PsA has reported high functional illiteracy rates,” rodriguez said in a statement.
Coffee bean pricing perks up prospects...
Brazil and Vietnam account for almost 50 percent of global coffee production valued at $20 billion annually.
here at home, the local unit of the swiss-based global food giant known for its Nescafe coffee brand had to temper upward price adjustments in the first quarter to cushion filipino consumers from rising coffee prices.
“In the event of significant and continuing global upward movements in coffee prices, we adjust retail prices as a last resort. We try our best to absorb increased costs if possible and look for greater efficiencies to avoid price increases,” Nestlé Philippines says in an email to the Inquirer.
In light of looming supply constraints, the Department of Agriculture (DA) warns rising global prices could make importing coffee into the Philippines more challenging. After all, the country relies on importation to cover 90 percent of its soluble coffee consumption, commonly known as instant coffee.
Mass consumption
Cheryl marie NatividadCaballero, agriculture undersecretary for high- value crops, says the extent of the impact depends on how much prices increase and whether they stabilize at a certain level.
“If prices rise significantly, overall consumption may decrease as lower-income households prioritize basic necessities like food, shelter, health care and education,” Natividad-Caballero says in an email interview with the Inquirer.
In this country, low- and middle-income households are the biggest coffee consumers, who mostly purchase 3-in-1 coffee sachets due to their affordability and convenience, the DA says.
“Despite potential declines in mass consumption, the specialty coffee segment and coffee shop aficionados will likely continue consuming their preferred brews even at higher prices,” she adds.
Import reliance however, the Philippine Coffee Board Inc. (PCBI), a private sectorled group established to promote the Philippine coffee industry through various initiatives, says the country will rely on importation even more to meet the increasing demand for coffee.
enforcement initiatives.
“Nevertheless, both agencies will continue to closely monitor coffee price trends to protect consumers and take decisive action against profiteering practices,” trade secretary ma. Cristina roque says in a statement sent to the Inquirer.
these efforts include rigorous oversight of compliance with the Suggested Retail Price (SRP) Bulletin to prevent unjustified price manipulation, thereby safeguarding consumer welfare,” she adds.
Price volatility for its part, Nestlé Philippines says it is absorbing higher costs and boosting operational efficiencies whenever possible to manage price spikes. moving forward, it remains to be seen if and how any price adjustments, depending on their amounts, will impact on local coffee consumption,” the company says, adding that coffee consumption increased last year. the fAo explains price fluctuations are a common feature of coffee markets, with historical trends showing that recurring imbalances between supply and demand drive such patterns. these imbalances are further exacerbated by the inherent economic and physical characteristics of the coffee market,” it says. “the demand for coffee is inelastic, meaning consumption changes only marginally in response to a change in prices.”
the DA says coffee farmers are now commanding higher farm-gate prices for locally grown coffee due to prevailing global market trends and the growing recognition of Philippine specialty arabicas and fine robustas in international markets.
“As a result, coffee farming has regained its profitability, encouraging both aging farmers to remain in the industry and attracting younger generations to enter the sector,” says NatividadCaballero.
According to the Philippine statistics Authority, farm-gate price, or the price received by farmers for selling their produce straight from the farm, stood at P211.28 per kilogram in 2024 for arabica, down by 7.7 percent from P228.76 per kg a year prior. the farm-gate price of robusta rose by 47.4 percent to P133.15 per kg from P90.31 per kg.
Beyond planting more trees the DA says it has been increasing support programs to advance the local coffee industry. It implements several interventions through the high-Value Crops Development Program, including the Competitiveness enhancement measure fund and the Philippine rural Development Program, to expand coffee cultivation and develop farmers.
It also partners with government agencies, private organizations and international organizations to promote the development of this sector. Juan says bolstering domestic output goes beyond planting more trees. this also requires harnessing the power of technology to enhance the productivity and income of coffee farmers.
rodriguez proposed that starting with the 2026 annual budget, the president and Congress should increase the Deped outlay every year.
rodriguez pointed out that there should also be a parallel effort in the private sector to tackle the problem. (With reports from Jose rodel clapano)
this means that we have to increase the budget of the Deped every year, instead of reducing it,” he added. he decried the decision of Congress to reduce Deped’s computerization fund this year by at least P10 billion. he urged President marcos to augment the fund from government savings and appropriations in the national budget that he is authorized to realign.
ICC rejects Duterte camp’s bid to...
ruled on the same jurisdiction issue. But the court rejected this request, citing that under article 41 of the Rome Statute and rules 34 and 35 of the Rules of Procedure and evidence, only judges themselves can request to be excused from a case by taking the matter up to the court's Presidency.
this is "as opposed to disqualification for which the Prosecution or the person being investigated or prosecuted may submit a request before the Presidency," the ICC Pre-trial Chamber said. the possibility for that person to invite or request judges to seek excusal before the Presidency is thus not contemplated in the statutory texts," the decision read. the chamber also noted that "no preemptive request may be made by the parties that a judge request his or her excusal." It ruled that "such course of action ‘lacks procedural
propriety.'" Duterte's defense had filed its challenge to the ICC's jurisdiction on may 1, the same day they submitted the request for the judges' excusal. As expected, Duterte's legal team is focusing its defense on whether the court has jurisdiction over the Philippines following its 2019 withdrawal, in a bid to secure his immediate release and prevent the case from going to trial. In a 38-page document filed may 1, Duterte's defense lawyers argued that the ICC cannot exercise jurisdiction over him because the Philippines had already withdrawn from the Rome Statute in 2019, before prosecutors sought a formal investigation in may 2021. n
“Coffee imports will not decline as we still consume so much more than we produce,” says Pacita Juan, PCBI president and cochair. “More Asean (Association of southeast Asian Nations) imports will be made as Indonesia and Vietnam will be closer to us and will be better for logistics.”
Citing government data, the DA says the Philippines produces just about 38.1 percent of its total coffee beans supply requirement. on the other hand, PCBI estimates local consumption at 200,000 metric tons (MT), much larger than the domestic output of just between 20,000 mt and 30,000 MT.
Although the cost of instant coffee remains stable based on market monitoring, the Department of trade and Industry (DTI) says it is closely working with the DA to ensure fair pricing and combat profiteering through intensified market monitoring and
to mitigate the effects of price fluctuations, the fAo recommends improving market transparency. It explains that access to reliable and real-time information will aid all industry players in making sound decisions, planning production activities effectively and reducing the associated risks with price shocks and market volatility.
According to fAo, the inclement weather affecting key producing nations fueled a 38.8-percent surge in coffee prices last year.
Prices of arabica, a highervalue coffee primarily used in the roast and ground coffee market, climbed 58 percent in December last year. meanwhile, robusta, mainly used in instant coffee, registered a 70-percent surge.
“this surge in coffee prices led to a narrowing of the price differential between the two varieties for the first time since the mid-1990s,” the FAO says.
Incentivizing farmers soaring coffee prices might mean stretching consumers’ budgets for that caffeine fix, but for many Philippine coffee farmers, this could mean higher income for their produce.
“We don’t need just seedlings, but we need research and development for more disease-resistant and climateresilient coffee varieties. With climate change, we need more experiments and research on new coffee varieties to augment our production,” Juan says.
the PCBI conducts training for coffee farm establishment, nursery establishment and upkeep of existing farms to help the industry. Juan says Gforest, a sustainability initiative within the GCash mobile application, has commissioned their group to plant more than 250,000 new coffee trees from Benguet to sulu and Basilan. moreover, Juan says exchange visits to other research facilities in southeast Asia will be organized through the Asean Coffee federation, a group of coffee industry players across the region, noting that some countries are far advanced in developing climateresilient coffee varieties. n
Student loan collections resume after five...
PAGE 1 to:
• Wage garnishment (scheduled to begin in coming months)
• Seizure of federal tax refunds
• Deductions from Social Security and disability payments
the Department confirmed in a public release: the resumption of default collections is part of a broader effort to return borrowers to repayment and help them regain good standing.” (Source: ed.gov) Relief options and borrower tools
Borrowers impacted by the policy shift are encouraged to take immediate steps to avoid penalties. options include:
• Loan rehabilitation: Allows borrowers to make a series of agreed-upon payments to remove the loan from default status.
• Loan consolidation: Combines federal loans into one, placing it in good standing and enabling access to income-driven repayment plans.
• Income-driven repayment (IDR): Offers payment adjustments based on income and family size.
Despite administrative changes in recent months, IDr plans remain available to eligible borrowers, although some have reported confusion over eligibility and recalculations.
the Department’s fresh start program, launched in 2022, continues to offer streamlined paths out of default, though some provisions are set to expire in the coming year.
Institutional accountability In addition to borrower-fo-
cused changes, the trump administration is increasing scrutiny of educational institutions.
According to a Wall street Journal report, the administration has warned colleges that they could lose access to federal student aid if their default rates remain high.
Schools face sanctions if:
• More than 30% of former students default within three years, or • Over 40% default in a single cohort year. (Source: WSJ) the policy aims to link school performance to loan repayment outcomes, targeting for-profit institutions and underperforming colleges with large default populations. Who’s hit hardest?
A recent analysis by the Guardian noted that the restart of collections disproportionately impacts low-income borrowers, particularly Black and Latino communities. these groups are more likely to have taken out loans to attend under-resourced institutions and face systemic barriers in repayment.
While the Department has not publicly released updated demographic data, researchers and advocacy groups say that restarting collections may exacerbate economic inequalities without additional borrower protections.
Additionally, President trump recently signed an executive order outlining plans to dismantle the U.s. Department of education, redistributing its responsibilities to agencies like the small Business Administration and Department of health and human services. While largely symbolic for now, the order has sparked widespread debate.
What borrowers need to know now
Borrowers with defaulted loans are strongly urged to verify their loan status and contact their servicer or the Department of education’s Default resolution Group immediately. missing key deadlines could trigger involuntary collections — such as wage garnishment or tax refund seizures — within weeks. financial experts warn that these developments may affect national consumer credit trends. A recent marketWatch report revealed that even borrowers with strong credit scores are beginning to fall behind,
Trump administration policy shift this marks a significant departure from the previous administration’s strategy, which included broad-based relief such as the now-defunct one-time forgiveness proposal and expanded PSLF (Public Service Loan Forgiveness). the current administration argues that blanket loan forgiveness exceeded executive authority and emphasizes fiscal discipline, institutional accountability, and enforcement of existing contracts.
Jr. posthumously conferred the Presidential medal of merit to four filipina cultural icons whose work shaped the nation’s artistic identity and touched generations of filipinos. honored at the heroes hall were Nora Aunor, Pilita Corrales, Gloria romero, and margarita forés—each recognized for elevating Philippine culture through film, music, and cuisine.
Celebrating timeless legacies
Nora Aunor, the “superstar” of Philippine cinema, was honored for her body of work that gave voice to the struggles and dreams of ordinary filipinos. her critically acclaimed performances in films like Himala and Bona made her one of the most influential artists in the country’s history. she passed away on April 16, 2025, at age 71. Pilita Corrales, known as “Asia’s Queen of Songs,” was a trailblazer in music and entertainment. Born in Lahug, Cebu City, she recorded more than 135 albums in English, filipino, spanish, and Cebuano. Her 1963 hit “A Million Thanks to You” was among the first locally produced songs to achieve international popularity. she also hosted An evening with Pilita, a landmark television variety
DAteline PhiliPPines
show that ran from 1964 to 1972. Corrales passed away peacefully on April 12, 2025. some reports listed Corrales’s age as 85, but other sources cite 1937 as her birth year, making her 87. The discrepancy stems from unverified records, though her legacy remains undisputed.
Gloria romero, an enduring presence in Philippine cinema, was best known for her elegant performances across genres— from classic romantic roles to dramatic matriarchal figures. her career spanned more than seven decades, and she remained active in film and television into her 90s. Romero passed away on January 25, 2025, at age 91.
margarita forés, an internationally acclaimed chef, transformed filipino cuisine with modern interpretations of traditional dishes. Named Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016, Forés championed local ingredients, regional flavors, and culinary education. she passed away on February 11, 2025, at age 65.
Words from the president the Presidential medal of merit is one of the highest civilian honors in the Philippines, awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to national identity, culture, and service.
President ferdinand marcos Jr., who personally led the conferment ceremony, offered moving remarks:
“to Gloria, to margarita, to Pilita, to Nora—it seems very
little but the best we can do, maraming, maraming salamat po. You live on in every artist who takes the risk, in every child who has fond dreams, and every citizen who wishes to let the world know what it means to be a filipino.”
he added:
“We are here to honor four outstanding individuals who, though they have passed from our world, continue to shape our art, our cinema, our music, and our culinary landscape.”
families of the honorees accepted the awards on their behalf, surrounded by government officials, cultural leaders, and members of the artistic community.
A cultural tribute
National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA)
Chairman Victorino manalo has previously emphasized the importance of honoring filipino creatives, stating during National Arts month:
“the creativity of a nation springs forth from the spirit and passion of its people.”
the posthumous awards come at a time of renewed national appreciation for cultural heritage, and the four honorees serve as reminders of how art, music, film, and food shape the country’s identity and spirit.
As the nation mourns their passing, it also celebrates their lives—legacies that continue to inspire, educate, and empower future generations.
the P200-billion makati City subway has run off the tracks after its contractor decided on friday, may 2, to finally drop out of the project because it was “no longer economically and operationally feasible” after the resolution of the territorial dispute between makati and taguig effectively removed half of the 10 stations from the underground line.
“Arbitration proceedings have thus been commenced with the singapore International Arbitration Center to enable an impartial resolution of the joint venture agreement with the makati City,” Philippine Infradev holdings Inc. said in a disclosure to the Philippine stock exchange.
makati mayor Abigail Binay told the Inquirer last year that the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling would cede five of the planned subway stations to the jurisdiction of taguig.
should the subway project proceed with a shorter alignment, she said it would not be economically viable because the passenger volume would be smaller than the originally estimated 700,000 daily.
Binay said that the city government was looking at potentially “reinventing” the project into another mass transport system because. But she indicated that involving taguig would be problematic.
In its disclosure, Philippine Infradev said that some subway stations and a depot would fall within taguig’s jurisdiction.
‘Embo’ transfer the court had ruled to transfer 10 “embo” (enlisted men’s barrios) or barangays from makati to taguig, based on historical, documentary and testimonial evidence. these are Pembo, Comembo, Cembo, south Cembo, West rembo, east rembo, Pitogo, rizal, Post Proper Northside and Post Proper southside.
A schematic diagram of the semi-loop 11-kilometer subway line shows one of two terminals at the Ayala Avenue-edsa intersection. from there, the line passes northwest under the makati Central Business District, turning southeast at the makati fire station and finally moving southward along the Pasig river to the other terminal near the ospital ng makati. the end-toend trip was supposed to take only 15 minutes.
The April 2023 Supreme Court decision settled the territorial dispute in favor of taguig. It reaffirmed its decision in september that year. the stations that were affected are at the southern portion of the line. Philippine Infradev suspended construction activities shortly after the tribunal’s decision came down. Impairment losses In 2023, the company reported that it incurred impairment losses from the project amounting to P4.85 billion and P1.95 million in 2024. the underground line, which was originally targeted for partial operation by 2025, was designed to cover areas that include mile Long, Circuit makati, makati City hall, makati Bliss, intersection of ortigas-makati-BGC bridge, University of makati and ospital ng makati. the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) was also proposed to be another station. It is only three kilometers away from mile Long, another makati commercial site close to the south Luzon expressway. the makati City government had transferred ownership of a u PAGE 7
Government gets P189M, Pogo assets in forfeiture case
by Jun malig nestor CorraLes Inquirer.net
the makati regional trial
Court (RTC) has forfeited in favor of the government some P189 million in cash and assets worth billions from a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) that was found allegedly running a scam center in Pampanga province.
Judge Antonio ray ortiguera of the makati rtC Branch 148 issued the ruling on April 24 against Colorful and Leap Group Co., a subsidiary of CGC technologies Inc. operating inside the Clark sun Valley hub in mabalacat City, the Presidential Anti-organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) said on Saturday, May 3.
Cash in various currencies equivalent to P189 million was confiscated during the raid conducted by law enforcers on the PoGo complex on may 2, 2023. the PAoCC said it was still waiting for the exact value of the assets from the Clark Development Corp. (CDC), but said these include the facilities and vehicles.
“Yes, this is the very first of its kind,” PAoCC spokesperson Winston Casio said in a Viber message to the Inquirer, referring to the court ruling forfeiting assets seized from PoGos, companies that the marcos administration had banned since last year. the PAoCC raided the
complex for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 10364 or the expanded Anti-trafficking in Persons Act and rA 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act. six search warrants and a warrant for the seizure and examination of computer data were secured from malolos City rtC Branch 81.
“the operation unearthed human trafficking and cyberfrauds like fraudulent cryptocurrency investments, including romance scams, all conducted under the facade of offshore gambling,” the PAoCC said.
It recalled that 1,137 foreign nationals and 129 Filipinos were rescued during the raid, most of them trafficked and forced to work as online scammers, all “under the pretext of a legitimate offshore gaming business.”
the agency said some P189.6 million worth of foreign currencies — U.s. dollars, Vietnamese dong, Chinese yuan, hong Kong dollars, macau pataca, thai baht and Cambodian riel—were recovered. According to the PAoCC, suspects or respondents in the civil action that was filed “desperately denied ownership of the confiscated monies, asserting that there was no showing that these were products of any unlawful activity, and even to the point of assailing the case venue.”
It said the court was not swayed by their explanations and ordered the confiscation in favor of the government.
Protecting the freeport the PAoCC said a notice of the decision had been sent to the jail warden of the Angeles City District Jail for the detained respondents, namely hong Li Ji aka “Jason/Big Boss;” he feng aka “Ajun;” tan Yong aka “Dolly/ Beta;” Zhang suo hua aka “hao Yun;” Ifandi aka “Ace;” fendi aka ryu/Leon;” Zhao Jiang ming aka “shuke;” and Lee swee Wah aka “Ken.” the PAoCC said CDC had ordered the immediate cessation of all business operations in the eight buildings and one warehouse that were covered by the raid at sun Valley hub.
the CDC, it added, also issued a cease-and-desist order and suspended the certificates of registration and tax exemption for the concerned entities following the raid
the PAoCC quoted Agnes Devanadera, president and Ceo of Clark Development Corp., as saying that the orders were not mere administrative actions “but categorical assertions of CDC’s unwavering mandate to enforce the law and preserve the sanctity of the free port.”
Devanadera said Clark freeport Zone “is not and will not ever be a sanctuary for illegal operations, regulatory violations, or for corporate misconduct and underscored its commitment to uphold public trust and the integrity of the freeport Zone.”
Repurposing assets
PAoCC Undersecretary Gilberto Cruz said the eight buildings and a warehouse are now under the custody of CDC. he said the buildings “may be repurposed not only to recoup the supposed legitimate earnings of the government but also for its other future economic pursuits.”
“We will persevere in our collective efforts with decisive law enforcement actions and a sound legal approach to dismantle transnational crime groups operating in the country,” he added.
Cruz said the launch of integrated operations, coupled with the forfeiture proceedings, showcased the value of interagency coordination and strengthened President marcos’ resolve that illegal PoGos and the illicit activities associated with them must be dealt with accordingly. n
Sara Duterte says Marcos admin behind assault complaint vs ‘Pulong’
by Luisa CaBato Inquirer.net
mANILA — Vice President
sara Duterte said the complaint filed against her brother, Davao City 1st District rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, was merely a political attack by the marcos administration.
“Wala namang ibang ginawa ang administrasyon na ito kundi pamumulitika lang at paninira sa mga kalaban nila sa pulitika,” she said in an ambush interview in Zamboanga City on saturday, May 3.
(This administration has done nothing but play politics and smear their political opponents.)
the vice president claimed that when the issue of “blank items” in the 2025 General Appropriations
Act surfaced, an impeachment case was filed against her— hinting it was meant to divert attention from controversies hounding the government. she further alleged that when the sale of P20-per-kilo rice was suspended just a day after its launch, the issue involving rep. Duterte began circulating online. so nakikita ninyo na basta mayroong nangyari nang dahil sa administrasyon, ang ginagawa nila ay sinisira nila ang kanilang kalaban sa politika para matabunan yung totoong issue ng bayan,” said Duterte.
(So you can see that whenever the administration faces issues, what they do is attack their political opponents to cover up the real issues of the nation.)
In a video making rounds on
social media, a man said to be rep. Duterte can be seen trying to strike another man with an object held in his right hand. rep. Duterte’s camp remains silent over the complaint for grave threats and physical injuries filed against him.
President ferdinand r marcos Jr. and Vice President Duterte ran under the Uniteam banner in the 2022 national elections, but their political alliance has since been soured with Duterte’s resignation from her post as education secretary last year. speculations about their fallout were further fueled when the vice president said she had instructed someone to kill the president, his wife, and house speaker martin romualdez if she would be assassinated. n
Makati-Taguig row derails P200-B...
7.9-hectare property in the city to Philippine Infradev in exchange for the issuance of preferred shares in the company.
Chinese companies What will happen to the property and the 656.66 million preferred shares valued at P6.57 billion has not been disclosed by either the company or the city government.
Philippine Infradev leads a consortium that includes the Chinese companies Greenland holdings Group, Jiangsu Provincial Construction Group Co. Ltd., holdings Ltd. and China harbour engineering Company Ltd.
makati City officials and representatives of the consortium held a drilling ceremony near the City hall to kick off the project in December 2018.
Philippine Infradev received the notice of award for the construction and operation of the subway project from the Public-Private Partnership selection Committee of the city government.
Notice to proceed
In 2021, the company awarded the $1.21-billion engineering, procurement and construction contract for the 8-km phase of the project to state-owned China Construction second engineering Bureau Co. Ltd., which claims to be the biggest construction company in the world.
Philippine Infradev incorporat-
ed makati City subway Inc. as a special corporate vehicle for the project in 2019.
Within the same year, the joint venture agreement with the local government was finalized. the notice to proceed was issued on Feb. 18, 2020, with the target completion of construction within five years. the company has already finished excavation and shoring works of the first phase of the underground walkway and concrete pouring of two mat foundations. The other subway project Another underground rail project, the 33-km Metro Manila subway, is proceeding as
planned. It is designed to have 17 stations connecting Valenzuela City to Pasay City and is expected to carry more than 519,000 passengers daily. the subway is expected to have begin partial operations—from Valenzuela City to North Ave., Quezon City—in 2028. the project was reportedly 18.24 percent complete as of December 2024, nearly two years after tunnel works began in Valenzuela City in January 2023. the idea of building a metro manila subway was first proposed in 1973 under the Urban transport study in the manila metropolitan Area. n
Nicole Scherzinger is nominated for both awards for her acclaimed performance in ‘Sunset Boulevard’ by
elton lugAy Inquirer.net
American talent is
brightly this awards season. from being featured in time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world to earning a spot on Gold house’s A100 list of influential Asian Americans, fil-Ams continue to make waves.
several artists of filipino lineage have also received nominations for the Drama League and tony Awards.
Among them, Nicole scherzinger, a pop singer turned Broadway star, stands out for her inclusion in all four prestigious groups. recently, the filipino American powerhouse was named to time magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people globally and to Gold house’s A100 list of impactful Asian Pacific leaders.
she is also a leading nominee for both the Drama League and tony Awards for her acclaimed performance in “sunset Boulevard.” Additionally, she is set to perform solo shows at Carnegie hall in New York and Disney hall in Los Angeles this fall – marking milestones in her career.
the former Pussycat Doll and Laurence olivier Award winner has received widespread praise for her portrayal of Norma Desmond, earning a tony nomination for Best Actress. her
My P.E.P. (People, Events,Places)
Rogelio Constantino medina
As we celebrate mother’s Day on may 11, allow me to honor mothers from all walks of life. I asked four mothers (2nd batch): (1) How does it feel to be a mother? (2) Define motherhood. the respondents’ replies are as follows: fil-Am entrepreneur Janice Israel Delima, 3rd Philippines’ finest Business Awards and outstanding Achievers recipient: (1) for me, being a mother is not just a role, it’s my greatest calling, deepest strength, and most treasured gift. Being a mother has taught me resilience in silence, faith when everything else breaks, and unshakable patience. It’s what grounds me when the world gets noisy. It’s where I draw strength in business, compassion in leadership, and purpose in pain. Being a mother is not about control, it’s about commitment. I truly believe that we don’t own our children. they are not ours to shape into our image or force into our plans. they are precious souls assigned to us by God, trusted into our care for a divine purpose.” (2) “Motherhood is not just a title – it’s a mission. It’s waking up every day with purpose, even when I’m exhausted. It’s giving, even when I feel empty. It’s smiling through the pain because my children deserve a strong version of me... motherhood is the purest form of love — a love that gives without asking, forgives without keeping score, and dreams not just for herself, but for her children’s future. It is a daily journey of sacrifice and joy, where I learn to put someone else’s needs above
performance, which received a six-minute standing ovation, has been lauded for its emotional depth and power, establishing her as a major Broadway talent.
Beyond her acting achievements, scherzinger has recently opened up about her struggles with fame and mental health, sharing her journey toward embracing her authentic self. she often credits her resilient lineage – strong women from Hawaii and Kentucky – for her confidence and authenticity.
At age 46, she confidently celebrates her natural beauty, challenging industry standards and embracing aging gracefully.
“Part of my superpower is where I come from,” she told People magazine. “I bring my ancestors with me on that stage every night.” she also described her Broadway debut as a lifelong
dream fulfilled. “I finally get to share all of me and who I truly am with this role. that’s the ultimate success.”
scherzinger reflects on her journey, telling People that “where I come from is part of my superpower. I carry my ancestors with me every time I step on stage.” she added, “Growing up, I often felt like I didn’t fit in, but now I realize that those differences make me unique and strong.”
In celebration of theatrical excellence, other filipino American performers are also being recognized this year.
Broadway legend Lea salonga is among the recipients of the Drama League’s Distinguished Performance Award. she is being honored for her work in stephen sondheim’s
PAGE 9
by Anne PAsAjol Inquirer.net
NetIZeNs are abuzz as dating rumors hound Bea Alonzo and businessman Vincent Co whose respective photos from their recent spain trip, according to sharp-eyed fans, apparently hinted their new romance.
Dating speculations involving the two arose after Co, president of a grocery chain, shared via his private Instagram page a photo of himself and a mystery woman holding each other’s hands while walking.
While the face of the woman was not immediately shown, Alonzo noticeably liked the photo and even left a smiling face with hearts emoji
in the comments section.
Netizens also pointed out that the woman in Co’s photo was seemingly wearing the same ensemble Alonzo was wearing in the photos she shared on her Instagram page last April 21 and 24. the actress shared in the caption that the snaps were taken in Andalucia, spain.
Both Co and Alonzo, however, have yet to confirm or deny the speculations as of this writing.
Alonzo’s last public relationship was with her former fiancé, actor Dominic roque. they confirmed their breakup in February 2024.
Alonzo, meanwhile, opened up last August about being single and revealed that she had
been entertaining admirers at the time.
“okay naman ang lagay ng puso ko ngayon. I’m enjoying being single right now,” she said at the time. “I strive for a worklife balance and that’s what makes me happy right now. I’m a work in progress.”
Alonzo also shared her thoughts about marriage in a separate interview in December.
“Hindi naman marriage
‘yung laging endgame ng lahat. You know, maybe when you have different paths, you have different destinies and faiths,” she said. “I mean, if it happens. I’ll be happy, but it doesn’t mean that I would beat myself up if it doesn’t happen.”
Janice Israel Delima: ‘Being a mother is
my own and discover a strength I never knew I had. motherhood is God’s sacred assignment. I believe our children are not possessions — they are precious gifts entrusted to us by the Creator. We are chosen stewards of their lives, their growth, and their future. We don’t own them. We are simply called to nurture them, love them, guide them, and help them become the best version of who God created them to be. motherhood is not about perfection, but presence. It means being there, not just in the big milestones but in the quiet, ordinary moments—helping with homework, listening to worries, and whispering prayers at night... motherhood has made me stronger, more faithful, more human, and more divine all at once. And in everything I do — in business, in ministry, in dreams — I carry my children in my heart. they are my ‘why’. they are my prayer answered. And to be their mother? that’s my greatest success.” entrepreneur and former filipino actress rita magdalena, who studied at the UCsD extension Community, and is now based in san Diego, California: (1) “Being a mother is a silent promise to always love, always protect, and always believe even when the world doesn’t. It’s watching a piece of your soul grow in someone else’s eyes. It’s joy so powerful it brings tears and pain, so quiet it hides behind a smile. It’s giving without needing thanks. It’s rising each day with purpose, even when you’re broken or a mess.” (2) “Motherhood is not just a role, it’s a transformation. It changes how you see the world, how you love, and who you are.”
fAmAs board member Christina Aliada: (1) “Being a single mother of three kids can feel
like a rollercoaster — equal parts overwhelming, exhausting, and deeply rewarding. exhausting (you’re doing the job of two people, constantly juggling schedules, meals, schoolwork, emotions, and your own sanity; empowering (it can also feel powerful — knowing you’re holding it all together, raising humans, and doing it solo); lonely (there are moments of deep loneliness, especially when you crave adult conversation, emotional support, or just a break); chaotic but full of love (the house might be a mess, your to-do list might never end, but there’s a lot of love, laughter, and little moments that make it all worth it); guilt-ridden (sometimes there’s guilt about not being able to do everything or not having a second parent around – but also a constant drive to give your kids the best life possible).” (2) “Motherhood of three kids as a single mom is a life of strength wrapped in softness, a constant dance between survival and deep, selfless love. motherhood of three as a single mom is the art of doing everything with nothing extra: three breakfasts, three backpacks, three growing hearts to guide, all with one pair of hands. It’s the balance of chaos and calm, of wiping tears while holding your own back, of being the one who shows up — every time. No backup. No break. Just relentless devotion. It’s budgeting emotions and groceries, stretching time and patience, and still making room for bedtime stories. It’s leadership, nurturance, sacrifice, and strength so quiet, the world forgets to notice — but your kids, they feel it in every hug, every scraped knee kissed, every ‘I’m proud of you’ whispered at the right time. It’s hard. It’s heroic. And it’s filled with a love that multiplies, not divides.”
Visitacion tan, mother of singer-nurse Nick Vera Perez of Illinois who will have mother’s month special for his Parte ng Buhay Ko oPm Album Philippine Malls and All Tour on May 4-25: (1) “Masaya maging isang ina. Palaging maganda ang feeling. Salamat sa Diyos na
a responsibility, not ownership’
Janice Israel Delima with her children (from left) Saviona, Karl and Noah. Photos compiled by Rogelio Medina Illinois-based Cecilia and Ernesto David with their grandchild Luka.
(Left to Right) Lea Salonga, Nicole Scherzinger and Darren Criss Photos from msleasalonga, nicolescherzinger, darrencriss/Instagram
Bea Alonzo; Vincent Co and a mystery woman.
Photos from Instagram/@beaalonzo, @vincent.c0
Visitacion Tan with her son, singer-nurse Nick Vera Perez
U.S. President Donald J. Trump had a recent blast at the 2025 White House Easter Egg Roll.
Mary Demer with her husband Brian and kids Pierce and Savannah at the White House’s Easter Egg Roll 2025.
Rita Magdalena during recent Easter Egg hunt with her son Caleb, named after one of the twelve faithful and courageous followers sent by Moses to scout the land of Canaan (Numbers 13–14).
Christina Aliada with her kids (from left) Mark Deniz, Stephenie Anne and Princess Denisse.
