Trump pushes for July 4 deadline on immigration and tax bill
Senate faces internal GOP split as Trump rallies for passage of signature agenda
WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump is pushing Senate Republicans to deliver his most ambitious legislative package yet — the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” — to his desk by July 4, intensifying a political showdown that could shape the remainder of the 2026 campaign season.
In a June 1 post on Truth Social, Trump called on lawmakers to move “as fast as they can” to finalize the bill, which narrowly passed the House last month. The sweeping proposal includes tax cuts, immigration reforms, and major federal spending reductions. But with internal Republican divisions surfacing in the Senate, its fate remains far from certain.
Key provisions: Taxes, immigration, and spending cuts
At its core, the bill builds on Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. It increases the child tax credit to $2,500 through 2028, allows a $10,000 credit for buyers of Americanmade vehicles, and raises the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap to $40,000 for households earning under $500,000. It also
Border reset: San Diego facility closed as illegal crossings plunge 96%
The Trump administration shutters a key migrant center in San Diego following historic lows in border crossings, ramping up enforcement while critics warn of legal and humanitarian consequences
SAN DIEGO — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced the closure of a soft-sided migrant processing facility near Brown Field in San Diego, citing a dramatic decline in illegal border crossings in the region. The facility, built in January 2023 under the Biden administration, was designed to handle migrant surges that never materialized under current enforcement conditions.
“Due to the unprecedented decrease in illegal crossings this year, the massive 1,000-person San Diego Sector Soft-Sided Facility has been dismantled,” said Acting Chief Patrol Agent Jeffrey Stalnaker. In March 2025, the San Diego Sector recorded 1,199 migrant arrests—down from over 3,400 the year before—marking a 186% decline.
Nationwide enforcement measures
The closure coincides with a wider trend. According to CBP data, illegal crossings nationwide reached a record low of approximately 7,181 in March 2025—a 95% drop from March 2024. The Trump administration attributes this to a hardline immigration policy that includes deportation quotas, heightened interior enforcement, and enhanced border surveillance.
Trump administration moves to rescind federal funding from California’s high-speed rail project amid delays and cost overruns. State defends vision, future uncertain.
by AJPress
Cabinet reset takes shape: Marcos finalizes who stays, who goes
MANILA — Nearly a month after the midterm elections delivered a sobering verdict on his leadership, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has finalized key decisions in a sweeping Cabinet reshuffle— marking a shift from symbolic gestures to concrete administrative moves.
What began as a blanket request for courtesy resignations in mid-May has evolved into a full-fledged reorganization of the president’s core team. While several top officials have been replaced or reassigned, a significant number of department heads
have been asked to stay on—reflecting a strategy that favors continuity in critical areas while addressing calls for improved performance.
At the helm of the reshuffle is Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, whose own resignation was declined by the president.
“These people are being asked to give fresh attention to their assignments,” Bersamin said in a June 3 Palace briefing.
“They’ve been the subjects of intrigues, they’ve been harassed, and this is their simple justice.”
MUNTINLUPA CITY — Former Negros Oriental 3rd District Representative Arnolfo “Arnie” Teves Jr. remains in the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), now formally facing multiple charges, including murder, frustrated murder, attempted murder, and illegal possession of firearms and explosives in connection with the 2023 assassination of Governor Roel Degamo. Arraignment held; court enters ‘not guilty’ plea
On June 4, 2025, Teves appeared before the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 12 for arraignment on firearms and explosives-
related charges. When asked to enter a plea, Teves declined to respond. In accordance with procedure, the court entered a “not guilty” plea on his behalf.
In a related move, the NBI deferred Teves’ transfer to the Manila City Jail, despite a commitment order, as his legal team filed a motion to consolidate all pending cases before any relocation occurs.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago confirmed that the bureau is awaiting the court’s decision on the motion, emphasizing the government’s duty to uphold Teves’ constitutional rights during the process.
The assassination of Roel Degamo
Governor Roel Degamo was assassinated
Senators clash over timeline, constitutional duty as House prosecutors prepare for June 11 session
by AJPress
Nearly four months after the House of Representatives transmitted articles
HIV cases in PH surge 500% among youth, DOH seeks national health emergency declaration
With HIV infections among Filipino youth skyrocketing, the Department of Health is pushing for a national health emergency to accelerate prevention efforts, expand testing, and confront growing risks head-on.
a 12-yearold from Palawan, according to the DOH.
“This is more dangerous than
Mpox,” said Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa during a press briefing on Monday, June 2. “We need to act urgently. We need to declare a national emergency.” Herbosa confirmed that a formal recommendation was sent to the Office of the president, citing the need for a coordinated, multiagency response. DOH programs and response The department has intensified its programs against HIV, expanding free and confidential testing services, distributing antiretroviral therapy (ART), and partnering with organizations such as LoveYourself to improve outreach. Public awareness campaigns are also being launched, targeting schools, barangays, and digital platforms where at-risk youth are most active.
LOS ANGELES – In a sweeping rebuke of California’s embattled high-speed rail project, the Trump administration announced its intention to
by AJPress
by AJPress by AJPress
HIV cases in PH surge 500% among youth...
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The DOH also reassured the public of sufficient stockpiles of antiretroviral drugs and HIV test kits nationwide. International concern and support In a rare move, the United Nations called attention to the Philippine HIV crisis, expressing solidarity and support through its local agencies, including UNAIDS, UNFPA, and UNICEF.
“The scale of the problem demands a whole-of-society response,” said UN Resident Coordinator Arnaud Peral. “We support the government’s goal of ending AIDS by 2030, but only bold, unified action will reverse this trend.”
What’s fueling the surge?
Health experts and community advocates point to a combination of factors:
• Inadequate Sex Education: Many public schools still lack comprehensive sexual health programs. This knowledge gap leaves young people vulnerable to misinformation and risky behavior.
• Access Barriers: Youth attempting to access condoms or
HIV services are often discouraged by judgmental healthcare interactions or social stigma.
• Stigma and Discrimination: Cultural shame surrounding HIV/ AIDS continues to prevent people from getting tested or seeking treatment early.
• Behavioral Risks: DOH data shows most transmissions occur through unprotected sexual contact, particularly among males who have sex with males.
“Young people are being blamed for being careless, but the truth is they are not given the tools or space to protect themselves,” said Kael Mata, a community organizer who works with at-risk LGBTQ+ youth.
The need for shared accountability While structural reforms are necessary, health officials and educators are also calling for greater personal responsibility among individuals.
“Awareness without action is apathy,” said Miss Universe Philippines 2025 Ahtisa Manalo, who advocates for HIV education. “We must equip the youth with facts, not fear.”
The DOH emphasized four personal steps to curb the spread:
1. Practice safe sex — Use condoms consistently.
2. Get tested regularly — Early detection can save lives.
3. Start and adhere to treatment — ART suppresses the virus to undetectable, untransmittable levels.
4. Speak up against stigma — Support those living with HIV and advocate for safe spaces.
The call to act
If approved, the emergency declaration would unlock broader resources, require local governments to implement HIVrelated programs, and send a strong national signal that the crisis demands immediate attention.
“The numbers don’t lie,” Secretary Herbosa said. “If we don’t act now, we will lose an entire generation to a preventable disease.”
As the country approaches the midpoint of its commitment to ending AIDS by 2030, the success of this effort may hinge not only on government policy—but on public will. n
Teves arraigned, court enters ‘not guilty’ plea
on March 4, 2023, at his residence in Pamplona, Negros Oriental, during a weekend aid distribution event. Gunmen in military-style uniforms opened fire, killing Degamo and nine others, and injuring several others.
Degamo, a three-term governor, had recently reclaimed the post after a Supreme Court ruling nullified a previous proclamation. His death shocked the nation and prompted widespread condemnation.
Multiple suspects were arrested shortly after the attack, some of whom later alleged that Teves orchestrated the killing—an accusation he denies and which remains unproven in court. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has since filed several charges against him across multiple jurisdictions.
Denial, deportation, and legal strategy
Teves has consistently denied any involvement. He claimed to be undergoing stem cell treatment in the U.S. at the time of the attack—a claim not independently verified. He cited threats to his
life as justification for his refusal to return to the Philippines after being implicated.
He later sought political asylum in Timor-Leste, claiming political persecution. The request was denied, and he was deported in May 2025 after exhausting all legal remedies. Upon arrival, he was placed under NBI custody at its high-security facility in the New Bilibid Prison compound.
His legal counsel, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, has reiterated calls for due process and fair trial conditions. “Our client welcomes the opportunity to defend himself in court,” Topacio said in a previous statement.
From Congress to courtroom Teves served as the 3rd District Representative of Negros Oriental from 2016 until his expulsion from the House of Representatives in August 2023—a historic first under the post-EDSA Constitution. He was also a former Deputy Speaker.
The House cited “disorderly behavior” and his prolonged unauthorized absences as justification. In the May 2025 midterm elections, Janice
Degamo, the widow of the slain governor, was elected to the same congressional seat.
Awaiting further proceedings Teves is expected to face arraignment on additional charges in the coming weeks. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said that while the state will ensure full respect for legal rights, it will pursue justice without fear or favor.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who earlier urged Teves to surrender, said, “It is now time for Arnie Teves to face justice.”
As of press time, no court has rendered a verdict. Arnolfo Teves Jr. remains presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The road to accountability
With Teves now formally arraigned, the legal process moves forward in what is widely seen as one of the most consequential political murder cases in recent Philippine history. For the families of the victims, especially the Degamos, the long wait for accountability has entered a new phase—inside the courtroom. n
Trump administration moves...
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and failure to meet key milestones.
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) issued a formal notice on Tuesday, June 4, stating that the state has “no viable path forward” for the ambitious rail line, originally envisioned to connect San Francisco and Los Angeles in under three hours.
“Billions have already been spent with little to no results to show for it,” an FRA official said, adding that California had “materially failed to comply with the terms of the agreement.”
The dream: Speed, sustainability, and connection
The California High-Speed Rail project was formally launched in 2008 when voters approved Proposition 1A, authorizing the state to issue $9.95 billion in general obligation bonds. Of this amount, $9 billion was designated for planning and constructing a high-speed passenger train system, while $950 million was set aside for capital improvements to local and regional transit systems that would connect with highspeed rail.
The vision called for a fully electrified rail network that would eventually span about 800 miles across the state, linking major metropolitan areas including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Anaheim, Sacramento, and San Diego.
The project’s first phase—approximately 500 miles between San Francisco and Anaheim via the Central Valley—was initially projected to be completed by 2020 at an estimated cost of $33 billion.
Promising to cut travel times, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and ease congestion on highways and in airports, the rail system was positioned as a transformative investment in California’s future. It was also intended to promote sustainable growth by encouraging denser urban development around planned station hubs.
“High-speed rail will help California meet its climate goals while creating thousands of jobs and connecting underserved regions,” the California HighSpeed Rail Authority wrote in its first business plan in 2009.
But while the dream remains alive, the realities of implementation have proven far more complicated.
The reality: Delays, deficits, and doubts
Construction is currently concentrated in the Central Valley, specifically a 171-mile segment between Merced and Bakersfield. Though 119 miles are under construction, the segment is not operational, and no train tracks have been laid as of June 2025.
Originally slated for completion by 2020, the entire route’s revised timeline now stretches to at least 2033. Estimated costs have ballooned from $33 billion to as high as $128 billion, depending on the scope of completion.
To date, the California HighSpeed Rail Authority (CHSRA) has spent over $14 billion—with about 82% of funding coming from state sources such as capand-trade revenues.
“This isn’t a 700-mile system anymore. It’s a 119-mile track to nowhere,” said House Transportation Committee
Chair Sam Graves (R-MO) in a statement supporting the funding withdrawal.
Biden reinstated, Trump now seeks to revoke
In 2019, the first Trump administration previously attempted to rescind federal grants, but the Biden administration reversed that decision in 2021, restoring nearly $1 billion and providing an additional $3.3 billion to jumpstart construction. Now, under a second Trump term, the administration argues the federal investment is no longer justifiable.
An FRA audit cited multiple instances of noncompliance and delays, emphasizing that the state failed to present an updated, financially feasible business plan that ensures timely completion.
California has 30 days to respond to the FRA’s latest findings and attempt to preserve the funding.
The state’s defense California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the administration’s move, calling it “political retribution” and reaffirming the state’s commitment to the project.
“We’re not abandoning highspeed rail. We’re doubling down,” Newsom said in a press briefing.
“We’ve created over 109,000 job-years of employment and are building the backbone of a system that will define sustainable transit for generations.”
The Governor’s May budget proposal includes a pledge to allocate $1 billion annually for the next 20 years to keep the project moving forward—though critics argue the project still lacks sufficient private investment and financial transparency.
Newly appointed CHSRA CEO Ian Choudri, a former international rail executive, has promised to stabilize timelines, attract private partners, and improve cost control.
Economic and environmental
stakes
Supporters point to the Central Valley segment as a critical step
toward building regional equity. An operational Merced-toBakersfield route would connect low-income, underserved communities with broader job markets and educational centers.
According to a 2025 report by the High-Speed Rail Authority, the project has already contributed $8 billion in labor income and supported over 10,000 construction jobs annually. The agency also projects longterm reductions in vehicle miles traveled, air pollution, and oil dependency.
“This isn’t just about getting from point A to B,” said UCLA transportation researcher Julia Munsayac. “It’s about shaping the state’s economic and climate future.”
What’s next
With the $4 billion now hanging in the balance, California faces a critical month. A formal response from the state is expected by July 3. Failure to resolve the dispute could set back the project by years—or permanently derail it.
While the 119-mile Central Valley portion may still be completed with state funds, the vision of a bullet train linking Northern and Southern California remains, for now, more promise than progress.
Quick facts: California highspeed rail
• Proposed Route: San Francisco - Los Angeles - Anaheim (Phase 1); extensions to Sacramento and San Diego (Phase 2)
• Original Cost Estimate (2008): $33 billion • Current Estimate: $89–$128 billion • Voter Approval: 2008 via Proposition 1A • Jobs Created: Over 109,000 job-years (as of 2025) • Current Status: 119 miles under construction in Central Valley • Projected Operational Date for Merced-Bakersfield segment: 2031–2033
• Lead Agency: California HighSpeed Rail Authority (CHSRA). n
Trump pushes for July 4 deadline on...
PAGE 1 introduces new tax deductions for tipped and overtime income — measures framed as relief for hourly and service workers.
On immigration, the legislation reinstates the “Remain in Mexico” policy for asylum seekers, mandates nationwide E-Verify usage by employers, and fasttracks deportation proceedings for undocumented immigrants with criminal records.
To fund these changes, the bill proposes cutting $600 billion from Medicaid over the next decade, largely by enforcing work requirements. According to a May 29 analysis by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the Medicaid cuts could result in 8.6 million Americans losing coverage. The bill would also raise the debt ceiling by $4 trillion, suspending borrowing limits through 2030.
Senate divisions threaten timeline
With a narrow 51–49 Senate majority, Republicans can afford to lose no more than three votes. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) is leading negotiations, but resistance is coming from both moderate and conservative wings of the party.
Senators Susan Collins (RME), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Josh Hawley (R-MO) have expressed concerns over the impact of Medicaid reductions
and immigration tightening. On the opposite end, Senators Rand Paul (R-KY) and Ron Johnson (R-WI) argue that the bill fails to cut spending deeply enough and object to lifting the debt ceiling. Johnson, in a statement to The Wall Street Journal, called the package “fiscal madness.”
Any amendments made in the Senate would require approval from the House, where Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) warned that changes could fracture the fragile coalition that passed the bill by a 219–213 margin. Trump mobilizes behind the scenes
While Trump has no public events scheduled this week, White House officials confirm he has been personally lobbying senators by phone. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said during a briefing Tuesday that the bill reflects “the President’s commitment to restoring economic fairness and border integrity.”
NPR reports that administration aides are planning targeted visits to states represented by undecided GOP senators, hoping to apply political pressure ahead of the July 4 deadline.
Concerns from Asian American advocates Asian American organizations have voiced alarm over the bill’s immigration components, especially provisions that
would reduce family-based visa categories and tighten asylum eligibility.
“Policies like these impact thousands of Asian American families — particularly those in mixed-status households,” said Connie Chung Joe, CEO of Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC), in a June 3 press statement. “We urge lawmakers to consider the human cost of these rushed reforms.”
The group called for Congress to preserve family reunification pathways, which have historically been a cornerstone of legal Asian immigration to the United States. What’s at stake
As Senate negotiations continue, the clock ticks toward July 4 — a deadline Trump and his allies are treating as both symbolic and strategic. If successful, the bill would mark the most significant conservative legislative win since the 2017 tax overhaul. If it fails, it could expose deep fissures in Republican priorities heading into the midterms.
“We’re doing what’s right for American workers, taxpayers, and families,” said Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH), one of the bill’s key supporters. “Let’s get it done.”
But with moderates and hardliners still far apart, the road to final passage remains uncertain. (AJPress)
PNP readies plan for possible ICC arrest order for Bato
by EmmanuEl Tupas Philstar.com
MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is preparing a contingency plan should the International Criminal Court issue a warrant of arrest for Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, the chief implementor of the bloody war on drugs of former president Rodrigo Duterte.
This was according to new PNP chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III who declined to give details, saying “we’ll cross the bridge when we get there.”
At a briefing on Monday, June 3 – his first as PNP chief – Torre said he did not want to speculate on what might unfold in the coming days.
“It’s hard to pre-empt what can happen. What if nothing comes up?” he said.
Torre explained that “it’s really something that has to be acted upon, when it’s already there. We’ll make decision as it comes.”
When he was the director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), Torre personally arrested Duterte last March in compliance with a red notice alert from the International Criminal Police Organization or Interpol.
Dela Rosa was Duterte’s first PNP chief who implemented the early stages of the former president’s anti-drug campaign.
Also at the same briefing, Torre challenged former presidential spokesman Harry Roque to return to the country and face the qualified human trafficking case filed against him.
Torre maintained that since Roque is a lawyer, he is aware that the only way for him to prove his innocence is to face the charges against him in court.
“It’s something he has to face. Talking in the streets or joining rallies won’t do,” Torre said.
“You really have to come and submit yourself to the jurisdiction of the courts and make your arguments regarding your case,” he added.
Roque is applying for political asylum in The Hague in the Netherlands.
Judge Rene Reyes of the Angeles Regional Trial Court Branch 118 ordered law enforcement authorities to arrest Roque, Cassandra Li Ong and 51 others in connection with the alleged human trafficking activities at the Lucky South 99, a Philippine offshore gaming
operator hub in Porac town in Pampanga.
Two of Roque and Ong’s coaccused were arrested earlier by the tracker teams of the CIDG.
Torre pointed out prosecutors had established probable cause, which prompted the filing of cases against Roque.
“The court was convinced of the information, that’s why they issued a warrant of arrest,” he said.
Meanwhile, a group of Filipino migrants in the Netherlands has urged the city government of The Hague to look into a photo exhibit organized by Duterte’s supporters in his honor.
Filipino migrant group Balik/ Bayan, a member of the Duterte Panagutin Europe Network, said the exhibit recently visited by Vice President Sara Duterte is an “insult to the memory” of the victims of the former president’s drug war.
“The exhibit displays the delusional proclamations of Duterte, such as his government being for ‘the helpless, the hopeless and the defenseless,’ and that he was ‘willing to go to hell’ so that the people he served ‘live in paradise,’” the group said.
“In fact, Duterte’s ‘war on drugs’ killed thousands of defenseless Filipinos and made the country a living hell for the poor. The Dutertes continue to inflict pain on their victims in this heartless act of insult, sending the cruel message that the lives of their loved ones were disposable,” it added.
For the group, the exhibit located in one of The Hague’s prominent public spaces makes a mockery of the city’s branding as the “City of Peace and Justice.”
“We ask that the city of The Hague review how this exhibit was approved and take urgent action to ensure that public spaces are not used to flaunt the image of tyrants and human rights violators,” it said.
“Freedom of expression does not mean freedom to sanitize the crimes of a murderous regime, nor to trample on the dignity of victims and their families. No exhibit can erase the bloodstained legacy of Duterte and his family,” the group added.
Based on posts shared among Duterte’s supporters, the exhibit – titled “Rodrigo Roa Duterte: The President’s People” – was intended to be set up in various locations in the city. (With reports from Janvic Mateo)
Plano para sa Taon ng Pananalapi na 2026-27 Annual Plan at mga oportunidad para makibahagi, bisitahin ang www.engage. sandiegocounty.gov/2025-29consolidated-plan. 6/6/25
BBM RICE. A staff of the Department of Agriculture - Agribusiness Development Center (left) repacks the PHP20-per-kg. rice into 10-kg. bags, at the Kadiwa ng Pangulo store along Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. The “Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na” rice is available in Kadiwa centers in Metro Manila and select provinces in Luzon and the Visayas. PNA photo by Ben Briones
Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa answers questions from the media during a press conference at the Senate in Pasay City on September 18, 2024. STAR / Jesse Bustos
Border reset: San Diego facility closed as illegal...
Since President Donald Trump’s return to office on January 20, more than 100,000 unauthorized migrants have been deported, according to the Department of Homeland Security. In contrast, only nine individuals have been released into the U.S. under immigration custody during the same period—a 99.9% reduction compared to the previous year.
Policy initiatives and military deployment
The administration has reinstated the “Remain in Mexico” program and declared a national emergency at the southern border to expedite wall construction. More than 10,000 active-duty and National Guard troops have also been deployed to reinforce Customs and Border Protection operations across key border sectors.
On June 4, President Trump expanded the administration’s travel restrictions, signing a proclamation banning or limiting entry from 19 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Haiti, and Venezuela. The White House said the move
was to “ensure the integrity of America’s immigration system.”
Record arrests and rising legal battles
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reported over 2,300 arrests nationwide on June 3, the largest single-day total since Trump resumed office. Many of those arrested were identified through workplace raids and targeted detainers.
Critics, including immigrant advocacy groups and civil rights lawyers, have filed legal challenges questioning the constitutionality of the mass raids and fast-track deportations.
A federal judge recently blocked the administration’s attempt to deport migrants to South Sudan, citing failure to provide due process and potential risk to the deportees.
Shifting border dynamics The closure of the San Diego migrant processing center marks a symbolic and strategic pivot in how the U.S. government approaches border enforcement. For the Trump administration, the sharp decline in illegal crossings is viewed as validation of its approach.
But for immigration scholars and humanitarian observers, the long-term sustainability of enforcement-first policies remains in question.
“Migration patterns are influenced by a complex interplay of factors, and policy measures often have limited long-term effects due to these underlying dynamics,” said Hein de Haas, a prominent migration scholar and co-director of the International Migration Institute.
With the 2026 midterm elections on the horizon, immigration is shaping up to be one of the most politically charged issues of the cycle. A sweeping tax and immigration bill—currently pending in the Senate—includes over $150 billion in border enforcement funding and is a centerpiece of the administration’s legislative agenda.
The debate over that bill, and the real-world impact of the administration’s policies on families, border communities, and the national economy, is already rippling far beyond the border. (AJPress)
Cabinet reset takes shape: Marcos finalizes...
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in 21 senior officials, many of whom oversee key portfolios tied to infrastructure, social services, and governance. The retained officials include:
Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. – Agriculture
Conrado Estrella III – Agrarian Reform
Sonny Angara – Education
Jose Francisco Benitez – TESDA
Bienvenido Laguesma – Labor and Employment
Rex Gatchalian – Social Welfare
Teodoro Herbosa – Health
Hans Leo Cacdac – Migrant Workers
Renato Solidum Jr. – Science and Technology
Christina Garcia-Frasco – Tourism
Henry Rhoel Aguda – ICT
Vivencio “Vince” Dizon – Transportation
Manuel Bonoan – Public Works
Juan Ponce Enrile – Chief Presidential Legal
Counsel
Elaine Masukat – Presidential Management Staff
Romeo Lumagui Jr. – BIR
Bienvenido Rubio – Customs
Sharon Almanza – National Treasurer
Romando Artes, Leo Tereso Magno, and Antonio Cerilles – advisory roles
Foreign Affairs
Secretary Enrique Manalo remains in post pending confirmation of his nomination as the country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
Economic team retained
Despite the sweeping nature of the resignation directive, Marcos opted to retain his entire economic team—a signal to markets, investors, and the international community that policy continuity remains a top priority amid fiscal and investment pressures.
The retained economic officials are:
Ralph Recto – Secretary of Finance
Amenah Pangandaman – Secretary of Budget and Management
Arsenio Balisacan – Secretary of Economy, Planning, and Development (NEDA)
Maria Cristina Roque – Secretary of Trade and Industry
Frederick Go – Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs
Reassignments signal targeted reset
Key reshuffles reflect targeted administrative shifts in response to performance assessments and sector-specific concerns.
Raphael Lotilla – reassigned from Energy to DENR, replacing Toni Yulo-Loyzaga
Sharon Garin – appointed Officer-in-Charge, Department of Energy
Jose Acuzar – reassigned as Presidential Adviser for Pasig River Rehabilitation
Jose Ramon Aliling – appointed Secretary of Human Settlements and Urban Development
Darlene Marie Berberabe – named Solicitor General, replacing Menardo Guevarra
Dr. Shirley Agrupis – appointed CHED Chair, replacing Prospero de Vera III
Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III – appointed PNP Chief, replacing Gen. Rommel Marbil
Accepted resignations
The following officials had their resignations formally accepted:
Toni Yulo-Loyzaga – Environment
Menardo Guevarra – Solicitor General
Jose Acuzar – Housing (reassigned)
Meynard Sabili – Urban Poor Commission
Terence Calatrava – Presidential Assistant for the Visayas
Almarim Tillah – Adviser on Muslim Affairs
Menandro Espinelli – Adviser for Special Concerns
Recap: How the reset unfolded
May 16 – Marcos requested courtesy resignations from all Cabinet members
May 22 – DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. offered resignation (later declined) May 29 – Darlene Berberabe sworn in as Solicitor General May 31 – Major reassignments announced in housing, energy, and environment June 2 – PNP Chief Rommel Marbil officially retired; Torre named successor June 3 – Bersamin presented the retained list and warned of further changes
Midterm impact: Political pressure builds The May 12 midterm elections delivered underwhelming results for the administration. The Marcos-led Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas secured only six of the twelve contested Senate seats—its weakest showing for an incumbent-backed slate since 2007.
The coalition’s winning candidates were Erwin Tulfo, Panfilo Lacson, Vicente Sotto III, Pia Cayetano, Camille Villar, and Lito Lapid.
Confirmation push continues The Commission on Appointments is reviewing over 360 presidential appointments before Congress adjourns on June 13. These include: Vince Dizon – endorsed by CA Transportation Committee Henry Aguda (ICT) and Jaybee Ruiz (Communications) – hearings in progress
Appointees to COMELEC, CSC, and COA 294 senior military officers – hearings scheduled for June 4, 10, and 11
Further appointments, particularly at the undersecretary and agency levels, are expected in the weeks ahead.
Reset without disruption
Far from a purge, the Cabinet reset has taken shape as a measured recalibration—preserving institutional stability and economic credibility while initiating leadership changes in departments under public scrutiny.
“This is about stability, not stagnation,” said one senior Palace official. “We’re keeping what works— and improving what must.”
With less than three years remaining in his term, President Marcos now faces a defining stretch: translating administrative adjustments into results on inflation, infrastructure delivery, and restoring public trust. This is a developing story. Further updates will follow.
Divided Senate delays Duterte...
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lawmakers, legal experts, and some House leaders, who insist the Senate is bound by the Constitution to act on impeachment without unnecessary deferral.
“I’m not the accused in the impeachment complaint. I don’t see the connection between postponing [the proceedings] and keeping my post,” Escudero told reporters. “The Constitution does not mandate haste—it mandates fairness.”
Escudero emphasized that the Senate plenary— not its presiding officer—holds the final authority to determine whether a trial begins before adjournment. He also asserted that the current Congress cannot dictate the calendar of the next.
Four-month recess, one seat vacant
The House impeached Vice President Duterte on February 5, 2025, just before the Senate adjourned for a four-month recess from February 7 to June 2. The break coincided with the May 2025 midterm elections, during which 12 Senate seats were contested.
Although the articles were transmitted before adjournment, no proceedings were initiated. Escudero cited the prioritization of LEDAC-backed legislation over the trial calendar.
Adding to the delay is the vacant Senate seat left by Sonny Angara, who was appointed Education Secretary in July 2024. The Commission on Elections declined to hold a special election due to the proximity of the 2025 polls.
The Senate now has 23 sitting members, a detail that could affect quorum and two-thirds voting thresholds required for conviction.
Current members include Escudero, Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, Majority Leader Francis Tolentino, and Minority Leader Koko Pimentel. Also serving are Nancy Binay, Pia Cayetano, Alan Peter Cayetano, Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, JV Ejercito, Win Gatchalian, Bong Go, Risa Hontiveros, Lito Lapid, Loren Legarda, Imee Marcos, Grace Poe, Robin Padilla, Bong Revilla Jr., Raffy Tulfo, Joel Villanueva, Cynthia Villar, Mark Villar, and Migz Zubiri.
Senators divided over trial timing
Majority Leader Tolentino has argued that the impeachment trial must conclude before the 19th Congress ends on June 30, citing Jefferson’s Manual to support his position that “unfinished business” does not carry over.
But Minority Leader Pimentel and Senator Hontiveros maintain that impeachment proceedings are a constitutional function—not legislative business—and can continue in the 20th Congress.
“There is nothing in the Constitution that bars a trial from continuing,” Hontiveros said. “This is not about legislation. This is a constitutional mandate.”
Senator Raffy Tulfo added that delaying the process may erode public trust in the Senate’s role as an independent constitutional body.
Dela Rosa Pushes for Dismissal
Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa confirmed on Wednesday that his office drafted a resolution seeking to declare the impeachment case against Vice President Duterte “de facto dismissed” due to the Senate’s failure to act within 100 days of receiving the articles.
“It came from my office,” Dela Rosa told reporters, emphasizing that the resolution speaks for itself.
The draft argues that the Senate’s inaction effectively nullifies the case, especially with limited time left in the current Congress. Dela Rosa mentioned that several colleagues have expressed support for the resolution, though he did not specify numbers.
“I have a number, but I cannot say how many. I have a number, zero to 24,” he said.
He also noted that other senators might be preparing similar resolutions and suggested the possibility of consolidating them into a version acceptable to the majority.
Legal experts and lawmakers warn of constitutional violation Senate Minority Leader Pimentel criticized the proposed summary dismissal, stating it would violate the 1987 Constitution.
“The Constitution says ‘Trial by the Senate shall forthwith proceed,” Pimentel emphasized, arguing that both the public and the accused deserve a full trial.
Constitutional law experts, including UP College of Law assistant professor Paolo Tamase and former Commission on Elections Chairman Christian Monsod, echoed this sentiment, warning that bypassing a trial could lead to legal challenges and undermine democratic principles.
“The Senate cannot ‘get out’ of its duty,” Monsod asserted, highlighting the obligation to conduct a proper impeachment trial.
House prosecution team ready House Speaker Martin Romualdez said the lower chamber had fulfilled its role and is now deferring to the Senate.
Rep. Lorenz Defensor, who leads the House prosecution panel, confirmed the team has conducted mock trials and is “80% ready” to begin.
“We are prepared to present the case. We’re just waiting for the Senate to act,” Defensor said. ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro questioned the Senate’s intentions, asking whether the delay was retaliation for the timing of the House’s transmittal. Akbayan Rep. Percival Cendaña called the inaction a dangerous signal.
“It creates the perception that accountability can be delayed—or avoided entirely,” Cendaña said.
Duterte’s response: legal and personal
Vice President Sara Duterte has not commented directly on the Senate’s delay, but previously filed a petition before the Supreme Court seeking to void the impeachment complaint on grounds of grave abuse of discretion by the House.
She has consistently denied the charges, describing the process as politically motivated. In an earlier public appearance, Duterte dismissed the gravity of the impeachment with a quip: “Being rejected by a boyfriend is worse than being impeached.” She ended her remarks with, “God save the Philippines.”
The charges against Duterte
The House approved the impeachment with 215 votes, consolidating three complaints filed in December 2024 by Gary Alejano, Satur Ocampo, France Castro, and civil society leaders.
Charges include:
– Culpable violation of the Constitution
– Betrayal of public trust
– Graft and corruption
– Other high crimes
Key allegations involve:
– The alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential and intelligence funds
– A controversial remark perceived as a threat to President Marcos Jr.
– A perceived failure to take a firm stance against Chinese incursions in the West Philippine Sea
Duterte has denied all charges, calling the complaint politically driven.
June 11: A constitutional crossroads With only one session day scheduled, it is unclear whether the Senate will proceed with the trial or let the matter lapse into the next Congress. The outcome could reshape how constitutional duties are handled under political pressure.
“This isn’t just about the Vice President,” said a constitutional law professor. “It’s a test of whether our institutions act on accountability when it’s most difficult.”
As the 19th Congress nears its close, the Senate’s response—or indecision—could define the limits of constitutional responsibility in times of political strain. n
Dateline PhiliPPines
A camp reclaimed: After decades of disputes, the Philippines charts a new course for Camp John Hay
by AJPress
BAGUIO CITY — Camp John Hay, the storied mountain estate once reserved for American military rest and recreation, is undergoing another transition— this time under Philippine control and interim private sector management, following a decades-long legal battle.
Earlier this year, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) formally regained control over Camp John Hay’s commercial core, including The Manor, The Forest Lodge, and the CAP-John Hay Trade and Cultural Center. The takeover follows a 2024 Supreme Court decision affirming a 2015 arbitral ruling that nullified BCDA’s lease agreement with developer Camp John Hay Development Corporation (CJHDevCo) due to mutual breaches of contract.
Now, the government is preparing to reshape the estate’s future. But for hundreds of homeowners, condominium lessees, and golf club members who invested in the property under the previous developer, the transformation remains far from complete.
Legal ruling ends one chapter, opens another
The initial lease with CJHDevCo, signed in 1996, was intended to convert the former military base into a self-sustaining commercial and tourism zone. However, unresolved disputes over revenue-sharing, tax incentives, and development timelines led to arbitration. The 2015 decision ordered both parties to return what they had received from each other and declared the lease rescinded.
After nearly a decade of litigation, the Philippine Supreme Court upheld the award in 2024, enabling BCDA to retake possession of the property in January 2025.
In the wake of the takeover, BCDA enlisted Landco Lifestyle Ventures Inc. (LLV)—a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Investments Corp.—to oversee hotel and event operations in an interim capacity.
Displaced investors, legal fallout
Among those affected by the rescission are approximately 400 condominium owners and more than 160 estate lot holders who had entered into long-term lease agreements under CJHDevCo.
In response, BCDA offered new contracts, and by March 2025, the agency announced that over 95% of estate lot owners had signed updated agreements extending their leases through 2050 with renewal options.
However, some condominium owners have filed Petitions for Quieting of Title in Baguio courts, asserting that their original lease rights—valid until 2046—remain legally binding.
Concerns have also emerged regarding increased fees, including a reported P1.5 million security deposit required under the new lease terms.
Approximately 35 investors have initiated legal action against CJHDevCo, seeking to recover alleged losses and unfulfilled guarantees.
CJHDevCo, now sidelined from operations, has since offered to waive its P1.42 billion arbitral award if the government commits to honoring the rights of over 3,000 stakeholders—a proposal that, as of press time, has not been formally addressed by BCDA.
Golf club members push back Nearly 2,500 golf club members
were also affected by the transition. Many had purchased memberships under a program approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission. These memberships were revoked following BCDA’s reclamation of the golf course.
In response, a class suit led by former Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan has been filed to challenge the revocation.
In an attempt to address the issue, BCDA introduced interim terms: a flat monthly rate of P5,000 for active members, a P40,000 one-time fee to reestablish playing rights, and discounts for dependents and junior players.
Landco steps in, focuses on operations
While BCDA focuses on longterm redevelopment planning, Landco has implemented hospitality reforms under its interim management.
A 5% service charge, effective March 1, 2025, was introduced for hotel stays, with proceeds going directly to hotel employees.
Additional upgrades include enhanced wellness facilities, nature-based experiences, and public infrastructure improvements—such as improved lighting and pedestrian access—in coordination with the Baguio city government.
The road forward With Landco’s role confirmed
as interim, BCDA has stated it will revisit and revise the Camp John Hay master plan, with the intent of opening the estate to public bidding for long-term development.
In parallel, unresolved claims filed by homeowners and golf club members — some of which involve petitions for quieting of title and class suits over revoked memberships — continue to shape the estate’s legal landscape.
Whether through judicial resolution, settlement, or government intervention, the outcome of these disputes will likely determine the pace and direction of Camp John Hay’s future as a national heritage and tourism destination.
TIMELINE: Camp John Hay’s evolution
• 1903 — Established by the U.S. as a military R&R facility
• 1941 — Bombed during World War II; occupied by Japanese forces
• 1955 — Converted to John Hay Air Station
• 1991 — Turned over to the Philippine government
• 1996 — BCDA signs lease with CJHDevCo
• 2015 — Arbitration nullifies lease due to mutual breach
MANILA — Global bank JP Morgan is doubling down on its presence in the Philippines, aiming to power the next wave of financial innovation through strategic investments, fintech partnerships and cutting-edge cross-border payment technologies.
In an interview with The STAR JP Morgan global co-head of payments Max Neukirchen said that e-commerce is a booming sector in the country, which presents a significant opportunity for digital payments.
“We’re committed to supporting this growth, investing in technology, fostering partnerships and providing our own innovative payment solutions that are seamless and secure,” he said.
“We’re also committed to supporting the country’s journey towards greater financial inclusivity and innovation.”
Neukirchen said he is optimistic about the digital payment landscape in the Philippines and sees it as a high-potential market fueled by a digitally connected population and a thriving e-commerce ecosystem.
With 89 percent of adults owning mobile phones and 77 percent accessing the internet, the country provides fertile ground for digital transformation.
According to JP Morgan, merchant and utility payments, remittances, and loans already account for 65 percent of digital payment transactions in the Philippines. With over 250 fintech firms leading the way in digital inclusion, the country is emerging as a payments innovation hotspot in Southeast Asia.
A key component of JP Morgan’s strategy in Asia-Pacific is collaboration. The firm is actively partnering with fintech companies and local financial institutions to extend its reach and bring innovation to market faster.
“We call it ‘fintech plus’,” Neukirchen said. “We combine the scale, stability and trust of a global bank with the speed and agility of a fintech.”
This hybrid approach is already bearing fruit across the Association of Southeast Asian
Nations (ASEAN) region.
JP Morgan is working with players like Kasikornbank in Thailand (Project Carina), Oracle and Kyriba to build interoperable ecosystems that support everything from blockchain-based cross-border payments to realtime treasury operations. It also views cross-border payments as a critical area of transformation. With transaction volumes in Asia Pacific reaching $2 trillion last year — and projected to surge past $290 trillion globally by 2030 — the bank is aggressively investing in new rails and technologies.
These include account-toaccount payments, pay-to-wallet solutions and real-time payments, which are reshaping how businesses and consumers move money across borders.
Neukirchen also said that the Philippines presents tremendous opportunities, particularly in areas such as overseas remittances and the growing adoption of e-wallets.
“As a top remittance recipient in Asia, the Philippine market would require more and more cross-border payment solutions to cater to increasing remittance requirements,” he said.
“In conjunction with this, the increasing usage of e-wallet would entail more seamless and secure e-wallet solutions from global institutions such as ours,” he added.
As the Philippines continues to embrace digital payments and the broader Asia Pacific region pushes toward interoperability, JP Morgan is positioning itself not just as a service provider but as a catalyst for innovation and inclusive growth. n
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Camp John Hay
Photo from Camp John Hay’s official Facebook page
Max Neukirchen STAR / File
Graduation 2025: Beyond the cap and gown, the power to shape what comes next
EACH spring, graduation ceremonies across the United States mark the culmination of years of academic effort. As diplomas are conferred and celebratory music fills the air, graduates step into an uncertain world— armed with credentials, yet burdened by debt, economic volatility, and rising living costs.
The Class of 2025 enters a labor market that, while stable on the surface, remains deeply complex.
The national unemployment rate stood at 4.2% in April 2025—a figure that has held steady since May 2024—signaling broad market resilience.
Yet deeper indicators reveal a more fragile reality: 1.7 million individuals remain long-term unemployed, accounting for 23.5% of all unemployed persons, and the labor force participation rate remains at 62.6%. Entry-level wages are largely stagnant, while the cost of living continues to outpace income growth despite cooling inflation. .
Debt and policy shifts
According to the Education Data Initiative, the average federal student loan debt among all borrowers is $38,375, with recent bachelor’s degree recipients holding about $29,300. These numbers underscore the financial weight that many carry as they step into adulthood.
Recent legislative changes have reshaped how students and families finance higher education.
One major bill passed in May 2025 introduced adjustments such as the elimination of Grad PLUS loans, restrictions on Parent PLUS loans, and a consolidated repayment structure known as the “Repayment Assistance Plan.”
Supporters say the reforms aim to simplify repayment and reduce long-term debt burdens. Critics, however, caution that reduced borrowing options could impact students from lower-income households.
Additional policy actions have redirected federal
BaBe roMualdez
DURING my early years in life,
I would often hear the adults in the room talk about the political climate in our country. During the 1950s, the conversations would inevitably go into politics and some corruption in government, specifically the famous “golden bed” of president Elpidio Quirino.
I also remember hearing about the “Hukbalahap” (short for Hukbong Bayan Laban sa Hapon or People’s Army Against the Japanese), a guerilla army during World War II that fought the Japanese and subsequently went after Filipinos who were suspected of being “collaborators.” The Huks and their leaders then embraced communist ideology
TO partake in nation-building is not just admirable, it is necessary. Yet, many of our countrymen today are trapped in a limbo of inaction and despair. They are dismayed by the many long-standing problems of our land, such that their desire to play a part in making our nation great and strong is wanting. There is strife, there is avarice, and most of all, there is brazen and unbridled cunning that overshadows hard work, honesty, and diligence. They feel ambivalent about engaging in civic endeavors, lest their noble efforts be subverted and prove to be in vain.
I feel the profound disappointment of these fellow countrymen; their deep-seated rancor and terse remarks of resignation are appalling. “Your good intentions will be “eaten” by the system,” and “The upstanding ones are subverted
resources toward vocational training and trade schools. For example, $3 billion in grants were reallocated from traditional university funding to workforce development programs, citing a renewed emphasis on skills-based education.
Meanwhile, proposed restrictions on international student enrollment at certain institutions have prompted legal challenges, reflecting ongoing tensions over immigration, campus climate, and institutional accountability.
These developments underscore the increasing influence of political and cultural dynamics on higher education. Students must now consider not only academics and affordability, but also how policy trends—regardless of party—might affect their access to education, career opportunities, and future stability.
Underemployment and labor market realities
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York reports that 41.2% of recent graduates are underemployed— working in roles that do not require a college degree. The assumption that higher education guarantees upward mobility is being tested.
Many young adults are patching together incomes through gig work, freelance projects, or multiple part-time jobs. Career paths have become less linear. Agility, not just ambition, is now essential.
Mental health and cultural pressures Rising rates of stress, anxiety, and depression among young adults are well-documented. These mental health concerns are exacerbated by financial strain and social media-fueled expectations. For children of immigrants—including many in the
There will always be a Philippines
and were engaged in a rebellion against the government, with the armed conflict spreading across Central Luzon.
Then there was the Korean War, with the Philippines sending an army contingent known as the PEFTOK (Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea) to join the UN Forces. There was also the sad news about the death of President Ramon Magsaysay in a plane crash, a topic that was discussed in rather subdued tones, and I could somehow feel the sense of disquiet among the adults.
And to a young man like me, it seemed like there was so much turbulence in the country and all over the world. So during one family dinner, I asked my father what will happen to the country, and I will never forget what he said: “No matter what, there will always be a Philippines.”
Looking back, it was those words that instilled in me the perspective that there will always be a brighter horizon behind the dark clouds, to look at the glass as half full rather than half empty. I’m quite certain there will likely be less politics and politicking in the next three years of the presidency of Bongbong Marcos because he is forward looking and seriously determined to make the government more responsive to the people’s needs. Where others only see setbacks, he sees upcoming opportunities that would be a boon to the country politically, economically and security-wise.
Next year is the 80th anniversary of U.S.-Philippines diplomatic relations – a historic milestone that underscores the depth and strength of our ties that have remained solid despite the
Mindset of ambivalence: A stumbling block on our path to progress
by the undeserving, ”why waste your time?” With these comments, I fear our country’s outlook is far from encouraging— our patriotic passion, which is the bedrock of a “healthy” nation, is slipping away.
On the surface, we have a nation today that strives to reach its potential. But underneath the facade of positivity lies a hideous fundamental weakness—our people’s apathy toward civic involvement that dampens the eagerness to pursue our nation’s ideals and aspirations. If our countrymen do not have the heart to partake in building our nation, no one else will. It is us who shape the future of our nation and make it great. What should we do? I cannot blame these fellow countrymen. I esteem them highly—their ambivalence shows they have the compunction to resist the pressure of rampant impropriety and wickedness in our country. However, I regret
to say that nonchalance and inaction are not the answer to our problems. Our people’s muddled perspective, on account of being inured to the culture of iniquity and duplicity, has emboldened a sinister social atmosphere so that standing for what is right is often viewed as “punishing,” thus, ignored and thus, dismissed.
For those of us who believe and adhere to the principles of propriety, we thus become the voice that could restore order, strength, and stability to our nation. We should not hesitate to rise to the occasion where and when propriety is absent—when we do, we advance ourselves and our nation a step forward toward progress.(Inquirer.net)
* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * *
Email: turgano.julius@gmail.com
Filipino American community — family pressures to succeed and contribute can compound these stresses.
And yet, this generation has shown resilience and purpose. They are more civically engaged than their predecessors, advocating for mental health, labor rights, and climate justice. They vote. They organize. They push for systemic change.
Balancing hope with hard numbers
With the resumption of federal student loan collections on May 5, 2025—ending a five-year pandemic-era pause—graduates now re-enter a world still redefining the value and cost of higher education. But what has remained consistent is their demand for fairness: equitable wages, affordable housing, and a postsecondary system that does not jeopardize long-term financial health.
Graduation is more than a ceremonial
Demand and Supply
FROM the 1960s to the 1970s, the Philippines had the highest per capita GDP in Southeast Asia, surpassing countries like Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia. Vietnam was not even in the picture because of the raging war.
In 1985, Thailand’s per capita GDP overtook the Philippines. In 1993, it was Indonesia’s turn to overtake us.
In 1994, Malaysia surpassed us.
In the 1980s, Vietnam was grappling with the challenges of post-war reconstruction and the implementation of socialist economic policies, which proved disastrous.
Our GDP per capita during this period was approximately $761 compared to Vietnam’s approximately $91.
But by 2020, Vietnam left us eating its dust.
By 2021, Vietnam’s per capita GDP further increased to $3,409, while the Philippines’ remained at $3,328, solidifying Vietnam’s lead.
AT the resumption of the Senate sessions last Monday, June 2, the lines were clearly drawn between those in favor of and those against the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte. Their sentiments could no longer hide behind the oft-repeated “no comment” as the senators did in the past. This is because they will sit as senator-judges once the impeachment trial gets underway.
Last week, Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero unilaterally decided to reset the presentation of the Articles of
milestone—it embodies the resilience to endure upheaval and the faith to move forward amid uncertainty.
This generation has done its part—studied, struggled, adapted, and endured. The power to shape what comes next isn’t solely in the hands of institutions. It belongs to those who grab the bull by the horns—through action, vision, and resolve.
The journey ahead must be defined not by dependency, but by purposeful action. Economic shocks, political shifts, and policy changes will continue. But the power to steer the future lies in ones hands.
This generation cannot afford to wait—they must lead. The sooner they realize they are not bound by circumstances—but able to rise above them—the sooner they can begin to chart their own course with clarity and confidence. (AJPress)
More lessons from Vietnam
According to ChatGPT, four factors enabled our neighbors to overtake us.
Political instability (1970s –1980s): The Philippines experienced political turmoil, including the declaration of Martial Law and the coddling of Marcos cronies. Several coup attempts after the People Power Revolution by Gringo Honasan and company also affected economic stability. Overly corrupt politics, rent-seeking economic elites and iffy rule of law became par for the course.
Economic policies: Some ASEAN countries implemented more effective economic policies that promoted industrialization and foreign investment. We were happy with OFW remittances. Infrastructure and education: Investments in infrastructure and education in neighboring countries contributed to their economic growth. Our public education failed. Our youth became dumber and dumber with the World Bank declaring a 90 percent learning poverty.
Globalization: Certain ASEAN nations capitalized on globalization trends, attracting foreign direct investment and expanding their export markets. Enshrined in our Constitution is our fear of foreign investments
(FDI).
Vietnam’s economy has averaged six percent annual growth over the past 15 years, driven by industrialization, exportled strategies and FDI.
The Economist recalled that Vietnam had serious problems after the war ended on April 30, 1975.
“At first the victorious communist regime tried to ‘liquidate’ the private sector. Shortages, rationing and hunger followed. Annual inflation reached 454 percent and half of the Vietnamese were living in poverty…”
Then they legalized private enterprise and embraced market forces. Doi moi or “renovation.” GDP per person increased 18-fold and poverty plummeted, The Economist reports.
“Foreign investors, attracted by Vietnam’s cheap labor, political stability (it is a single-party, authoritarian state), proximity to Asian suppliers and generous incentives for manufacturing, have built lots of factories assembling consumer goods for export.”
But today, The Economist reports, Vietnam has problems
Is there really a religious voting bloc in the Phl?
Impeachment scheduled last Monday to next week. Under fire for the latest delay, Escudero announced to his Senate colleagues he would put VP Sara’s impeachment proceedings up for debate and votes at the plenary rescheduled on June 11.
But Senate majority leader Francis “Tol” Tolentino argued the impeachment trial will be considered “functionally dismissed” if they cannot complete it before 19th Congress bows out this June 30. Tolentino, who lost his reelection bid in last month’s elections, opined the impeachment trial could not cross over to the incoming 20th Congress.
Tolentino is one of the three senatorial candidates of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), of which President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (PBBM) is the nominal chieftain. Along with fellow PFP members, former Interior secretary Benhur Abalos and comebacking senator Manny Pacquiao, they all ran under the administration senatorial ticket of PBBM’s Alyansa ng Bagong Pilipinas.
On the last week of the election campaign, the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) quietly advised its flock to vote only for senatorial candidates who support their stand against impeachment. Supposedly, the
There will always be a Philippines... More lessons from Vietnam...
occasional bumps along the way – with the bond between our two nations withstanding the test of time. As U.S. Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby put it during our recent meeting – the alliance is crucial, and he assured us that we have a strong, respectful and committed ally in the United States. There are many indications that point to this fact, among them the visits of U.S. Indopacom Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo in February during the 80th commemoration of the Liberation of Manila; Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth who visited last March and a bipartisan U.S. congressional delegation that came in April, reaffirming their commitment and support for the alliance with discussions centering on defense cooperation, economic security and economic resilience.
If one will recall, the United States sent its first agricultural technology trade mission to the Philippines towards the latter part of 2023, with several American companies and a U.S. state university showcasing the latest innovations in agriculture technology (such as precision agriculture, digital farming and genetics), farm mechanization, ITenabled services and others that can help support the resiliency of the Philippine agriculture sector. We have in fact been talking with some experts on new
PAGE 6
technologies that could provide solutions to problems and challenges that impact the productivity of farmers (like climate change that could result in droughts or extreme weather events that affect crop yield) and which, hopefully, we could present to the Agriculture secretary at some point.
Next year, the Philippines will be hosting the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit which will be a major platform to further discuss the promotion of a rulesbased multilateral trading system in light of recent challenges to global trade that include the new U.S. tariff policy. As the ASEAN chair, the Philippines will have a major opportunity to enhance partnerships with our neighbors who share our commitment to regional peace and security as well as the rule of law.
During the recent ASEAN Summit in Malaysia, President Marcos reaffirmed our commitment to “defend our sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the WPS, in accordance with international law,” and renewed his call to “accelerate the adoption of a legally binding code of conduct in the South China Sea” to “safeguard maritime rights, promote stability and prevent miscalculations at sea.”
As we have been saying time and again, we will seek peaceful solutions to maritime issues with
our neighbors, particularly with China, who we absolutely want to have good relations with. While we respect China’s territorial integrity and their claims that are considered legitimate, we also expect them to do the same with us. This June, the Philippines and China will mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and we continue to be hopeful that we will be able to work with them on many issues that will benefit our two countries. As incoming Foreign Affairs Secretary Tess Lazaro said, challenges remain, but these do not define the entirety of our engagement and our friendship. Diplomacy is about relationships built on mutual respect, trust and dialogue.
Over the years, the Philippines has had its ups and down, its boom-and-bust cycles, facing so many challenges and going through upheavals from the time of the Spaniards to the Japanese and the Americans, up to more recent times in our history. Through it all, our country has survived and continued to stand strong and resilient, because ultimately – there will always be a Philippines. (Philstar.com)
* * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
Email: babeseyeview@gmail.com
Is there really a religious voting...
eight senatorial bets who got INC
bloc votes were: re-electionist
Senators Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Christopher “Bong Go,” Pia Cayetano, Imee Marcos and Ramon “Bong” Revilla. Also Las Piñas City Rep. Camille Villar and incumbent Sagip party-list representative Rodante Marcoleta and former senator Bam Aquino.
In the just concluded midterm elections, the Jesus is Lord (JIL) Church Worldwide endorsed eight senatorial bets – all reelectionists and comebacking legislators – and seven made it to the winner’s circle. While there are many Christian churches all over the country, the JIL is perhaps one of the most actively courted Christian groups in the Philippines. It is because the JIL actively remains as one of the biggest independent mega-churches
in the Philippines. The founding father of the JIL is Bro. Eddie Villanueva, who is concurrently the CIBAC partylist representative in the 19th Congress. The CIBAC, which stands for Citizens’ Battle Against Corruption, has been registered at the Commission on Elections as a political organization since 1997.
Receiving the Christian bloc’s endorsement were re-electionist Senators Go, Dela Rosa and Cayetano; comebacking senatorselect Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Aquino and Pacquiao. A copy of the JIL memo was obtained by members of the media on May 4. Initially, the candidates were vetted by an executive selection committee which the JIL disclosed at their annual Vision Casting exercise in January this
year. Candidates went through extensive panel interviews to discuss their platforms and positions on social issues. “The executive selection committee has adopted a set of stringent criteria rooted in Christian values with a strong emphasis on candidates’ commitment to truth, justice and righteousness,” read a copy of JIL’s internal memo that listed the senatorial bets they endorsed. After JIL’s endorsement became public, word spread fast among Christian communities such as the Philippines for Jesus Movement (PJM), which also endorsed the same senatorial candidates listed by the JIL. The PJM is the network of independent, neo-pentecostal and charismatic churches in the Philippines that Villanueva founded with fellow pastors in the 1980s. The sitting CIBAC party-list representative is the father of
with growth.
“The pool of cheap workers is dwindling and wages are rising. And there has been relatively little spillover from the foreignowned factories to the rest of the economy…
“Vietnam risks becoming stuck as an assembly hub, adding little value to components manufactured elsewhere. Vietnamese workers are simply assembling parts made, by and large, in China or South Korea. Even as export volumes have ballooned, the average unit value has stagnated.”
The Economist reports that “local firms struggle to meet the standards necessary to take part in global supply chains. Despite Samsung Electronics’ huge presence in Vietnam, none of its core suppliers is a homegrown Vietnamese firm… The small number of Vietnamese firms that do supply global manufacturers mainly provide simpler materials, such as cardboard and plastics…
“Meanwhile, Vietnam has reached the ‘Lewis turning point,’ at which developing economies exhaust their rural labor surpluses and wages begin to rise swiftly.
Between 2014 and 2021, over one million agricultural jobs disappeared each year despite a growing labor force; in 2022-23 the pace decelerated to 200,000.
“Labor costs in manufacturing are already higher than in India or Thailand and are set to climb
Sen. Joel Villanueva, who once served as Senate majority leader during the first year and a half of the outgoing 19th Congress. The father-and-son team will continue in the coming 20th Congress.
CIBAC got more than half a million votes. Out of the 155 party-list groups that joined the May 12 national elections, CIBAC ranked 10th in the win column. Thus, CIBAC is entitled to one seat when the next Congress commences session next month. On the other hand, Sen. Joel is on his second and last term at the Upper Chamber.
Of the seven returning legislators who won, the outcome of Pangilinan’s campaign surprised many observers after voter preference surveys consistently counted him out of the winner’s circle. In a radio interview, Pangilinan, a three-term senator and former presidential food security adviser, admitted he left “everything to God” after the grueling 90-day campaign saw
by a further 48 percent by 2029, according to The Economist Intelligence Unit, our sister company. Vietnam could soon end up too expensive for laborintensive manufacturing yet too technologically unsophisticated to do much else — a classic middleincome trap.”
Still, Vietnamese leader To Lam, the new chief of the Communist Party, the country’s top position, is determined to do a Deng Xiaoping.
The Economist quotes To Lam: “The private sector is the most important driving force of the national economy.” Lam wants to lift the private sector’s share of output to 70 percent, from around 50 percent today.
But The Economist reports, “life is not easy for Vietnam’s private sector, doi moi notwithstanding. Regulations are complex (sounds like our situation), enforcement is opaque, the state dominates banking and thus, also controls access to credit. All this tends to benefit big, politically connected businesses.
“Rigged bids for public procurement, sweetheart land deals and cut-price loans are rife. Successful businessmen, in turn, are expected to contribute to society. Moving capital outside Vietnam is frowned upon (our taipans invest in China).
“Small businesses also face a shortage of talent. Unlike China, Singapore or South Korea, Vietnam has no world-
his rating plummet steadily since January this year. Singled-out by fake news operators and apparent troll farms, Pangilinan and his campaign team battled against the disinformation campaign against him.
But the lackluster showing in opinion polls did not deter Pangilinan. He ran on a campaign anchored on his advocacies of food security and agriculture.
Pangilinan and his campaign pressed on. He quietly struggled out of the sorry defeat he suffered in the vice presidential race three years ago.
“I’ll never forget what Bro. Eddie said to me after he prayed over me. He said that he sensed a glorious outcome for me.
Sabi ko sa sarili ko, teka lang.
Paano magkakaroon ng glorious outcome, eh number 17 ako sa survey? Milagro nalang talaga,” Pangilinan chuckled on his encounter with the JIL founder.
“True enough, he was correct, yung kanyang prophesy. Hindi
class universities and its best institutions rank below their counterparts
“He has
lang pumasok sa Top 12, umabot pa sa Top 5,” he continued. “I’m really grateful for the support from JIL, which came in the last week of the campaign. It came at a really critical time when our campaign was looking for one big push.”
And don’t forget, Pangilinan brought along his wife, megastar Sharon Cuneta, who literally wooed and sang for the support of leaders of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao for the vote of our Muslim brothers.
So, is there really a religious voting bloc in the Philippines?
If the results of the just concluded midterm elections are any indication, our faith-based voters rule the polls. (Philstar. com)
* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
WBC chief says ranking Pacquiao as No. 5 welterweight a ‘mistake’
by Dino maragay Philstar.com
MANILA — The president of the World Boxing Council (WBC) has admitted it was a “mistake” installing Manny Pacquiao high in its ranking of welterweight fighters.
In a video posted by Fight Hub TV, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman said they will rescind the move to install Pacquiao as their fifthranked contender to WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios.
Nevertheless, the sanctioning organization already gave its blessing for Pacquiao to challenge Barrios on July 19 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas (July 20 Manila time).
“The World Boxing Council regulations allow legendary boxers who receive a license from a boxing commission and who pass all their exams to compete for the title,” Sulaiman explained.
The WBC’s move to give Pacquiao a high ranking and allow him to fight for its title in his return was met with criticism from the boxing community, as the Filipino icon hasn’t fought professionally in four years.
The last time Pacquiao took the ring as a pro was in 2021, when he lost to Yordenis Ugas, in what turned out to be a setback that sent him to retirement.
By the time Pacquiao announced he is coming out of retirement to take on Barrios for the WBC 147-lb strap, it had been reported that the WBC has made him the No. 5 contender — which, as it turns out, will no longer be the case.
“We made a mistake in ranking him No. 5, and that caused confusion among the media and fans, obviously saying, ‘Why is he ranked if he hasn’t fought?” What happened is that permission was granted, the fight was authorized, and we’ll talk again on July 20 to see how it went,” Sulaiman added.
“I think we’re going to remove him from the rankings with the clarification that he will fight based on the regulations.” n
ANNOUNCEMENT
Request for Qualifications
Construction Management (CM) Services for the State Route 11 (SR 11) /Otay Mesa East Port of Entry (OME POE)
Project Solicitation No.: 4250362 CIP 1201101 Federal Aid Project No.: STPBIBL-6066(170)
The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) is seeking consultants for providing construction management and engineering services, including but not limited to quality assurance, safety, environmental compliance, field inspection, office engineering, project scheduling, payments, and tracking, change order review, dispute resolution, materials testing, cost estimating, geotechnical investigations, stormwater compliance (NPDES), surveying, and other as-needed support for the Project.
This project is federally funded and has a DBE goal of 23%.
The optional Pre-Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) Meeting) will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams on June 11, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. PDT. The deadline for electronic submittal is July 16, 2025 by 5:00 p.m. PDT unless otherwise stated in an addendum.
A copy of the solicitation documents and any communications or addenda can be accessed via www.bidnetdirect.com/sandag.
EMPLOYMENT FOR RENT LEGAL SERVICES LEGAL SERVICES
Victoria @COMM22 Apartments, a quality affordable housing community, is accepting pre-applications for its waiting list starting Monday, May 12th 2025
This established property offers 30 HUD-subsidized 1-bedroom units to individuals and households with at least one-member aged 62+.
The pre-application period to be placed on the waiting list for Victoria @COMM22 Apartments is open 05/12/2025 – 06/09/2025 . Applications are available on our website at www.victoriaatcomm22apartments.com or in-person at our Leasing Office located at 690 Beardsley St. #100, San Diego, CA. Office hours are Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM.
Amenities include a community room, laundry facilities, library, and elevators. The community is adjacent to the San Diego Trolley. For more information, call us at (619) 241-2427 . Income, age, and other restrictions apply. Equal Housing Opportunity.
SD#0419
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9008118
Cornerstone Church of San Diego located at 1914 Sweetwater Rd., National City, CA 91950.
Registrant: Heart Revolution Church, 1914 Sweetwater Rd., National City, CA 91950. This business is conducted by A Corporation. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 03/01/1999.
Signature: TJ Anglin. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 04/23/2025.
AJ 1689 05/16, 05/23, 05/30, and 06/06/2025. AJSD 1689
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9009850
R.S. Drywall located at 4521 G Street, San Diego, CA 92102.
Registrant: Roberto Sendolla Morales, 4521 G Street, San Diego, CA 92102.
This business is conducted by An Individual.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/19/2025.
Signature: Roberto Sendolla Morales. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 04/01/2025.
AJ 1693 05/23, 05/30, 06/06, and 06/13/2025
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9010390
XDRIVE located at 8141 Broadway, Suite A, Lemon Grove, CA 91945.
Registrant: XDRIVE LLC., 8141 Broadway, Suite A, Lemon Grove, CA 91945. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/01/2025. Signature: Faisal Anas. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/28/2025. AJ 1697 06/06, 06/13, 06/20, and 06/27/2025. AJSD 1697
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9009432
Cultura Consulting Services located at 3821 Via De La Bandola, San Ysidro, CA 92173.
Registrant: Alberto Catano, 3821 Via De La Bandola, San Ysidro, CA 92173. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/12/2025.
Signature: Alberto Catano. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/14/2025.
AJ 1690 05/23, 05/30, 06/06, and 06/13/2025 AJSD 1690
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9010139
Armonía Café located at 481 Oxford St, Chula Vista, CA 91911.
Registrant: Arely Paola Murillo, 481 Oxford St, Chula Vista, CA 91911. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.
Signature: Arely Paola Murillo. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/22/2025.
AJ 1694 05/30, 06/06, 06/13, and 06/20/2025 AJSD 1694
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9010214
Lila’s Book Nook located at 195 Deep Dell Rd., San Diego, CA 92114. Registrant: Allison Santiago Newcomer, 195 Deep Dell Rd., San Diego, CA 92114. This business is conducted by An Individual.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/23/2025. Signature: Allison Santiago Newcomer. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/23/2025. AJ 1698 06/06, 06/13, 06/20, and 06/27/2025. AJSD 1698
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9009777
Zeus Painting located at 6007 Chadwick Ave, San Diego, CA 92139.
Registrant: Zeus Manuel Angeles Rebolledo, 6007 Chadwick Ave, San Diego, CA 92139. This business is conducted by An Individual.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/16/2025.
Signature: Zeus Manuel Angeles Rebolledo. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/16/2025. AJ 1691 05/23, 05/30, 06/06, and 06/13/2025 AJSD 1691
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9010147
Pepper Lunch Zion located at 8322 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite 103-104, San Diego, CA 92111. Registrant: TD Family Ventures, 4849 Ronson Ct, ST 212, San Diego, CA 92111. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.
REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.
Signature: Cindy Tran. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/23/2025.
AJ 1695 05/30, 06/06, 06/13, and 06/20/2025 AJSD 1695
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9010758
QTOYS located at 3030 Plaza Bonita Rd 2066, National City, CA 91950. Registrant: Toy Culture LLC, 2230 Hopkins Creek Dr., Duluth, GA 30096. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 06/08/2025. Signature: Zixin Qin. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/03/2025. AJ 1699 06/06, 06/13, 06/20, and 06/27/2025. AJSD 1699
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9008414
Ezra Martinez-Rodriguez located at 3403 E. Plaza Blvd, National City, CA 91950.
Registrant: Ezra MartinezRodriguez, 3403 E. Plaza Blvd, National City, CA 91950. This business is conducted by An Individual.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 04/29/2025.
Signature: Ezra MartinezRodriguez.
Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 04/29/2025. AJ 1692 05/23, 05/30, 06/06, and 06/13/2025 AJSD 1692
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9008518
Gabo’s General Maintenance located at 5453 Grape St., San Diego, CA 92105. Registrant: Gabriel Arturo Silva, 5453 Grape St., San Diego, CA 92105. This business is conducted by An Individual.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 04/30/2025. Signature: Gabriel Arturo Silva. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 04/30/2025.
AJ 1696 05/30, 06/06, 06/13, and 06/20/2025. AJSD 1696
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9010863
Precision Tax Service located at 345 F Street, Chula Vista, CA 91910. Registrant: ADL Tax Service INC, 345 F Street, Chula Vista, CA 91910. This business is conducted by A Corporation. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 02/01/2022. Signature: Archita O. De Leon. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/04/2025. AJ 1700 06/06, 06/13, 06/20, and 06/27/2025.
SD#0422
HISTORICAL FLAGS. The flags of the Katipunan fly behind the Philippine flag at the Melchora “Tandang Sora” Aquino National Shrine in
M. Aquino Street, Banlat Road, Quezon City on Wednesday, June 4, 2025. The Dambana ni Melchora (Tandang Sora) Aquino is a national monument and memorial park dedicated to Filipino revolutionaries. PNA photo by Ben Briones
Manny Pacquiao Manny Pacquiao FB Page
SAN DIEGO
CJ Opiaza officially crowned Miss Grand International 2024 in emotional ceremony
by Armin P. AdinA Inquirer.net
IT is now official, the Philippines finally has a Miss Grand International winner, and she is Christine Juliane “CJ” Opiaza, a fan-favorite seasoned “kontesera” (pageant veteran) who flew to Thailand to receive the “golden crown.”
Her Miss Grand Philippines National Director Arnold Vegafria also flew to the “Land of Smiles” to witness the coronation of the first-ever Filipino woman to receive the Miss Grand International title at the MGI Hall of Bravo BKK in Bangkok on Tuesday afternoon, June 3.
Opiaza appeared silhouetted in shadows as the hall reverberated with her name and the announcement of her new title. Then the lights illuminated the venue as fireworks went ablaze on the sides of the stage and the Philippine flag flashed on the LED backdrop.
Miss Grand International founder, owner, and head Nawat Itsaragrisil joined her onstage to remove her first runner-up tiara, and to replace it with the coveted crown. The hall erupted in loud cheers, and tears started falling down her cheeks, while Nawat also surreptitiously wiped his tears.
Nawat motioned to Vegafria to join his new queen in her moment of triumph, as Miss Grand International Vice President Teresa Chaivisut beamed to the crowd in approval of the organization’s newly-crowned ambassador.
A huge Filipino contingent trooped to the hall to cheer on Opiaza, and she addressed them by speaking in Filipino. “Mabuhay sa lahat ng mga Pilipino. Maraming, maraming salamat po sa pagpunta (Long live all Filipinos. Thank you very much for coming),” she said.
Opiaza acknowledged all the support that she enjoyed from the Filipino fans on whatever stage she took on. “Gano’n din kagalak iyong puso ko na makita kayong lahat na sine-celebrate itong pagkapanalo nating lahat. Lalaban lang tayo lagi. Para ’to sa bansang Pilipinas. Para ’to sa Miss Grand International Organization,” she said. (My heart is also in jubilation upon seeing you all celebrate our win. We will always fight. This is for the Philippines. This is for the Miss Grand International Organization.)
Opiaza had just arrived in Bangkok on Monday afternoon, June 2, less than a week since the international pageant organization officially announced that she will take over the reign left by erstwhile winner Rachel Gupta, who abdicated the title on May 28.
“I know the best things happen for a reason. You just have to wait for the very specific moment. But you have to hold on and do whatever it takes. Before I signed up for this job, I knew I was born ready. I’m always ready,” she declared.
Opiaza recognized the honor of wearing her new crown, but also acknowledged that there will be challenges along the way. She said that she will surpass every obstacle because of the support of her family, the international pageant organization, and the Filipino people.
“I know this moment is so sudden. There’s a moment of transition and change. But that’s how we grow as individuals, that’s how we win in life. There are different versions and meanings of winning in life. But this is my golden moment, and this is a historic win for the Philippines,” she said.
She punctuated her acceptance speech by declaring: “I am Christine Juliane Hinkle Opiaza, from the Philippines, your Miss Grand International 2024!”
Before Opiaza, no other Filipino contender had won the golden crown. Nicole Cordoves and Samantha Bernardo came so close to bringing home the title when they finished as first runnersup in 2016 and 2020, respectively.
Ruby Ibarra made her debut on NPR's Tiny Desk recently.
Ruby was chosen among 7,500 entries from independent artists across the U.S.
In her debut, Ruby opened her mini concert with "Bakunawa," a song about Filipino folklore and motherhood.
Ruby performs in English, Tagalog and Bisaya, switching effortlessly between the three languages from one verse to the next.
She also performed "7000 Miles," a song about her and her family's experiences as immigrants.
“Being human is not illegal. Immigrants have been here,
lived here, worked here. And this immigrant is here. From Tacloban City, Philippines, all the way to Washington, D.C., my name is Ruby Ibarra,” she said.
She ended her performance with "Someday," a song she passed as an entry in the Tiny Desk contest in 2019. Although she did not win back then with her band The Balikbayans, she said that winning this time around is much better.
For her win this year, Ruby brought in an all-Filipino band featuring Ouida (vocals), June Millington (guitar, vocals), Anna Macan (guitar, background vocals), Camille Ramirez (bass, flute, background vocals), Angelo “LASI” Macaraeg (keys, guitar), JoJo Gajardo Ramirez (drums), and Charito Soriano (background vocals).
Lorna Tolentino belies claims she’s engaged to Lito Lapid
by Anne PASAJol Inquirer.net
LORNA Tolentino dismissed the engagement rumors involving her and fellow actor Lito Lapid, clarifying that the romantic clips of them circulating on social media are from a music video.
The veteran actress addressed this through a conversation with writer Dindo Balares, which the latter shared on his Facebook page last Saturday, May 24. Balares reached out to Tolentino, whom he called his “ninang” (godmother), after someone sent him a video that apparently showed the actress and Lapid being engaged.
The thumbnail of the clip showed Tolentino sitting on Lapid’s lap while he was holding a box with a diamond ring. Tolentino responded to Balares, “That is a video from Star Music, produced by Jamie Rivera. The singer is Fana and
the song title is ‘Love Story Ko.’ It’s on YouTube.” The music video Toletino was referring to was released on YouTube in February 2024. Tolentino and Lapid, who recently worked together in the ABS-CBN TV series “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” had been romantically linked since 2024, although the latter, who is married to his non-showbiz wife, denied these rumors last December. Nonetheless, the actorturned-politician was spotted at the June 2024 wedding of Tolentino’s son, Renz Fernandez.
Tolentino was previously married to the late actor Rudy Fernandez, who died in 2008 due to periampullary cancer. Aside from Renz, the couple has another son named Rap.
CJ Opiaza at her coronation as Miss Grand International 2024 in Thailand. Photo from Instagram/@cjopiaza
Filipino American rapper Ruby Ibarra
Photo from Instagram/@rubyibarra
Lorna Tolentino and Lito Lapid
Photo from YouTube/ABS-CBN Star Music
Above the clouds: The triumphs and tragedy of Filipino climbers on Everest
by AJPress
AT the edge of the world— where the wind is thin, the snow eternal, and every breath is a test—Mount Everest rises as both summit and symbol. In the 2025 climbing season, a new chapter in Filipino mountaineering was written in that rare air: three Filipinos stood at the top of the world, and one gave his life trying to get there.
Rhisael “Ric” Rabe, Elaine Jhon Panganiban, and Miguel Angelo Mapalad each reached Everest’s
8,848.86-meter peak in May, carrying the Philippine flag above the clouds. But the triumph was marked with tragedy. Philipp “PJ” Santiago II, a 45-year-old Filipino climber, died in the infamous “Death Zone” while preparing for his final push to the summit.
Mountaineering: Sport, spirituality, and survival
To understand Everest is to understand mountain climbing itself—not simply as a sport, but as a deeply human endeavor. Known interchangeably as mountaineering or alpinism, mountain climbing is the art and agony of ascent. It blends endurance, technique, and mental resolve. Recognized by international sporting bodies, it occupies a unique space in athletics—noncompetitive, but no less grueling than Olympic events. The objective is simple: reach the top. The execution is anything but.
People climb for different reasons: the physical challenge, the serenity of high altitudes, the search for meaning, or the promise of perspective. “Mountains demand humility,” Panganiban once wrote in a blog chronicling his climbs across the Cordilleras.
“Everest is not about conquering the mountain—it’s about facing
the highest parts of yourself.”
For Filipino climbers, in particular, Everest holds symbolic value. Coming from a country of lush islands and tropical forests, standing on frozen Himalayan ridges speaks to a global ambition: that Filipinos, too, belong in the world’s most elite climbing circles.
Mount Everest: A brief overview
Known as Sagarmatha in Nepali and Chomolungma in Tibetan, Mount Everest straddles the border between Nepal and China. First summited in 1953 by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, Everest has since become a magnet for adventurers, elite athletes, and increasingly, commercial climbers.
The standard Everest expedition spans over a month and involves acclimatization rotations through four high camps. Climbers typically attempt the summit in late May, when short weather windows offer the safest passage. But even then, dangers abound: hypoxia, frostbite, avalanches, and traffic jams on narrow ridges are constant threats.
Despite the risks, Everest continues to draw hundreds of hopefuls each season—driven not only by personal conquest but by cultural legacy and national pride.
The climb of a lifetime
On May 15, Ric Rabe became the first Filipino in nearly 20 years to summit Everest. Just three days later, on May 18, Panganiban and Mapalad stood at the top as well, as part of the Philippine 14 Peaks Expedition organized by Nepalbased Seven Summit Treks. These were not first-time hikers. Months — sometimes years — of training led to that moment: cardiovascular endurance, technical climbing skills, cold-weather conditioning,
and mental resilience. Everest is not climbed — it is earned.
Preparation includes simulated climbs, high-altitude treks in the Cordilleras or the Himalayas, ice axe and rope training, and sometimes hypoxic chamber workouts to mimic the effects of oxygen deprivation. Climbers must also plan meticulously— gear, visas, insurance, oxygen tanks, and Sherpa support.
The cost is equally steep. A commercial expedition to Everest ranges from $45,000 to $70,000, often out of reach for Filipino climbers without sponsorships. Many save for years or fundraise through community networks. Their victory is never individual— it is carried on the backs of those who believed in them.
The death zone’s toll
While Panganiban and Mapalad celebrated their summit on May 18, Philipp Santiago II lay motionless in a tent at Camp IV, at 8,000 meters. He had shown signs of exhaustion but was determined to continue. He never got the chance. He died in his sleep—likely from a combination of fatigue, hypoxia, and altituderelated illness.
His death was the first recorded fatality of Everest’s 2025 season. He joined a long list of climbers who never descended from the peak, some of whom still lie frozen on its slopes—silent markers of how unforgiving this pursuit can be.
The “Death Zone” earns its name: above 8,000 meters, the human body deteriorates rapidly. Oxygen levels drop to one-third of those at sea level. Decisions are slower, limbs numb, and survival becomes a race against time. In this realm, even rescue becomes dangerous.
More than a summit For Filipino climbers, Everest
Kamala Harris weighs 2026 California gubernatorial bid amid democratic crossroads
by AJPreSS
FORMER Vice President
Kamala Harris is contemplating a run for California governor in 2026, a decision that could reshape both her political trajectory and the state's leadership landscape. While she has not officially declared her candidacy, Harris has indicated she will make a decision by late summer 2025 .
A crowded democratic field
The Democratic primary for the 2026 gubernatorial race is already bustling with declared candidates, including former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, former U.S. Representative Katie Porter, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and former State Controller Betty Yee .
Some candidates, like Kounalakis and Porter, have expressed willingness to step aside should Harris enter the race, while others, including Becerra and Villaraigosa, intend to continue their campaigns
regardless of her decision . Mixed reactions within the party
Harris's potential candidacy has elicited varied responses from within the Democratic Party. While her national profile and previous roles as U.S. Senator and California Attorney General lend her significant name recognition, some party members express concerns about her commitment to the governorship and view her possible run as a strategic move for a future presidential bid .
At the California Democratic Party convention in Anaheim, Harris's absence was notable as other candidates actively engaged with delegates. Her decision to address attendees via a prerecorded video message was met with criticism, suggesting a lack of direct engagement with the state's Democratic base .
Polling and public perception
Recent polls indicate that Harris would enter the race as a frontrunner. An Emerson College poll from April 2025 showed her leading the Democratic field
is more than just a personal milestone—it’s a declaration that even a country of 7,000 islands can rise to the planet’s highest stage.
According to The Himalayan Database, eight Filipinos successfully summited Everest between 2006 and 2024. The addition of Rabe, Panganiban, and Mapalad in May 2025 brings the total to eleven confirmed Filipino Everest summiters.
The Philippines’ Everest story began with Leo Oracion in 2006, followed by mountaineers like Romi Garduce, Noelle Wenceslao, Carina Dayondon, Janet Belarmino, and Erwin “Pastor” Emata, who opened the door for
this new generation. These early climbs drew national attention and corporate sponsorships.
Today, many Filipino climbers venture to Everest without fanfare or backing. They raise funds through community drives and personal savings, chasing the dream with nothing but grit and faith. They carry not just gear, but the aspirations of a nation.
The future of Filipino mountaineering
The successful summits by Panganiban, Mapalad, and Rabe have reinvigorated interest in Philippine mountaineering.
Across social media, schools, and training gyms, a quiet movement is forming—one that
with 31% support among likely voters . However, enthusiasm among political influencers is tepid; a Politico and UC Berkeley Citrin Center poll found that 36% of surveyed policy influencers were indifferent to her potential candidacy, while only 22% were "mostly excited" .
Republican perspective Republicans view Harris's potential entry into the gubernatorial race as an opportunity to galvanize their base and increase fundraising efforts. Given California's Democratic leanings, a Republican victory remains unlikely, but Harris's national prominence could help GOP candidates gain visibility and resources .
The road ahead As Harris deliberates her political future, the Democratic field continues to evolve. Her decision will not only impact the dynamics of the 2026 gubernatorial race but could also influence the broader trajectory of the Democratic Party as it prepares for upcoming national elections.
encourages more Filipinos to dream beyond the archipelago’s peaks. Organizations like the Mountaineering Federation of the Philippines are calling for broader support: high-altitude safety training, more accessible equipment, and government recognition of mountaineering as a serious sport. But as this season has shown, the mountains grant no guarantees. For every flag raised at the summit, there may be a life that never made it back.
Still, as the sun rises over Everest’s icy ridges, the legacy of these Filipino climbers—those who stood at the top and those who fell in the attempt—continues to elevate the nation’s spirit to new heights. Legacy in the clouds Mount Everest will always hold two truths: it is a stage for triumph—and a graveyard for dreams left unfinished. The 2025 season proved both. Rabe, Panganiban, and Mapalad returned with stories of wind and willpower, of beauty beyond description. Santiago did not. Yet, his name endures in the same breath as theirs—because the mountain doesn’t only reward those who reach the top; it likewise immortalizes those who dare to try. n
City Council approves comprehensive update to parking regulations
SACRAMENTO – Year after year, California is ranked as the #1 state in the country for its strong gun safety laws — along with some of the lowest rates of gun deaths — by Giffords Law Center and Everytown for Gun Safety. In states where officials have passed gun safety laws, fewer people die by gun violence. Texas and Florida, which ranked 32nd and 21st, respectively in gun law strength, had firearm mortality rates more than 50% higher than California. Gun safety laws save lives Strong gun laws save
EVERYBODY knows summer is a great time to catch up on some reading. And it’s even better when you can earn prizes by doing it!
Well, the County Library Summer Learning Challenge is ready to help you do both. This summer’s “Read, Learn, Create” reading challenge started June 1 and runs through Aug 31. Register online or at any of the county’s 33 branch libraries, read some books, have some fun, engage in some new activities and you can earn a prize — a free book or a Library tote bag.
The summer challenge is open to people of all ages. But its main goal is to encourage kids and teens to read during their summer vacations. That can help prevent what some educators call the “summer slide,” a time where students can lose some of what they achieved during the school year.
Taking part is easy. First, register, either by coming to your local county library or by going online at the Library’s “Summer at Your Library” webpage (https://www.sdcl.org/ summer/).
Next, pick up a printed “learning log” in any of 13 languages at a county library branch, or by printing one out at home, to track your progress. Then, over the course of the three-month challenge, track
what you read, and mark the activities you complete in the learning log to win stuff. Activities, which can be marked off on your learning log, include reading to a pet; trying a new recipe; reading a book from a series; reading a graphic novel; learning to say “hello” in another language; drawing a picture; reading a magazine or newspaper; or attending a library program at any of the county’s 33 branch libraries. Complete 10 hours of reading, 10 books or 10 learning activities and you win your choice of a free book or a Library tote bag. And you don’t even have to come into the library to check out books or read. That’s because the county’s e-book collection is lives. California has reduced its gun violence rate because of its leading gun safety laws. If the gun death rate in the rest of the U.S. matched California’s over the past decade, there would have been nearly 140,000 lives saved and potentially hundreds of thousands fewer gunshot injuries, according to the California Department of Justice’s Office of Gun Violence Prevention. Protection orders reduce gun violence California was the first state in the nation to adopt a “red flag law” in 2016. This law builds off
a bedrock of available protection orders – 9 in total – that prohibit firearm possession for people subject to orders ranging from domestic violence and workplace harassment. In the first three years of their existence, these protection orders were used to prevent 58 cases of threatened mass shootings. There have been significant increases in utilization of GVROs – increasing by 118% – from 2020 to 2023. California’s youth gun violence rate down, U.S. rate up Nationwide, firearms are
available to everyone using your library card through the library’s online Libby platform or by downloading the Libby app and connecting to the library. And if you don’t already have a county library card, you can do that online or at a branch. So, summer’s here! Read, Learn, Create. And win something too! To sign up for the Summer Learning challenge drop into any County branch library or go to sdcl.org/summer.
For more information about the County Library, to find programs, activities and more, go to the Library’s webpage at https://www.sdcl.org.
(Gig Conaughton/County of San Diego Communications Office)
Revisions to modernize city parking management, improve traffic flow and increase investment
SAN DIEGO – On Monday, June 2 the San Diego City Council approved a comprehensive package of parking reforms, which will improve management of on-street parking and enable greater investment in parking meter zones. This long-overdue update will bring the city’s practices and pricing in line with most other major cities in California.
Increased development and growing parking demand, as well as the evolution of parking management tools and best practices, has created the need to modernize the city’s parking policies. Curb space is a limited, valuable resource that the city has a responsibility to manage effectively and balance competing needs.
These parking reforms are the culmination of more than a year of work. In July 2024
the Sustainability and Mobility Department contracted with Fehr & Peers, a traffic engineering and transportation planning consulting firm. The consultants performed a detailed analysis and prepared a series of parking management recommendations, outlining the measures needed for an effective and efficient parking management framework in the city.
The changes approved by the Council will amend the Municipal Code and Council policies to allow for changes in parking meter zones, residential parking programs, valet parking and parking management during special events. Reforms to Community Parking District management and funding allocations are also included.
• Adjusting parking fees to a range rather than a set rate, allowing for “dynamic pricing” to better address times and locations where there is high parking demand, including during special events such as concerts, conventions, parades and festivals. Dynamic pricing, which is used by most large cities in California, can improve parking availability, reduce traffic congestion, bring more revenue to the city, and encourage the use of alternative modes of transportation.
• Allowing the city to manage parking demand and availability seven days a week,
These actions are intended to address on-street parking within the city limits. Plans to implement recommendations for management of city-owned parking lots and facilities are still in development. The actions approved by the Council today include:
29 official ballot drop boxes open for District One special general election
STARTING Tuesday, June 3, registered voters in the County of San Diego’s First Supervisorial District have the additional option of returning their mail ballot for the July 1 special general election to any one of 29 official ballot drop boxes located around the district. Mail ballots for the district’s 370,000 registered voters are expected to arrive this week. Some voters may
Rhisael “Ric” Rabe
Elaine Jhon Panganiban and Miguel Angelo Mapalad Contributed photos
Philipp “PJ” Santiago II died in the infamous “Death Zone” while preparing for his final push to the summit.
SD City Public Library’s Summer Reading Program is back — and it’s gamified
Kids and adults can read books, play games, earn points and win prizes
SAN DIEGO
– This summer, San Diego Public Library (SDPL) is uniting book lovers and game players around the city with the Level Up at Your Library Summer Reading Program. Readers and gamers of all ages are invited to join SDPL and rediscover the joy of gaming in all its forms, from board games and video games to outdoor activities and gamified reading adventures.
From June 1 to Aug. 31, SDPL encourages people to participate in the Summer Reading Program by registering, reading, gaming and earning points that can be redeemed for prizes beginning June 9. Prizes are available while supplies last and include museum passes and free books.
The launch of this year’s program will be celebrated at the Summer Reading Program KickOff Carnival event, hosted at the Central Library’s Courtyard on Saturday, June 7, from 2 to 4 p.m. City libraries will also host community events throughout the summer, including video
game tournaments, board game nights and more.
“The Summer Reading Program is the perfect place for children and adults to engage in literary and physical fun to keep their brains sharp during the summer months,” said Library Director Misty Jones. “Level Up at Your Library spans genres from entertainment, physical activity, imagination and more. There is something for everyone to enjoy that is both entertaining and educational.”
The Summer Reading Program offers age categories for children (ages 0-5 and 6-11), youth (ages 12-17) and adults (ages 18 and up). Reading and activities can be tracked online or on paper logs, which can be printed at home or picked up at any of the 37 SDPL locations.
Last year, nearly 32,000 people participated in the Summer Reading Program and collectively read more than 265,855 books. To register online, view a list of activities and books, or to find a Summer
Reading Program event near you, visit sandiego.gov/ summerreading.
This year’s Summer Reading Program is supported by contributions from the Library Foundation SD, Friends of the San Diego Public Library, San Diego Natural History Museum, San Diego Automotive Museum, San Diego Model Railroad Museum, Children’s Discovery Museum, Panda Express and Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers.
With a vision of being the place for opportunity, discovery and inspiration, the San Diego Public Library is a hub for knowledge and lifelong learning.
As the largest library system in the region, it serves a population of more than 1.4 million people.
Learn about events at the San Diego Central Library @ Joan Irwin Jacobs Common and 36 community branch libraries, find links to programs and resources or search for materials in the online catalog at sandiegolibrary.org.
(SDPL Release)
California’s strong gun safety laws...
the leading cause of death for children and adolescents. Compared to the rest of the nation, California has made substantial long-term progress in reducing per capita rates of youth firearm homicide. CDC data showed that in 2022, California’s firearm homicide rate for youth under 25 was about 50% below the rate recorded for the rest of the U.S. By contrast, nationwide youth gun homicides increased over 46% from 2019-2021.
Criminals take advantage of neighboring soft gun safety laws
California’s gun laws stop at our borders, meaning guns that are illegal in our state can still be used in criminal activity here if sourced in other states. In 2021, just over half (50.4%) of the firearms recovered by law enforcement during criminal investigations in California and successfully traced to a final dealer of record were traced to dealers located in other states.
Third million dollar+ jackpot won at Pechanga Resort Casino in three months
TEMECULA – One Temecula local is looking to plan a family vacation after winning $1,044,559.11 at Pechanga Resort Casino the morning of Wednesday, May 14. After testing his luck at a few different slot machines, he sat down at a Dragon Link slot machine by Aristocrat Gaming. On the fifth spin at 11:11 a.m., he hit the jackpot, instantly becoming a millionaire and taking home
$1,044,559.11.
“It took me a second to realize what was actually happening,” said the newly minted millionaire. “My hands started shaking, I still don’t quite believe it to be honest. This is going to mean a lot for my family.”
The Temecula local told Pechanga Resort Casino staff this was an unforgettable experience, and that he wants to set aside money to help support his family, with one fun exception.
“My kids have been begging me to go to Disney World,” noted the winner with a smile. “I can’t wait to see their faces light up when they hear the news we are going this summer.”
Almost exactly two months ago on March 13, a guest hit a $1,232,300.19 jackpot playing on a Dragon Link slot machine at Pechanga Resort Casino. Another Riverside County winner struck it big at Pechanga in mid-April winning $4,178,889.94.
is designed to prevent physical damage and unauthorized access to mail ballots. The boxes feature double-locking access doors, anti-pry door jambs and other anti-theft construction measures. The Registrar’s ballot retrieval team is responsible for collecting ballots inside the box. How do I return my ballot to an official ballot drop box? Mark your ballot, seal your completed ballot inside your return envelope, date and sign your name on the return envelope, and return it in the mail or to one of the Registrar’s
• Red flag law: California became one of the first states in the nation to enact a red flag law in 2016. California law allows law enforcement, family members, employers, coworkers and school employees to seek a Gun Violence Restraining Order (GVRO) against an individual suspected of being a danger to themselves and others. If approved by a judge, the GVRO temporarily prohibits a person from possessing firearms.
• Private right of action: California enacted the nation’s first law allowing individuals to sue those making, selling, transporting or distributing illegal assault weapons and ghost guns – guns made at home to avoid tracing – for damages of at least $10,000 per weapon involved.
• Waiting period: California has a waiting period of 10 days for all gun purchases. The state is one of nine states and the District of Columbia that have waiting periods and California’s waiting period is among the strictest.
• Universal background checks: California requires background checks on all gun purchases
• Assault weapons ban: California law strictly prohibits assault weapons. This includes possessing, distributing, selling and manufacturing assault weapons.
official ballot drop boxes around the district. Remember, your signature is required for your vote to count. The Registrar’s 29 official ballot drop boxes are open 24 hours a day up until 8 p.m. on the final day of voting, July 1. Visit sdvote.com to check the location list or the locator map to find a location near you. How do I vote in person?
Early voting began Monday, June 2 at the Registrar of Voters office located on the County Operations Center campus in Kearny Mesa. Hours run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Starting Saturday, June 21, District 1 voters can vote in
and transfers, including private transfers and sales at gun shows. It is one of 14 states and the District of Columbia that require universal background checks.
• Mental health reporting: California has some of the nation’s strongest laws preventing those with serious mental illness from acquiring firearms. California law requires the immediate reporting of involuntary inpatient and outpatient treatment, as well as those under guardianship. Mental health treatment facilities and psychotherapists are also required to report under certain circumstances.
• Age restrictions: In California, you must be at least 21 years of age to purchase a handgun and at least 18 years of age to purchase a long gun.
Last year, Governor Newsom signed a bipartisan legislative package to further reinforce California’s nationleading gun laws and prevent traumatic incidents of mass violence.
A fact sheet can be seen at https://www.gov.ca.gov/wpcontent/uploads/2025/06/2025GO-fact-sheet-gun-safety-laws. pdf. (CA Governor’s Office Release)
person at any one of seven vote centers. They’ll be open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. until the final day of voting, Tuesday, July 1, when 13 vote centers will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. You can find a vote center or an official ballot drop box near you inside your voter information pamphlet, or you can look up your pamphlet online with the View Voter Information Pamphlet (Sample Ballot) tool at sdvote.com.
Learn more about voting in the District 1 special general election at sdvote.com, or call (858) 565-5800 or toll free at (800) 696-0136. (Tracy DeFore/County of San Diego Communications Office)
Pechanga Resort Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino experiences anywhere in the United States. Voted the best casino/resort in the United States by Condé Nast Traveler and rated a Four Diamond property by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort Casino provides an unparalleled getaway, whether for the day or for an extended luxury stay. Offering 5,500 of the hottest slots, 152 table games, world-class entertainment, 1,100 hotel rooms, dining, spa and golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort Casino features a destination unrivaled in California. Pechanga Resort Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Indians. For more information, call toll free (877) 7112946 or visit www.Pechanga.com. Follow Pechanga Resort Casino on Facebook, Instagram and on X. (Advertising Supplement)
