Supreme Court temporarily allows Trump administration to deport migrants to non-native countries
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday, June 23, allowed the Trump administration to resume deporting immigrants to countries where they are not citizens, temporarily pausing a lower court ruling that required migrants be given a chance to challenge such removals.
In a 6-3 decision, the Court granted the administration’s emergency request to lift an injunction issued in May by U.S. District Judge Brian E. Murphy in Massachusetts. That injunction barred federal authorities from removing noncitizens to third countries without first notifying them and giving them a chance to contest the transfer.
The case involves migrants from Cuba, Vietnam, and Myanmar who were ordered removed to South Sudan—a country where they held no citizenship or prior residence. After legal intervention, some were redirected to a U.S. military facility in Djibouti while litigation proceeded.
Judge Murphy’s order emphasized that such removals likely violated due process rights under the Constitution. The Trump administration argued that restrictions on third-country
PH begins repatriation of Filipinos in Israel, Iran amid escalating tensions
by AJPress
elevation of Crisis Alert Level 3 in both countries due to rising tensions in the Middle East.
Repatriation efforts underway
“I have directed all concerned government agencies to take the necessary steps to ensure the safe, timely, and orderly return of Filipinos who wish to avail of the voluntary repatriation program,” Marcos said in a public statement. “Nothing is more important than the safety of every Filipino.”
Fil-Am Congressman slams Trump over unilateral action against Iran
WASHINGTON – Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (DVA) has criticized President Donald Trump for bypassing congressional approval when he launched airstrikes on three nuclear sites in Iran Saturday, June 21.
“The President has attacked another nation without congressional authorization,” Scott said in a statement. “There was no apparent imminent Iranian threat against the United States.”
Scott – the first and only Filipino American member of US Congress – said the Trump administration’s own director of National Intelligence testified before Congress earlier this year that the U.S. intelligence community assessed Iran was not building a nuclear weapon.
“Our nation cannot again go to war with faulty intelligence. We saw what happened in Iraq in 2003, which dragged the United
Marcos showcases largest drug haul in
“Bloodless” war against narcotics
Over P62 Billion in shabu seized since 2022; Rights-based approach reaffirmed
by AJPress
QUEZON CITY — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, June 24, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to a “bloodless” and rights-based anti-drug campaign, highlighting the seizure of over P62 bil-
lion worth of methamphetamine (shabu) since he assumed office in June 2022.
Speaking at the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) headquarters in Quezon City, Marcos inspected more than 1,300 kilograms of shabu— valued at P8.87 billion—recently
The DFA and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) began processing the repatriation of Filipino workers this week. As of
Progressive Assemblymember defeats Cuomo, Shaping new direction for Nation’s largest City
New
State
has won the Democratic primary for New York City mayor, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo in a race that has captured national attention. With over 93% of votes counted, Mamdani received 43.5% of first-choice votes, while Cuomo trailed with 36.4%, according to the New York City Board of Elections. Under the u PAGE 3
Sara Duterte’s answer shows non-recognition of impeachment court
by Gabriel Pabico lalu Inquirer.net
MANILA — The answer provided by Vice President Sara Duterte to the articles of impeachment indicate that she does not acknowledge the impeachment court’s authority, House of Representatives prosecution panel spokesperson Antonio Bucoy said on Tuesday, June 24.
Bucoy explained that since Answer Ad Cautelam means an answer with caution — and Duterte submitted an Answer Ad Cautelam to the Senate sitting as an impeachment court — he believes the vice president still does not accept the court’s jurisdiction over the case.
u PAGE 3
Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the immediate and orderly repatriation of Filipino nationals in Israel and Iran, following the Department of Foreign Affairs’
NEW YORK, NY — In a landmark political moment,
York
Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani
PH begins repatriation of Filipinos...
PAGE 1
June 23, 223 Filipinos in Israel and eight in Iran have formally requested assistance.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac personally welcomed the first batch of 26 Filipino evacuees from Israel on Sunday at the King Hussein border crossing in Jordan.
According to the DFA, another 50 Filipinos are scheduled to leave Israel in the coming days.
“We stand continually ready to assist and support our OFWs who wish to go home for safety and security,” Cacdac said, emphasizing that the DMW is working closely with embassies to facilitate the safe passage of repatriates
The Philippine Embassy in Tehran is preparing the repatriation of the first group of eight Filipinos in Iran. While repatriation remains voluntary, authorities are urging Filipinos in both countries to consider leaving due to esca-
lating hostilities.
According to the Presidential Communications Office, 1,333 Filipinos have already been repatriated from Israel since October 2023.
Support for returnees
Repatriates are entitled to comprehensive assistance, including:
• P150,000 financial aid per returning individual
• Temporary shelter, meals, and transport
• Reintegration support including skills training and job placement
• Continued medical assistance
The DFA confirmed that a Filipina caregiver remains hospitalized in Israel. She is in stable condition but remains under intensive care.
Heightened risk amid regional unrest
The Crisis Alert Level 3 declaration follows renewed regional instability after reported U.S. airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear sites,
raising the risk of broader conflict.
Under Alert Level 3, the DFA suspends new deployments of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), discourages travel to the affected countries, and implements voluntary repatriation programs.
Economic cushion for families
To mitigate the financial impact, the Department of Budget and Management has allocated P2.5 billion in fuel subsidies, partly to help families reliant on remittances.
“The administration is working to ensure that both our overseas workers and their loved ones at home are protected,”said Undersecretary Claire Castro.
Government advisory Marcos urged Filipinos to stay connected with Philippine embassies: “I call on all our citizens in Israel and Iran to keep in touch with our embassies and follow all guidance provided.” n
Fil-Am Congressman slams Trump...
PAGE 1
States into a protracted war in the Middle East for eight years,” he said.
Scott said it is “imperative” to pass the War Powers Resolution, authored by Senator Tim Kaine in the Senate and Representatives Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna in the House, to terminate any ongoing military action by the United States against Iran unless authorized by Congress.
The Fil-Am legislator said he remains hopeful for a diplomatic solution.
“Iran cannot develop a nuclear weapon. However, we had reached a diplomatic solution to guard against Iran developing a nuclear weapon when President Obama successfully negotiated the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2015 between Iran, the United States and the other permanent members of the United Nations Security Council,” he said.
Under JCPOA, Iran agreed to limit its nuclear program in exchange for U.S. sanctions and other punitive measures being relaxed. The agreement was in effect from Jan. 16, 2016 until the U.S. withdrew in 2018 during the first Trump administration.
“We would not be in this mess now if the President had not withdrawn from that
agreement,” Scott added.
Like Scott, other Democrats – while not necessarily opposing the goal of the attacks –denounced Trump’s unilateral military action against Iran.
“I believe Trump’s attack on Iran, hitting three reported nuclear targets, is tantamount to a declaration of war,” said Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Los Angeles) in a statement. “The President must be confronted by Members of Congress to be reminded that the President must come before Congress to seek approval before a declaration of war.”
Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, D-Los Angeles, the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on South and Central Asia, decried Trump’s action.
“The `President of peace’ just bombed Iran without Congressional authorization, without clear evidence that Iran is imminently close to having a nuclear weapon, without properly notifying both parties in Congress, and with no clear plan for what comes next,” Kamlager-Dove said Sunday, June 22.
“The U.S. must not be dragged into a wider war in the Middle East, and I pray for the U.S. servicemembers Trump has now placed in harm’s way.”
Gina Ortiz Jones sworn in as San
Antonio's first Filipina and openly gay Mayor
Gina Ortiz Jones makes history as San Antonio’s first Filipina American and openly gay mayor, taking office amid fiscal challenges and calls for inclusive leadership.
by AJPress
SAN ANTONIO, TX – Gina Ortiz Jones officially assumed office on Tuesday, June 18, as the 47th mayor of San Antonio, making history as the city’s first Filipina American mayor, its first openly gay mayor, and only the third woman to serve in the role.
Jones, a U.S. Air Force veteran and former Under Secretary of the Air Force, won the June 7 runoff election with 54.3% of the vote, defeating Republican attorney and former Texas Secretary of State Rolando Pablos, who garnered 45.7%. She had previously led a crowded field of 27 candidates in the May general election, earning 27.2% of the vote.
being a mayor for all.”
From public service to public office
by the U.S. Senate.
Ortiz Jones previously ran for Congress in Texas’s 23rd District in 2018 and 2020, narrowly losing both races. She returned to San Antonio and launched her mayoral campaign citing growing concerns about affordability, education, and equitable growth.
Fiscal Challenges and Community Response
Sen. Alex Padilla also criticized the unilateral nature of the president’s action.
“Dismantling Iran’s nuclear weapons program is imperative fo America’s national security and essential to Israel’s safety and right to exist,” California’s senior Democratic senator said Sunday.
“However, it is unacceptable that the president disregarded his constitutional responsibility to seek and secure congressional authorization before launching these strikes.
Meanwhile, Republican Orange County Rep. Young Kim, R-Anaheim Hills, expressed support for the attack.
“The military’s targeted actions [Saturday] against Iranian nuclear sites are necessary to deter Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and save lives,” Kim said. “I thank our military for their service in this critical operation to restore peace through strength and am glad they are safely on the way home.”
Rep Darrell Issa, R-Escondido, also expressed support for Trump’s action. “Tonight, @ realDonaldTrump is showing the world the true meaning of peace through strength. And American strength is making peace with Iran possible for the first time in 46 years,” Issa posted on X. (With CNS report)
Her four-year term runs through May 2029, following a voter-approved charter change extending term lengths for San Antonio’s mayor.
“This victory belongs to all San Antonians who believe in honest leadership and inclusive growth,” Ortiz Jones said after her election. “I look forward to
Born in Arlington, Virginia, Gina Ortiz Jones, 43, was raised in San Antonio by her single mother, Victorina Ortiz, a Filipina immigrant and public school teacher. A Boston University graduate and ROTC scholar, she joined the U.S. Air Force and served as an intelligence officer in Iraq. She later held senior civilian roles in national security, including at the Defense Intelligence Agency and the U.S. Africa Command. In 2021, President Joe Biden appointed her as Under Secretary of the Air Force, where she became the first out lesbian and first woman of color to hold the role—confirmed unanimously
Ortiz Jones took office as San Antonio faces a projected $31 million budget shortfall in the upcoming fiscal year, with the deficit expected to rise to $148 million by 2027, according to the city’s finance department. The figures— shared by City Manager Erik Walsh and Budget Director Justina Tate—reflect anticipated declines in key revenue sources, including property and sales taxes, hotel occupancy taxes, airport fees, and development permits. In her first week as mayor, Ortiz Jones emphasized a commitment to data-driven governance and budget transparency, underscoring the importance of safeguarding essential services such as public
U.S. requires student visa applicants, including those in the U.S., to make social media accounts public
by AJPress
MANILA / WASHINGTON
D.C. — The U.S. government is now requiring all applicants for non-immigrant student visas—including those already in the United States—to make their social media accounts public as part of expanded vetting measures.
The U.S. Embassy in Manila announced that this applies to all applicants under the F, M, and J visa categories, which cover academic students (F), vocational students (M), and exchange visitors (J). The directive took effect this month and reflects broader U.S. State Department policies aimed at strengthening national security checks.
While the embassy has not released a public advisory using the exact language cited in some reports, multiple
credible sources confirm that applicants must adjust privacy settings to ensure consular and immigration officers can review their online presence. Failure to comply may result in processing delays or denials, according to policy summaries obtained by the press. This policy affects not only visa applicants abroad, but also individuals already in the U.S. seeking to extend their stay, change status, or transfer programs. These applicants must also ensure their digital profiles—on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter)—are set to public.
U.S. immigration officers are instructed to examine public posts, affiliations, and other digital activity for potential threats or red flags. Any attempt to conceal or restrict online content may be
treated as a concern. Applicants are advised to: Make social media profiles publicly viewable before submitting applications. Review and remove potentially offensive or questionable content. Keep accounts public until visa processing is complete. This move builds on prior policies requiring applicants to list their social media usernames. The 2025 update, however, introduces stricter transparency rules and applies them globally, including for current visa holders in the U.S.
The State Department says the effort is designed to prevent entry by individuals who may pose security risks or violate the terms of their visa categories. For official updates, visit ph.usembassy.gov or travel. state.gov. n
Gina Ortiz Jones
Sara Duterte’s answer shows non-recognition...
“Ad Cautelam means for caution. So this means that they have not accepted or they do not acknowledge the jurisdiction of the impeachment court because according to the rules, if you file for a special appearance, you should state the reason why you are questioning the jurisdiction of the judge,” he said.
“What she did, what the Vice President did through her lawyers […] was to file an Ad Cautelam, Entry of Appearance, but they did not state what is the reason for that. That is what they did in their Answer Ad Cautelam. They refused to acknowledge the jurisdiction of the impeachment court, which is not in accordance,” he added.
According to Bucoy, part of Duterte’s answer is a belief that the impeachment trial should not push through in the first place — which he believes is a mere attempt to evade accountability through technicalities.
“They are hoping that through technicality they can make Vice President Sara evade accountability and have the case dismissed. That is the whole purpose of this answer ad cautelam. Like what I have said, you are asking for relief from the court, you are seeking a decision from the court but you do not acknowledge its authority.”
“You had yet to submit to the authority of the court. Kaya ka may (That’s why there’s an) ad cautelam,” he added.
On June 10, after the Senate convened as an impeachment court, Duterte was ordered to answer the allegations against
her contained in the articles of impeachment.
Duterte was impeached by 215 House members last February 5. The following allegations comprise the articles of impeachment that were sent to the Senate:
• Betrayal of public trust, commission of high crimes due to her threats to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez
• Betrayal of public trust and graft and corruption due to misuse of confidential funds (CF) within the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Office of the Vice President (OVP)
• Betrayal of public trust and bribery within the DepEd
• Violation of the 1987 Constitution and betrayal of public trust due to unexplained wealth and failure to disclose assets
• Commission of high crimes, due to involvement in extrajudicial killings (EJKs) in the drug war
• Betrayal of public trust due to alleged destabilization plots and high crimes of sedition and insurrection
• Betrayal of acts due to her unbecoming conduct as Vice President
In her Answer Ad Cautelam submitted to the Senate Impeachment Court on Monday, Duterte maintained that the impeachment complaint should be declared void from the beginning because it supposedly violated the limitation set under the 1987 Constitution — that only one impeachment proceeding may be initiated against the same official.
“The Fourth Impeachment
Zohran Mamdani wins NYC Democratic...
city’s ranked-choice voting system, redistribution of second- and thirdchoice votes continues. However, Cuomo formally conceded on Tuesday night, acknowledging Mamdani’s decisive lead.
Who is Zohran Mamdani?
America (DSA) and received endorsements from Senator Bernie Sanders, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and other progressive figures.
outperformed in districts with high concentrations of young voters and renters, particularly in Queens and Brooklyn.
Complaint must be dismissed because: it is void ab initio for violating the One-Year Ban Rule under Section 3 (5) Article XI of the 1987 Constitution which explicitly prohibits the initiation of more than one impeachment proceeding against the same official within a period of one year,” Duterte’s answer read.
This was the same argument raised by Duterte before the Supreme Court (SC) last February 2025 through her lawyers — including her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte.
But Bucoy and members of the prosecution team noted that based on a previous Supreme Court decision, the provision limiting impeachment complaints to one per year only starts when a verified petition reaches the House committee on justice.
Since none of the first three complaints that were filed in December 2024 reached the committee on justice — with all staying within the office of House Secretary General Reginald Velasco — Bucoy said that the rule was not violated.
As early as February, San Juan Rep. Ysabel Maria Zamora said that the SC had already decided in Francisco v. House of Representatives that the one-year prohibition on the filing of new impeachment complaints will start only after the charges are forwarded to the said panel.
Impeachment presiding officer and Senate President Francis Escudero also mentioned this in his speech last June 10, before the chamber convened as an impeachment court. n
Zohran Kwame Mamdani currently represents Assembly District 36 (Astoria, Queens). Born in Kampala, Uganda in 1991, Mamdani immigrated to New York at age 7. He is the son of academic Mahmood Mamdani and filmmaker Mira Nair (Monsoon Wedding). A graduate of the Bronx High School of Science and Bowdoin College, Mamdani earned his degree in Africana Studies and worked as a foreclosure prevention counselor before entering politics.
He became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2018 and was elected to the State Assembly in 2020 after unseating a long-time Democratic incumbent in a primary. He is affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of
If elected in November, Mamdani would become New York City's first Muslim, first South Asian, and first DSA-backed mayor.
Campaign platform and strategy
Mamdani ran on a platform centered around:
• Housing affordability, including a plan to build 200,000 affordable homes
• Free public bus service and expanded subway access
• Universal public childcare
• A phased increase of the minimum wage to $30 per hour by 2030
• Progressive tax reform targeting high-income earners and corporations
His campaign emphasized grassroots organizing, drawing thousands of volunteers and small-dollar donations. According to the New York City Campaign Finance Board, Mamdani significantly
Cuomo’s campaign, although well-funded and backed by institutional allies, faced criticism stemming from his 2021 resignation following multiple investigations, and was unable to counter Mamdani’s appeal among a growing progressive base.
General election outlook Mamdani now advances to the November 4, 2025 general election, where he will face:
• Eric Adams (current mayor, running as an independent)
• Curtis Sliwa (Republican nominee)
• Potential independent or third-party challengers
With New York City’s Democratic registration advantage, Mamdani enters the race as the front-runner. His victory in the primary signals a generational and ideological shift in the city’s political landscape, with national implications for progressive politics. n
BLOOD DRIVE. Personnel of the Philippine Air Force - Tactical Operations Wing Eastern Mindanao (TOWEASTMIN) donate blood during a bloodletting activity as part of the unit’s 78th founding anniversary held at the Davao Air Station in Sasa, Davao City on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. More than 100 members of the unit and civilian donors participated in the activity.
PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.
LaLota votes to ban noncitizen voting in D.C. elections
House passes bill repealing district’s 2022 law allowing green card holders to vote locally
by AJPress
WASHINGTON, D.C. —
The
U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 884 this month, effectively seeking to overturn a District of Columbia law that had granted local voting rights to noncitizens, including lawful permanent residents. The bill, spearheaded by Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX), passed in a bipartisan vote of 266–148, with 56 Democrats joining the Republican majority.
Rep. Nick LaLota (R-NY), a co-sponsor of the measure and a former Commissioner of the Suffolk County Board of Elections, strongly supported the resolution.
“Voting is a sacred right reserved for U.S. citizens, and allowing noncitizens to cast ballots in our nation’s capital undermines that principle,” LaLota said in a statement.
“I’m stunned that 148 Democrats opposed this commonsense bill—leaders of both parties should agree that only American citizens should vote in D.C. elections.”
Background on the Legislation
The D.C. Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022 had allowed noncitizens—including green card holders, refugees, and undocumented immigrants residing in the District for at least 30 days—to vote in local elections such as those for mayor, city council, and school board. It did not permit voting in federal elections.
Supporters of the local law argued it expanded democratic participation in a city where
nearly 14% of residents are noncitizens and many contribute to the local tax base and civic life.
However, opponents of the D.C. law—including House Republicans and several centrist Democrats—said it diluted the meaning of citizenship and risked eroding public confidence in the electoral system.
“Protecting our democracy starts with protecting the ballot,” LaLota said. He emphasized that noncitizen voting—even limited to local contests—sets a “dangerous precedent” for other jurisdictions.
Clash over home rule
D.C. officials and advocates for the law have denounced the House action as a violation of home rule. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), the city’s non-voting representative in Congress, condemned H.R. 884 as “an unjustified attack on our local autonomy.”
Mayor Muriel Bowser also defended the 2022 law, framing it as a local decision grounded in D.C.'s diverse population and inclusive values.
The bill now moves to the U.S. Senate, where it has been referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Its prospects remain uncertain, with Democrats holding a slim majority and some senators wary of appearing to undermine D.C. self-governance.
Broader implications
Although only a handful of U.S. jurisdictions allow noncitizens to vote in local elections, the issue has sparked national
debate. San Francisco permits noncitizen residents—specifically parents or legal guardians of children in the city’s public school system—to vote in school board elections. In Maryland, more than a dozen municipalities, including Takoma Park, Hyattsville, Mount Rainier, Garrett Park, Somerset, Chevy Chase, Riverdale Park, Glen Echo, Barnesville, and Martin’s Additions, allow noncitizens to vote in local elections. Meanwhile, in Vermont, the cities of Montpelier and Winooski authorize noncitizen residents to vote in municipal contests.
Republican lawmakers have introduced federal legislation in recent years aimed at blocking or preempting such practices, arguing they blur the line between citizen and noncitizen rights. These efforts, including H.R. 884 and the more sweeping SAVE Act, reflect growing concern among conservatives that local policies granting voting rights to noncitizens—however limited—could set precedents that erode confidence in national elections.
Meanwhile, immigrant rights groups warn that the repeal efforts feed anti-immigrant sentiment and ignore the civic contributions of longterm residents who lack voting rights at every level of government.
If the Senate passes H.R. 884 and it becomes law, D.C. would be prohibited from allowing noncitizens to vote in any of its elections, reversing a policy that had not yet been implemented in any major local contests. n
Marcos showcases largest drug haul...
recovered from coastal waters in northern provinces, including Ilocos, Pangasinan, and Zambales.
“We saved many of our countrymen,” the president said in Filipino. “If these got circulated, many more people will get addicted, many more will die of overdose, and many more lives will get destroyed.”
According to PDEA, the drugs were discovered floating at sea and were turned over to authorities by local fishermen. Marcos described the haul as the “largest drug haul in the history of the Philippines so far for this last six-month period.”
“All in all, in the last three years, we have interdicted P62 billion worth of methamphetamine,” he added.
Despite the magnitude of the operation, law enforcement agencies confirmed that no suspects have been arrested, and no criminal charges have been filed in connection with the seizure. Authorities
said the origin of the narcotics and the identities of those involved remain unknown due to the absence of direct evidence or witness accounts.
The president used the occasion to reinforce his administration’s pivot away from violent enforcement tactics, emphasizing due process and human rights in counter-narcotics operations. He called on PDEA, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Dangerous Drugs Board to sustain efforts against drug syndicates under a legal and rights-respecting framework.
“It has been described as a bloodless war on drugs, and this is what we are aiming for,” Marcos said. “But nonetheless, despite the fact that we do not kill people that are just suspected of having anything to do with drugs… we are handling the drug problem in a different way. ”
This policy direction contrasts sharply with that of former President Rodrigo Duter-
te, whose administration was widely criticized for extrajudicial killings linked to his drug war. Duterte surrendered to the International Criminal Court in March 2025, following the issuance of an arrest warrant for alleged crimes against humanity. A confirmation of charges hearing— meant to assess whether the case will proceed to trial—is tentatively scheduled for September 23, 2025.
ICC prosecutors allege that the Duterte administration’s campaign, from November 2011 to March 2019, involved systematic killings of suspected drug offenders without due process.
As investigations continue into the origins of the latest drug haul, Marcos stressed the importance of heightened maritime surveillance and inter-agency coordination to prevent the Philippines from becoming a transshipment point for international narcotics trafficking. n
Supreme Court temporarily allows Trump...
PAGE 1
removals hinder immigration enforcement and international cooperation.
In its request to the Court, the Justice Department maintained that the policy is lawful and necessary, particularly when countries of citizenship refuse or delay accepting deportees. The government stated that third-country agreements allow the U.S. to complete removals that would otherwise stall.
The justices’ unsigned order allows the policy to move forward while legal challenges continue in the First Circuit Court of Appeals. The Court has not yet ruled on the constitutionality of the practice.
The Court’s three liberal justices—Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, and Ketanji Brown
Jackson—dissented, warning that deporting individuals to unfamiliar countries without hearings could put lives at risk.
In her dissent, Justice Sotomayor wrote that the policy “exposes noncitizens to potential danger and denies them any meaningful opportunity to be heard.” She argued that removing people to countries with which they have no connection or protection undermines basic constitutional guarantees.
The policy does not apply only to individuals with criminal records. While some deportees cannot be returned to their home countries due to criminal convictions, others fall under expedited removal or failed asylum claims and may now face transfer to nations they’ve never lived in.
This decision comes as part of the Trump administration’s broader second-term effort to expand immigration enforcement powers. It follows a series of legal battles over asylum restrictions, border operations, and the use of third-country agreements for deportation. Immigration advocates have expressed concern that the Court’s temporary ruling may embolden further removals to potentially unsafe or unfamiliar regions before constitutional questions are fully resolved. Legal analysts expect the issue to return to the Supreme Court once lower courts issue final decisions. Until then, federal authorities may continue carrying out third-country deportations under the reinstated policy. (AJPress)
safety, emergency response, and infrastructure. She also signaled a more measured approach to high-dollar developments, including the proposed “Project Marvel” downtown sports and entertainment district. She has called for any major investment to deliver tangible community benefits and undergo public scrutiny.
“We will lead with empathy, transparency, and a commitment to smart governance,”
Ortiz Jones said at her June 18 inauguration.
Just hours after taking her oath of office, Ortiz Jones joined grieving families at a
candlelight vigil for the victims of the June 12 flash floods, the city’s deadliest flooding in over a decade. Thirteen people lost their lives in the storm. The mayor pledged full support for the affected communities and announced plans for an independent review of the city’s emergency preparedness and flood response protocols.
A milestone in representation San Antonio, the seventh-largest city in the U.S., is now the largest American city to elect an openly gay mayor, and among the first major cities in Texas to be led by a Fili-
pina American.
Her leadership reflects a broader wave of increased Filipino American civic engagement, with more public servants from the community holding elected and appointed offices nationwide in recent years.
Ortiz Jones has stated that her experiences—as a veteran, a daughter of immigrants, and a member of the LGBTQ+ community—will shape her approach to governance.
“My lived experience will always inform my fight for equity, because every San Antonian deserves dignity and opportunity.” n
Gina Ortiz Jones sworn in as San Antonio's...
Immigration’s moral test: Between enforcement and forgiveness
IN 1986, President Ronald Reagan signed the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA), granting legal status to nearly 2.7 million undocumented immigrants—the largest legalization program in U.S. history. It was billed as a grand compromise: a one-time amnesty in exchange for stronger border enforcement and employer sanctions.
In practice, enforcement lagged. Illegal hiring continued largely unchecked, and undocumented migration resumed—from Latin America, which remained the dominant region, but also increasingly from Asia and Africa. More than three decades later, the political fallout from IRCA still defines the terms of the national debate. Reagan’s policy legalized millions, many of whom went on to become U.S. citizens, homeowners, and tax-paying contributors. But critics argue it failed to stem unau-
Babe’s Eye View
TO say that there is so much going on would be such an understatement, with the current situation in Europe and the Middle East.
The Iran-Israel conflict is headed towards escalating into a major confrontation, with some defense experts warning that it could spill over to the rest of the region and break into an all-out
thorized immigration longterm—partly due to a lack of structural reforms and poor implementation of worksite enforcement.
Policy shift: From legalization to exclusion
In the decades since IRCA, efforts to craft a lasting immigration compromise have repeatedly failed. Proposals to pair stronger border security with earned legalization have been introduced in nearly every Congress since 2001. But gridlock—and political fear—has paralyzed them.
Too much politics can destroy us
war as both sides continue to exchange fire. However, there are a few who still believe that the conflict would be confined to the two nations.
Countries such as Jordan had closed their airspace earlier, intercepting incoming Iranian drones and missiles that were at risk of landing on Jordanian territory. “Jordan has not and will not allow any violation of its airspace, reaffirming
that the Kingdom will not be a battleground for any conflict,” Jordanian government spokesperson Mohammad Momani said in an interview.
Ukraine, meanwhile, has expressed concern that the conflict between Israel and Iran could deflect attention from the war with Russia, resulting in slowed down assistance and lessened support from the United
The DREAM Act, first introduced in 2001 to offer legal status to undocumented youth, repeatedly fell short. DACA, implemented under President Obama, provid-
Virtual Reality
TWO wars are raging in the minds of many Filipinos right now.
First is the war of political dynasties. The 24-member Senate of the 20th Congress convenes in July 2025 as the Senate Impeachment Court (SIC) to try impeached Vice President Sara Duterte for seven alleged crimes
ROGER LAGMAY ORIEL Publisher & Chairman of the Board
ed temporary protection—but no path to citizenship. The bipartisan Gang of Eight immigration bill passed the Senate in 2013
Two wars
enumerated in the seven Articles of Impeachment submitted by the House of Representatives last Feb. 5, 2025.
Second, the U.S.-Iran war which began at 6:10 a.m. Sunday, June 22, our time, when U.S. bombers dropped bombs on three nuclear facilities of Iran inside Iran – basically laboratories trying to enrich uranium to create fuel to explode a nuclear bomb.
Iran is supposed to have enriched enough uranium
to build 10 nuclear bombs. In war, the U.S. has learned after nuclear bombing Japan twice, the best weapon is a nuclear bomb, even in the age of AI and cyberwarfare. But the best laboratory for making nukes is your brain. So when your place is about to be bombed, you run away or hide and you keep your nuke technology. The most advanced of Iran’s nuclear facility is in Fordow, which is 80 to 100 meters deep under a
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BaBe Romualdez
T ony l opez
DAteline PhiliPPines
Immigration’s moral test...
PAGE 6
but died in the House. President Biden’s 2021 U.S. Citizenship Act never advanced past committee.
Meanwhile, the undocumented population—currently estimated at over 10.5 million—has aged in place. Nearly two-thirds have lived in the U.S. for more than a decade. Over four million live in mixed-status families.
Many have U.S. citizen children, mortgages, jobs, and deep community ties.
The new era of enforcement
Under President Trump’s renewed term, immigration enforcement has escalated significantly. The Department of Homeland Security has expanded deportations, reinstated the controversial Remain in Mexico policy, and authorized ICE raids at schools, courthouses, and houses of worship.
Even previously protected populations—such as DACA recipients or longtime workers without criminal records—are now at risk of removal under expedited orders. Deportation dockets are growing, detention centers are expanding, and legal aid resources are strained to the breaking point.
The administration has argued that these efforts restore the rule of law. But critics, including immigration attorneys, civil rights groups, and faith leaders, point out that the speed and scale of enforcement often come at the expense of due process, humanitarian discretion, and family unity.
A history too easily forgotten
And the United States has lived through the consequences of fear-based removals before. During the Great Depression, amid economic despair and rising anti-immigrant sentiment, the U.S. government carried out what historians now recognize as the largest mass deportation in American history: the Mexican Repatriation of the 1930s.
Between 1929 and 1939, an estimated 1 to 2 million people of Mexican descent were forcibly removed or pressured to leave. As
many as 60 percent were U.S. citizens by birth, including thousands of children. Entire families were rounded up in parks, workplaces, and relief offices, then loaded onto buses, trucks, and railcars bound for Mexico—sometimes to towns they had never seen. These removals, carried out in cities like Los Angeles, Detroit, and San Antonio, happened without hearings, legal counsel, or documentation. Though framed as “voluntary,” they were coordinated efforts driven by racial scapegoating and economic fear. The trauma endured for generations. But the story disappeared from textbooks and was rarely taught in classrooms.
Today, with renewed mass deportation drives underway, the parallels are unsettling. Government-led removals of long-settled immigrant families—often without criminal records— risk repeating past injustices. The lesson of history is clear: when enforcement overtakes fairness, the harm extends beyond borders. It strikes at the foundation of citizenship and civic trust.
What the American pubic believes
Contrary to polarized political rhetoric, polling shows that a majority of Americans support a balanced approach. According to a June 2025 Pew Research Center survey:
• 65% support a pathway to legal status for undocumented immigrants with clean records and work histories.
• 54% oppose large-scale ICE raids targeting families and workplaces.
• Over 60% support stronger border enforcement—but alongside humane legalization measures.
In short, the public wants immigration policies that are both firm and fair. The political class, however, has failed to deliver either.
A way forward
Mass deportation is not only morally fraught— it’s also economically short-sighted. The Center for American Progress estimates that removing all
undocumented immigrants would shrink GDP by nearly 6% and eliminate millions of jobs in agriculture, construction, and caregiving.
A legislative solution rooted in background checks, tax compliance, and longterm residency would not be a reward for illegal entry—it would be a recognition of lived contribution. It would restore order without mass upheaval. And it would affirm the American belief that redemption is possible.
This is not about forgetting the law—it’s about updating policy to meet reality. Enforcement alone cannot resolve a decades-old system failure. What’s needed is leadership that can bridge principle with pragmatism.
The test before us Immigration has always tested America’s identity. Are we a fortress, or a republic rooted in fairness and second chances?
Reagan, a conservative icon, embraced the belief that those who live, work, and contribute here deserve a chance to belong. His 1986 amnesty was not perfect—but it was humane. And it was principled.
Today, the question is no longer whether to forgive. It is whether we are willing to lead.
A nation defined by policy, pulled by principle
Over the years, amnesty has shifted from being a practical solution in immigration reform to one of the most politically charged issues in American life. Reagan’s IRCA blazed a path but failed to build lasting consensus. Today, public opinion—more fractured but more grounded—reflects a country wary of immigration’s challenges, yet quietly grateful for its contributions.
The real challenge now is not whether we act—but how we choose to. Can we craft a policy that balances enforcement with fairness, legality with humanity?
Whether our next steps are shaped by principled pragmatism or reactionary resistance may define not just the fate of millions—but the soul of the nation itself. (AJPress)
MASTERS SILVER. Filipino-Dutch Rachel de Weerd (left) bags the silver medal in the women’s 5000-meter event of the Masters Outdoor Netherlands Championships in Vught, the Netherlands on Sunday, June 22, 2025. De Weerd clocked 19 minutes and 18 seconds, just 15 seconds behind gold medalist Barbara Saat of the Netherlands. Photo by Rachel de Weerd
Tourism industry leaders decry
DILG chief’s ‘unsafe’ PH remark
by cristina eloisa bacliG Inquirer.net
MANILA — Leaders of the Philippine tourism industry have raised alarm over Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla’s claim that tourists are avoiding the Philippines because they “don’t feel safe,” calling it a damaging remark that reinforces already-debunked narratives and threatens the gains of the tourism sector.
Remulla made the controversial remark during a keynote address at the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA) Summit on June 19. Speaking before hotel professionals and tourism executives, he said:
“I truly believe that we have a beautiful country, and we have the best people in hospitality all over the world. But why are [foreign tourists] not coming here? I have to admit it is our fault. It is the government’s fault. It is the Interior Secretary’s fault.”
“People do not want to come to the country because they don’t feel safe. They are afraid. There is cynicism in all the bad news that goes on here, and in the political atmosphere, and killing seems an ordinary activity, so people become afraid,” he added.
‘Misleading, unfair, and damaging’
Arthur Lopez, president of the Philippine Hotel Owners Association (PHOA), called out the growing international perception of the Philippines as an unsafe destination. He described the HelloSafe ranking as “misleading, unfair, and detrimental to the country’s tourism recovery,” warning that it could undo years of hard work in rebuilding the sector after the pandemic.
Lopez was referring to the HelloSafe Travel Safety Index, a comparative ranking published by a financial products comparison platform. In its latest index, HelloSafe gave the Philippines a score of 82.32 out of 100, placing it at the top of its list of least safe countries in the world.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco later noted that the listing has since been altered to remove the Philippines’ false designation and replace it with another country. However, she emphasized that “the correction is not complete, and damage to the country’s reputation and to the lives of our people has already been done.”
Tourism leaders said
Remulla’s remarks appeared to validate the flawed ranking and could cause further reputational harm.
Maria Paz Alberto, president of the Philippine IATA Agents Travel Association (PIATA) and chair of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Philippine Chapter, warned that misleading narratives such as the HelloSafe index can “deter prospective visitors and cause lasting repercussions to businesses reliant on inbound tourism.”
Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) president Arjun Shroff said public messaging from government officials must reflect confidence and consistency. He added that projecting confidence in the country’s tourism capabilities is crucial, and stressed the importance of swiftly correcting false narratives to protect the industry’s credibility.
One tourism executive, who declined to be named, said Remulla’s remarks felt like a betrayal, echoing the same flawed perception the industry had worked hard to correct.
“It’s already challenging to correct global misconceptions,” the executive said. “But when a Cabinet official echoes those misconceptions, the damage doubles.”
Lopez, meanwhile, stressed that the industry leaders fully support Secretary Frasco’s call to set the record straight.
DOT hits back: ‘This cannot go unanswered’
In a statement, Frasco denounced the HelloSafe index as not only flawed but harmful.
“The publication by HelloSafe of a FALSE ranking that labeled the Philippines as the ‘least safe country’ for travelers has caused serious and lasting harm,” she said. “This cannot go unanswered.”
She said the index was “built on questionable data, lacking in transparency, and
San Miguel to break ground on new Boracay airport terminal, promises completion before 2028
by AJPress
CATICLAN, AKLAN — San Miguel Corporation (SMC) is scheduled to break ground on a new passenger terminal building at the Godofredo P. Ramos Airport—commonly referred to as Boracay Airport—as early as next month, according to transportation officials.
entirely disconnected from realities on the ground,” and pointed out that it lacked full methodology disclosure and appeared to reuse identical scores across countries.
“Safety indexes, when tied to sales and commercial interests, can unfairly distort national reputations, and warrant closer scrutiny,” she added.
Frasco underscored that the Department of Tourism (DOT) does not deny the country’s challenges, but emphasized that “extensive work is being done daily to address those challenges,” including trained police presence in key destinations, inter-agency coordination, and strong local government support.
“The impact of this false narrative is not abstract. It disrupted bookings and businesses. It cast doubt on our destinations. Worse, it harmed the livelihoods of millions of Filipinos who depend on tourism,” she said.
The DOT has since demanded that HelloSafe correct all remaining references to the erroneous data across its platforms and called on media outlets that cited the report to issue corrections.
Many in the sector had hoped for a unified message from government leaders to strengthen public trust and reinforce ongoing safety reforms. But instead of support, they now find themselves having to clarify and contain the fallout from statements made within the administration itself.
Still, for many in the industry, the damage has already been done—not by foreign publications, but by one of the country’s own officials.
As one veteran in the industry put it:
“The Philippines didn’t lose that round because of a bad survey—it lost because one of its own top officials agreed with it.” n
the airport is operated by Trans Aire Development Holdings Corp., a subsidiary of SMC Infrastructure.
Megawide to lead terminal construction
“For Caticlan airport, San Miguel has committed to break ground on a terminal building this June or July,”Transportation Secretary Vivencio “Vince” Dizon told reporters. He added that SMC President Ramon S. Ang has “committed to complete the project before the end of the Marcos administration,” which ends in 2028.
Major upgrade for Boracay gateway
The new terminal will raise the airport’s capacity to seven million passengers annually and include eight passenger boarding bridges. Godofredo P. Ramos Airport serves as the main air hub for travelers to Boracay Island, one of the Philippines’ top tourist destinations.
Located in Malay, Aklan,
In 2023, SMC tapped Megawide Construction Corp. to design and build the terminal. The Saavedra-led firm secured the contract through a private bidding process. “We’re committed to delivering a world-class facility that will boost tourism and regional development,” a Megawide representative previously stated.
The project is expected to support local jobs and significantly ease congestion at the airport, which has seen increasing traffic since Boracay’s rehabilitation and post-pandemic reopening.
Linked to a Broader Aviation Strategy
The Boracay terminal is part of SMC’s larger investment in Philippine aviation. In Bulacan, its aviation subsidiary San Miguel Aerocity Inc. is developing the P740-billion New Manila International Airport (NMIA), designed to be the country’s largest airport once completed.
Covering 2,500 hectares,
NMIA is projected to accommodate 100 million passengers annually and form part of a full-scale aerotropolis featuring logistics hubs, mixed-use development, and a seaport.
Tourism and economic boost
The Department of Transportation expects the Caticlan terminal to boost the region’s tourism economy. Secretary Dizon emphasized: “This project is not only about infrastructure. It’s about investing in the country’s future.”
The terminal’s added capacity is expected to improve travel efficiency and enhance visitor experience for both domestic and international tourists.
Airport Expansion Moving Forward
Groundbreaking is scheduled for late June or early July. Permitting and design preparations are already underway, with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines overseeing regulatory compliance.
Though no exact budget has been released, the terminal is projected to cost several billion pesos depending on final design specifications. n
Prosecutors oppose Rodrigo Duterte’s appeal for interim release
by charie abarca Inquirer.net
MANILA — Prosecutors opposed former President Rodrigo Duterte’s appeal for an interim release, calling on the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber I to junk the request.
In a 15-page filing dated June 23, Deputy Prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang argued that the continued detention of Duterte remains necessary. Among the submissions that the prosecution made are as follows: • Duterte’s continued detention is necessary to ensure his appearance at trial
While the defense submits that Duterte is “committed to returning for trial when ordered” and argues that this “carries significant
weight in militating against a finding of flight risk,” the prosecution recalled that Duterte himself told arresting officers that they would “just have to kill [him]” to bring him to The Hague and before the Court.
“Duterte’s proclamations that he would rather die than appear before the Court, or would finish ICC staff assisting with his arrest and transfer in a shootout, is not consistent with the behaviour of an individual committed to returning for his appearance at trial and casts doubt on his recently stated commitment,” said the prosecution.
• The continued detention of Duterte is necessary to ensure that he does not obstruct or endanger the investigation or court proceedings.
With the hearing for the confirmation of charges scheduled for September 23, 2025, the prosecution said they have a limited timeframe to continue their investigation, contact vital witnesses, complete disclosure, and make all other necessary preparations for the hearing.
The prosecution argued that Duterte could pose a risk of endangerment or obstruction of the ongoing investigation because of the possible opportunity to intimidate or threaten witnesses either directly or indirectly, through his associates or his family members.
• The continued detention of Duterte is necessary to prevent him from continuing with the commission of that crime or a related crime
Inquirer file photos
Too much politics can destroy us...
PAGE 6
States. “No one is claiming to have a relationship more important than America and Israel, but we would like to see that the aid to Ukraine would not be reduced because of this,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
According to Mark Katz, a non-resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council and a professor emeritus of government and politics at the George Mason University Schar School of Policy and Government, “Russia could potentially benefit from the Israel-Iran conflict, by U.S. attention and support being redirected from Ukraine to Israel, and by the rise in oil prices which provide Moscow with greater resources to fund its war against Ukraine. If the Israel-Iran conflict ends quickly, though, these benefits may not last long.” Obviously, the whole world is watching the United States and waiting for the next moves of President Trump, who earlier had urged Iranians to immediately evacuate Tehran, triggering speculation that American forces might join Israel in their fight.
The U.S. president has kept everyone guessing, telling reporters “I may do it. I may not do it… nobody knows what I’m going to do.” But last Thursday, he said he was giving a twoweek deadline to decide whether to get involved or not, having told his senior aides earlier that he has approved of attack plans against Iran, but was waiting to see if the latter would abandon its nuclear program. “Based on the fact that there is a substantial chance of negotiation that may or may not take place in Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks,” President Trump said. European officials mean-
time are seeking a diplomatic solution to the conflict, with foreign ministers from the UK, France, Germany and the European Union meeting with their Iranian counterpart in Geneva on Friday as they “cast the latest diplomacy as an 11th-hour scramble to influence the crisis: to extract greater concessions from Iran, whose position they believe has now been weakened, and to get Trump to back away from his threats of a bombing campaign and suggestions of regime change,” according to the Washington Post.
One of our friends in the defense establishment told me that these latest developments demonstrate the serious commitment of President Trump to bring about security around the world through his defense policy of peace through strength, which focuses on America’s military supremacy to strengthen deterrence against conflict and potential adversaries.
In an article authored by Bob Williams and Dr. James Giordano titled “Determined Nuclear Deterrence Sustains Order” published in November 2024 in the National Defense Magazine, they stated that, “In the current global order, U.S. deterrence arguably remains the most important pillar of nuclear non-use. While legal conventions and inspections provide guardrails, the threat of an assured response to any use of a nuclear weapon cannot be overstated in deterring such an abrogation.”
Williams (an assistant professor at the National Defense University in Washington) and Giordano (a Pellegrino Center Professor at Georgetown University) assert that the U.S. nuclear triad of land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles and strategic aerial bombers has been “a stalwart deterrent against nuclear war,” ref-
erencing President Ronald Reagan’s mantra of “peace through strength.”
An article published last Thursday. June 19, at the RealClearDefense news site titled “Deterrence: Peace Through Strength Works” written by Peter Huessy asserts that America “relies on deterrence” to protect it from all enemies foreign and domestic, and that the U.S. military, including all five services from the USAF to the Marines and Coast Guard, protects U.S. interests and sovereignty and allies overseas through displays of deterrent forces that give pause to enemies.
Many countries consider deterrence as a strategy to maintain peace by building up their military capabilities and strengthening alliances to discourage potential rivals from starting any conflict. President Trump is in fact encouraging allies in Asia and Europe to build up their military instead of relying solely on U.S. support – which is why now, more than ever, we need to continue with the modernization of our armed forces and rely on our own resources – which received a major boost with the SelfReliant Defense Posture Revitalization Act.
But more importantly, we need to strengthen our economy because as I have repeatedly said on many occasions, economic security is tied to our national security agenda. Hopefully, our politicians will see the need to work towards our security and strength as a nation – mainly because of the many global challenges we face. There is a saying that too much politics ultimately destroys a nation. (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
PAGE 6
monument of a mountain. The mountain was bombed. So Donald Trump calls the damage “monumental.”
Since Iran controls a strategic strait called Hormuz where 20 to 30 percent of the world’s energy supposedly passes through, the post-bombing surge in crude prices has been significant (not yet monumental), by 5.7 percent to $81.40 per barrel of Brent crude on Monday, June 23. Stock markets around the world dropped about two percent in value, including our own PSEI. Tehran says the consequences of the U.S. bombing will be “everlasting.”
In the case of Sara Duterte, the damage to our sense of morality and accountability and our democracy is also monumental – if the SIC refuses to try her at all, or if it tries her perfunctorily and declares her not guilty. Damage to our government will be “everlasting.”
Former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, who presided over the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona in 2012, himself has warned of the consequences of the SIC refusing to try VP Duterte. “If the impeachment trial does not proceed forthwith,” he told the Inquirer, speaking in Filipino, “no one will block or stop corruption in the nation. There will be no more barrier to stop the plunder of the people’s money ( kaban ng bayan ).”
“I am sad,” wept Enrile, “with many of our senators now…and many of them are my friends. The neophyte senators, they should be a little more diligent, learn what their duty really is, in the job they have gotten themselves into.”
Sara’s crimes include, in plain language, stealing people’s money which, if it amounts to at least P50 million and involves a series of acts, is called plunder.
Two wars...
In fancier language, her crimes are called betrayal of public trust, a crime which only the 1987 Philippine Constitution knows about.
If you already have a girlfriend and then you get second girlfriend, that’s betrayal of private trust, of the first GF. It’s a sin but you don’t automatically go to jail for it. But you lose the first GF and you cannot get married to her. You are ousted as the BF.
In public office, betrayal of public trust covers offenses for which you don’t automatically go to jail but they render you unfit to remain in office. You are ousted. This rule applies to high officials – the president of the Philippines, the vice president, the chief justice and justices of the Supreme Court and constitutional commission officers. These people can be ousted, but not jailed, upon conviction by the SIC, for culpable violation of the Constitution, treason, bribery, graft and corruption, other high crimes or betrayal of public trust.
Sara is heir to the entrenched Davao dynasty, the Dutertes. The clan angered two venerable political dynasties, the Marcoses (represented by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who Sara threatened to kill, not once, but twice, on national tv), and the Romualdezes of House Speaker Martin Romualdez (who Sara also threatened to kill, in a buyone, take-two deal with contracted assassins).
The Senate is a house of dynasties. There are FOUR sets of siblings – 1) Alan and Pia Cayetano, both lawyers; 2) JV Ejercito and Jinggoy Estrada; 3) Mark and Camille Villar, both tycoons and 4) Erwin and Raffy Tulfo, both broadcasters.
Imee Marcos is a dynast in her own right, although she pretends to be the
enemy of President Marcos Jr., her younger and only brother.
Former Senate president Migz Zubiri comes from a Bukidnon dynasty that spans three generations. But Migz is such a decent guy, one cannot but like him.
Win Gatchalian has a brother who is a mayor, Wes Gatchalian of Valenzuela City, and another brother who is a Cabinet secretary, Rex Gatchalian of DSWD. The other senators are entertainment or broadcast dynasties – the Tulfo brothers, the EjercitoEstrada brothers, Tito Sotto, Loren Legarda, Robin Padilla, Kiko Pangilinan and Lito Lapid. There are two policemen.
The Philippine Senate was founded in 1916 – 109 years ago. Majority of our 24 senators used to be lawyers – Bar-topnotcher lawyers. The old Senate produced Bar-topnotcher Philippine presidents. There were no dynasties then. The leadership pool was small but brilliant and excellent.
From 1935 to 1966, six of seven presidents were all Bar topnotchers. The Senate produced most of our good presidents –Manuel Quezon, Sergio Osmeña, Manuel Roxas, Jose P. Laurel, Elpidio Quirino and Ferdinand Marcos Sr. They all cut their teeth in legislative diligence and leadership prowess as senators. Today, our Senate is in danger of promoting or coddling plunderers. And mass killers on the side. Their damage to the nation could be monumental and everlasting. (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: biznewsasia@gmail.com
Prosecutors oppose Rodrigo Duterte’s
PAGE 8
which is within the jurisdiction of the Court and which arises out of the same circumstances.
The defense earlier submitted that Duterte will not continue to commit crimes if released, but the pros-
ecution countered this by recalling how the former president has reportedly previously stated that he planned to run for mayor of Davao City again in 2025 and pledged to “double” the killings the “moment I return”.
“As noted above, Duterte has since won the Davao Mayoral election and his family has consistently stated their intention to bring him home to the Philippines,” said the prosecution. For these reasons, the
prosecution — strongly opposing the former president’s appeal — submits that the conditions laid out by Duterte’s team, “cannot be practically or appropriately implemented.”
It then requested that the chamber reject Duterte’s
urgent appeal for interim release.
The ICC currently has custody of Duterte after he was arrested on March 12 and sent to The Hague for crimes against humanity he allegedly committed during his administration’s bloody
war against drugs, which left at least 6,000 people dead, but with human rights groups reporting at least 20,000 killed.
Duterte initially appeared before the chamber’s hearing on March 14 via video link. n
COMMUNITY JOURNAL
Husband’s ‘phantom marriage’ nearly derails wife’s green card in this Citizen Pinoy episode
IN this week’s episode of Citizen Pinoy, leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel tackles a unique and challenging case involving a nurse from the Philippines, Cielo Flaviano, whose green card journey was nearly derailed by her husband Carlos' earlier visa application mishap. Years ago, during his own immigrant visa interview, Carlos got flustered and mistakenly "confessed" to being married when he was, in fact, single. The error led to a visa denial and a charge of fraud.
Despite this rocky start, Atty. Gurfinkel’s law office successfully cleared Carlos' name, enabling him to obtain his green card in 2016.
“Phantom Marriage” Almost Derails Nurse’s Green Card in an encore episode of Citizen Pinoy. In this week’s Citizen Pinoy, leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel shares the extraordinary story of Cielo Flaviano, a nurse from the Philippines, whose green card journey faced a major hurdle due to her husband Carlos’ past visa application mishap. Years earlier, Carlos mistakenly “confessed” to being married during his U.S. visa interview, leading to a denial and a fraud charge. With Atty. Gurfinkel’s help, Carlos cleared his record, obtained his green card, and later petitioned for Cielo after they married. When Cielo’s visa priority date became current, the couple sought Atty. Gurfinkel’s guidance and she was granted her visa, joining Carlos in Chicago in September 2024. Be sure to watch this compelling success story on an encore episode of CITIZEN PINOY – this Sunday at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)
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PAGE 12 Carlos and Cielo during the latter’s graduation several years ago.
Health@Heart Sex among seniors
philip S. Chua, md, FaCS, FpCS
SENIOR couples may be in the winter of their lives, but the heat of the summer could still be lingering inside them, many thinking intimacy is no longer possible. Medical facts of today will hopefully change their archaic mindset. Scientifically speaking, relatively healthy seniors (in spite of their high blood, pressure, diabetes, etc.) could still enjoy a satisfying active sex life, albeit not a s often. It is a matter of mindset, not age, according to a special health report from Harvard Medical School.
To forgo the intimacy in the winter of your journey, especially today, when various aids are available, is to miss the wonderful summer warmth of love and life itself.
Energy drink and cancer
The popularity of energy drinks, especially among young people, is quite alarming. Deaths have been reported following consumption of energy drinks, which contains high dose of caffeine and taurine, an amino acid which researchers has now linked to leukemia, a form of cancer that affects the blood, according to the University of Rochester Medical Center.
The report by The Hill says “research has indicated that taurine, a common ingredient in energy drinks, like Red Bull, can have both beneficial and detrimental effects in the context of cancer. While taurine can enhance the survival and function of immune cells like CD8 T cells, it can also fuel cancer cell growth and promote tumor progression. This dual role is largely dependent on the cancer type, the specific cellular context, and the levels of taurine available.”
Cardiologist suicide
Suicide among cardiologists in the United States is alarming. One in 6 cardiologists had suicidal ideation, the highest rate (17 percent) among all specialties, among ages 6569. Among cardiologists, 14 percent had suicidal thoughts and 2 percent had attempted to kill themselves. Sixty two percent of them were males and 36 percent females. Factors cited were stress from medical practice and corporate employer pressure to produce more profits by seeing more patients, in an understaffed situation, basically over worked, fatigue, and burnt-out. Physicians are basically “ordered” to see more
patients daily, beyond what is good care. Today’s corporate practice of medicine is mainly focused on financial profits and sacrifices quality of care.
Marijuana Warning
A study on the devastating effect of cannabis (marijuana) use on the cardiovascular system and the mechanism involved reveals “associations with oxidative stress, tissue injury, cell death. It's also proatherogenic (induces hardening of the arteries), profibrotic (scar-forming), and pro-inflammatory. And it results in this vasodilation/vasoconstriction in the sympathetic nervous system that could also put additional stress on the cardiovascular system.”
It is mind-boggling why our legislators would even approve recreational marijuana. While its medical use is scientifically justified, adding cannabis to the damaging substances we already have (tobacco, alcohol, etc.) for recreational purposes is insanity. The only thing this “recreates” are addiction, illnesses, misery, and death, especially for our youth.
TAVR: Lifesaver Transcatheter Aortic Valve
Replacement (TAVR) or Implantation (TAVI), conceptualized by HR Anderson (Danish) in the 1980s, was first performed on human patients by French cardiologist Alain Cribier, MD, FACC, in Rouen, France on April 16, 2002.
I have given lectures on TAVR in Manila, Cebu, and in various cities in the United States. I entitled my talk “TAVR: Hope for the Otherwise Hopeless.”
Patients with severe heart valve disease, heart failure, and other co-morbidities are usually rejected because of a very high unacceptable mortality rate. This unfortunate situation was like a death sentence because they won’t last 3-6 months without effective treatment.
With TAVR, which is a minimally invasive procedure using a percutaneous - skin puncture in the groin (femoral) artery – to insert a catheter to replace the diseased valve, instead of a major chest-cracking surgery, the patients are able to tolerate the procedure better and are discharged in a day or two. TAVR or TAVI are indeed a lifesaver. The procedure is now extended to other diseased heart valves and rapidly being used to replace heart valve surgery in many cases around the world.
The report from the recent DapaTAVI trial presented in Chicago revealed that “ for older patients at high risk for a heart failure event who are scheduled for transcath-
eter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), dapagliflozin, a sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, reduces the risk for death and heart failure events by almost 30%.” An added boon for TAVR.
Flavan-3-ols and BP
High blood pressure, a deadly contributing factor, kills at least 43,000 people in the United States every year. It is also a major risk factor for heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.
A new meta-study, which includes 145 randomized controlled researches, suggests that the “flavan-3-ols, which are a type of plant-derived compound found in cocoa, dark chocolates, tea, apples, and grapes, may be useful in managing high blood pressure.”– European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.
Exercise and Alzheimer’s
There are an estimated 7.2 million Americans who have Alzheimer’s and about 55 million people around the world. Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer.
Exercise helps prevents dementia, including Alzheimer’s. Studies now reveals how it helps: regular “exercise transforms two critical cell types in the brain, microglia and neurovascular astrocytes (NVA), cells that help maintain the brains blood supply and form part of the protective blood-brain barrier.”
Exercise reduces the risk for the development of diseases, including metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, and even cancer.
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.
Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He was a recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, U.S. senator, and later a presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry S. Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali, Astronaut Gus Grissom, scientists, and educators. (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888. com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com; Amazon.com (“Where is My America?”); Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.
Xian Lim earns commercial pilot license
by Anne PAsAjol Inquirer.net
XIAN Lim could not seem to contain his joy as he marked another achievement in his aviation journey — finally earning his commercial pilot license.
The actor-director shared his recent milestone through his Instagram page on Wednesday, June 18, showing moments from when he was given his epaulet.
“CPL! Commercial Pilot License! I still can’t believe it. It happened so fast,” he said. “This journey has truly been life-changing and I’m filled with gratitude.”
Lim expressed his gratitude to his flight instructors and the staff of the aviation school for their guidance, patience and for “pushing [him] beyond what [he] thought was possible.” Lim also made mention of his flightmates who served as his support group.
“Why is this caption so long? Lol. I am just so happy. I just finished my checkride and adrenaline is still high,” he said. “More ratings, more aircrafts, more challenges to come!”
Addressing his followers, Lim noted, “Let this be a reminder to myself and to anyone reading this chasing
Husband’s
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a dream, that nothing is impossible if you have the heart, the passion, and the right people around you.”
“No matter how loud the world gets, sometimes all you need is one person, one crew, to tell you, you’ve got what it takes,” he added.
Lim concluded his post with a declaration, “This is only the beginning. Let’s keep flying.”
Lim started his aviation course in September 2024. He earned his private pilot license last January.
‘phantom
After marrying Cielo in the Philippines, Carlos petitioned for her green card. When the priority date became current, the couple sought Atty. Gurfinkel’s expertise again, concerned that the “phantom marriage” might jeopardize her chances.
With careful preparation and guidance, Cielo confidently addressed the Consul’s questions during her visa interview, successfully securing her immigrant visa. She arrived in the U.S. in September 2024, reuniting with her husband in Chicago and is now preparing to take the NCLEX to fulfill her dream of becoming a U.S. nurse.
Watch this success story on an encore episode of CITIZEN PINOY – this Sunday at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app. (Advertising Supplement)
marriage’ nearly derails...
Cielo is shown here with leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel.
Xian Lim earns commercial pilot license. Photos from Instagram/@xianlimm
The weight of stardom, the lightness of being: Sharon Cuneta’s quiet transformation
For the Megastar, it was never just about weight loss—it was a powerful journey of self-reclamation, resilience, and quiet reinvention. In the process, she redefined aging, fame, and feminine strength on her own terms
by AJPress
SHE was twelve when it began—not with a movie role, but with a melody. A child barely out of grade school, Sharon Cuneta became the voice behind “Mr. DJ,” a radio anthem that turned her into the nation’s sweetheart overnight. She wasn’t just singing; she was signaling the arrival of a generational muse. The daughter of privilege and politics, and niece to the music industry’s elite, Sharon could have been dismissed as a passing curiosity. Instead, she became a phenomenon.
From those early years as the DJ’s muse, she would go on to become the country’s “Megastar”—a term coined not by accident, but by necessity. There was no other way to describe her cultural gravity. Singer, actress, mother, icon— Sharon Cuneta’s image was everywhere. And for more than four decades, she carried the weight of being everything to everyone.
But somewhere in that expanse of public adoration, something shifted. The spotlight, once warm, grew harsh. The expectations became heavier than the trophies. The applause quieter than the voice inside her that longed for rest.
It wasn’t the kind of comeback that required a script. There were no dramatic press conferences, no headlines orchestrated for sympathy or spectacle. Instead, what the Philippines’ enduring Megastar undertook in the past decade was something more radical: she disappeared from who
the public expected her to be, and quietly re-emerged as someone entirely her own.
By 2016, Sharon was tired. Tired of the noise, the critics, the weight—both literal and symbolic. “I didn’t feel like myself anymore,” she would later confess. Her body, stretched by time and expectation, had become an armor she no longer wanted to carry. The woman who had once lit up every screen in the archipelago now found herself dimmed by doubt, disappointment, and the unforgiving lens of celebrity culture.
And so began the slow burn of transformation.
No cameras rolled as Sharon changed her lifestyle. There was no instant metamorphosis. Instead, it was bird-like eating—kain ibon, as she put it with her signature candor. It was discipline disguised as selfrespect. A shedding, not just of pounds but of old narratives: the ones that said she had to be thin to be adored, to be relevant, to be her. She would go on to lose over 100 pounds, but what she gained—clarity, strength, stillness—cannot be measured.
Then came the skinremoval surgery in 2023. The physical evidence of her loss was carved from her frame, and the scars that remained were not concealed. “I’d rather have scars than feel like I’m wearing something that doesn’t belong to me,” she said. It was a bold, unfiltered moment—one that only Sharon could deliver with grace.
In 2025, that quiet triumph continued to unfold. In March, she appeared visibly
relaxed and radiant during a wellness session, where she spoke openly about the post-weight loss care that had helped restore her comfort and confidence. While cosmetic refinement was part of the process, Sharon remained firm in emphasizing the foundation of it all: commitment, consistency, and healing— inside and out.
Just weeks later, she brought the internet to tears with an emotional revelation: for the first time in twenty years, she was able to shop again for clothes she wanted to wear—not what she had to settle for. “I cried in the dressing room,” she admitted. “Size 6. I never thought I’d see that tag again.”
And the visual proof was undeniable. At the ABS-CBN Ball in April, Sharon returned to the red carpet in a sleek
Jot Losa gown—tailored not just to her body, but to the confidence that now radiated from within. The silhouette was polished, but it was the poise that caught everyone’s attention. It was as if her figure, once burdened by expectation, now moved through the world with ease.
She’s also more present than ever—literally. In May, she flew to New York to attend daughter Frankie’s graduation at Barclays Center. Joining her were husband Kiko and longtime family yaya, Irish. “It felt like a full-circle moment,” Sharon wrote. “I had the energy to be there—not just physically, but completely.”
The woman we see now—refined in silhouette, luminous in spirit—is not a reinvention. She is an arrival.
When Sharon appeared again on primetime— whether as judge, singer,
She also visited the Upper East Side home of Filipina Businesswoman and Philanthropist, Loida Nicholas - Lewis, a longtime family friend or icon-in-residence— viewers didn’t just applaud the aesthetic shift. They saw something deeper: a woman unburdened. She moved through the public eye not with the urgency of a comeback artist, but with the calm of someone who no longer needed to prove anything. Her transformation had nothing to do with being camera-ready and everything to do with being life-ready. Sharon Cuneta is no longer chasing the girl she once was. She is, instead, walking beside the woman she has become—wise, weathered, and wondrously weightless. The Megastar did not simply reclaim her figure. She reclaimed her rhythm—her own way of moving through the world, unapologetic and unburdened. And in doing so, reminded those who have followed her journey— critics, admirers, and kindred spirits alike—that the most luminous comebacks are often the quietest.
The Megastar was recently in New York with her family for the graduation of daughter Frankie Pangilinan from the New School.
Pradash M. Manimba’s: The heart of a journalist: The inspiring journey of Rogelio Constantino Medina
Rogelio ConSTanTino medina My P.E.P. (People, Events,Places)
Thanks to Cosmo Digest International Magazine, published by Global Asia Insider (USA-UK-Dubai) for featuring me in its magazine’s cover last year. It is written by Pradash M. Manimba: The heart of a journalist: The inspiring journey of Rogelio Constantino Medina
Here is the excerpt of the article: “Rogelio Constantino Medina embodies the spirit of quiet heroism - a life dedicated not only to uncovering truths but also to giving voice to the rich tapestry of the Filipino experience... Rogelio’s early life was steeped in a profound sense of identity and pride in his heritage, elements that would resonate in every narrative he crafted and every students he mentored. Despite his family’s move to California, Rogelio’s heart remains firmly anchored in the Philippines. Each article he pens for Balikbayan Magazine, Asian Journal, and Police Files Tonite serves as a lifeline connecting him to his homeland and to the expatriate community. His writing resonates deeply with Filipinos around the globe, offering them a sense of belonging. THrough his words, Rogelio evokes the sounds, colors, and emotions of home, creating a bridge that transcends oceans. “In
every story I tell,” he says,” I strive to bring the essence of the Philippines to life, so those far away can feel the warmth of home in their hearts.”
“ Rogelio’s impact extends beyond journalism; he is also a passionate educator. As an Associate Professor at the Philippine Women’s University and the University of Makati, he ignited a fervor for learning in his students. Rogelio went beyond conventional teaching; he nurtured young minds, encouraging critical thinking, curiosity, and the recognition of their own voices. With advanced degrees from esteemed institutions— including a Master of Arts from De La Salle University and a Doctorate in Business Administration from Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila—he exemplified a life devoted to continuous growth and understanding. He often inspires his students with the mantra, “Education is not just about knowledge; it is about empowerment. Your voice has the power to change the world.”
“ As an Economic Correspondent for the Far Eastern Economic Review and a correspondent for the Philippine Star, Rogelio tackled some of the nation’s most pressing issues. He broke down complex socioeconomic topics with insight and empathy, shining a light on the triumphs and struggles of the Filipino people. “Every article I write is an opportunity to amplify the voices of those who are often unheard,” he asserts. “Journalism is not
just about reporting; it’s about standing up for the truth.”
“ Recently, Rogelio’s dedication and excellence in journalism were recognized when he ranked #1 on the Whova leaderboard at the Science Journalism Forum. His journey is a powerful reminder of the impact one person can make through words— connecting, inspiring, and driving change. For Rogelio, journalism is not merely a profession; it is a calling and a responsibility to honor his roots while sharing the stories of his people with the world.
“Rogelio Constantino Medina’s legacy is one of compassion, resilience, and unwavering commitment. His life’s work reminds us that within each of us lies the strength of our heritage and the potential to make a difference, no matter where we find ourselves in the world.”
***
Famous Sticker Mule CEO Anthony Constantino of Amsterdam, New York has been a loyal supporter of US
President Donald J. Trump.
“I joined MAGA (Make America Great Again) in 2016 because President Trump wasn’t your typical Republican a la Mitt Romney. I saw early on that Donald Trump would connect with urban communities in ways that Republicans never did before,” said Anthony, who added that President Trump wants to help everyone.
He continued: “That’s why many rappers now support the President including Lil Wayne, Kodak Black, Snoop Dogg, Nelly, Wacka Flocka Flame, my friend Porsche Truck Ruk, and many more.”
He is the executive producer of “In Da City” by rapper Porsche Truck Ruk that surpassed 1 million views on YouTube.
Recently, he was honored by the Saratoga County Republican Committee as a recipient of the Freedom of Speech Award. He dared to take a stand, even when it cost him money and threatened his liberty. He turned the rooftop of his factory into a national news story: the “Vote for Tump” political sign. He stood in the face of adversity to take a stand for free speech and fought for “the right for all of us to express our political views”.
It should be recalled that he sent to their over 5 million customers announcing his support of Donald Trump and called for an end to antiTrump hate, especially after the assassination attempt on the life of Donald Trump, the American president who makes a difference to inspire and motivate his people and who shares a vision of fostering a sense of purpose and transforming his people to contribute their best.
***
For the first time, I attended a simple, but happy, celebration of Father’s Day
last June 15 in Fairfield, California. I also met two cute dogs, Mylo and Boba.
***
Letran Manila and Emilio Aguinaldo College Manila (respiratory therapy course) educated Jojo Broce, a grandson of Francisca “Lola Nitang” Lopez-Broce, of San Carlos City, Negros Occidental is very proud of his son, Joshua Broce, who is a professional football player in Cebu.
Joshua studied at National University Manila and Colegio de Sta. Rita de San Carlos Inc. (BSBA course) in Negros Occidental.
***
It is baseball season in the USA with favorite Los Angeles Dodgers Team. LAbased accountant JR Arugay II recently witnessed the
Heritage Night at Dodgers Stadium in Los Angeles, California.
***
The achievement of wonder child Sheanne Marie Faye Pedroso, 9, daughter of Salvie Collado Paparon who was featured in New York City’s Times Square billboard (thanks to La Visual Corp. and Alegre De Filipinas’ Janice Israel Delima), was recently honored by the WATA Open International Taekwondo Championship 2025 in Osaka, Japan.
* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * * rogeliocmedina@yahoo.com
(From left) Roland Isip, Vincent Isip, Alan Valentin and Daniel Tummings.
American Anthony Constantino with the rappers.
Sheanne Marie Faye Pedroso during Philippine Taekwondo Association’s CALABARZON competition in Robinson’s Place Cavite.
LA-based accountant JR Arugay II at Dodgers Stadium.
Sticker Mule CEO Anthony Constantino with US President Donald J. Trump.
Asian Journal columnist Rogelio Constantino Medina in a magazine cover.
Jojo Broce (right) with his son, football player Joshua Broce.
Filipino
Lea Salonga brings stage and screen magic to North America this fall
The Broadway star brings ‘The Stage, Screen & Everything In Between’ tour to US and Canada
by GAvin MArtinez Inquirer.net
TONY Award-winning singer and actress Lea Salonga is making her way across North America once again with a brand-new tour titled “The Stage, Screen & Everything In Between.”
The tour will spotlight her celebrated legacy in musical theatre and animation, drawing from roles in “Miss Saigon,” “Les Misérables,” “Aladdin” and “Mulan.”
With an extensive lineup of dates from September to December, Salonga’s tour will bring her to over 30 cities including New York, Miami, Las Vegas, Chicago, Vancouver and Toronto. She will be backed by a full band and vocalists, promising a powerhouse live performance that mixes storytelling, beloved classics and emotional punch.
Kicking off on Sept. 11 in Athens, Georgia, the tour immediately travels through Houston and Dallas in Texas, before stopping for two consecutive nights in Chicago on Sept. 16 and 17. By the end of September, fans on the West
in Costa Mesa (Sept. 26) and Temecula (Sept. 27) in California. October is packed with performances across the US and Canada, including stops in Portland (October 7), Seattle (October 8), and Vancouver (October 10–11). She’ll also perform in Toronto on Oct. 18 and 24.
“This show is very special to me,” Salonga shared via Instagram. “The Stage, Screen & Everything In Between Tour is coming to North America this Fall! Visit the all new LeaSalonga.com for info, tickets, VIP Experiences and
more! I’m so excited about this show and hope to see you on the road starting in September! #ssaeib”
But this tour isn’t just about music. It’s also about impact. As part of her “Touring for Good” initiative, Salonga announced a partnership with several nonprofit organizations.
One of the most notable is her Oct. 20 show at Town Hall in New York City, which benefits Sing for Hope, a group dedicated to using the arts to uplift communities and provide access to creative resources.
“While traveling North America this fall… we’ll be partnering with some very impactful not-for-profits for our Touring for Good initiative,” she shared.
For that special night in NYC, donors to “Sing for Hope” can enjoy a VIP package that includes orchestra seating, sound check access, a meet-and-greet, a champagne reception and exclusive merchandise, all to benefit the organization’s creative community efforts.
Juliana Gomez to represent PH in upcoming SEA Games
by CArl MArtin AGustin Inquirer.net
JULIANA Gomez has secured her spot in the Women’s Epee Philippine National Fencing Team, and is en route to representing the country in the upcoming Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Bangkok, Thailand, later in December.
This comes after the women’s epee UAAP standout earned her position through the 2025 PFA National Open Fencing Championship, held at the Ormoc City Superdome, where Gomez earned the bronze medal.
Joining Gomez in the Women’s Epee Philippine National Fencing Team are Alexa Larrazabal, who won the gold medal in the championship, and Ivy Dinoy, who also took home the bronze.
Gomez previously failed to qualify for the national team in the past four years and has even opted to skip out on her
Erwan Heussaff, Wilma Doesnt elated to be in new ‘Somebody Feed Phil’ episode
by Anne PAsAjol Inquirer.net
ERWAN Heussaff and Wilma Doesnt were among the Filipino personalities featured in the episode of the American food and travel documentary series “Somebody Feed Phil” that spotlighted Filipino cuisine.
Heussaff and Doesnt dined with the series host Phil Rosenthal, who tried out a range of local dishes including pork sisig, chicharon, bulalo, grilled chicken and tuna.
The episode also featured Rosenthal bonding over a meal with jeepney drivers and restaurant owners, traveling to Tagaytay where he ate at a Spanish restaurant, enjoying a boodle fight by the beach, and trying out halo-halo.
To conclude his visit to the Philippines, the show host had a small gathering with the people he met during his stay, which included the late celebrity chef and restaurateur Margarita “Gaita” Fores.
Heussaff showed through his Instagram page his behind-the-scenes moment with Rosenthal, regarding it as
a “privilege.” Heussaff also called it a “special episode” as it shows their last meal with Fores before she died in February this year.
“I was invited to take part in ‘Somebody Feed Phil’ when they came to Manila last year,” Heussaff said, referring to the filming of the content that took place in 2024.
“I was so nervous, but Phil’s genuine passion and interest put me at ease immediately. To be given this platform to talk about Filipino Food and our love for it, is such a privilege,” he added. “I hope we
made all of you proud!”
Doesnt, for her part, showed herself beaming with excitement while watching the series.
“I’m so happy! My heart! Thank you, Lord!” she said via her Instagram page.
The eighth season of “Somebody Feed Phil” premiered on streaming platform Netflix on Wednesday, June 18. Aside from the Philippines, the series’ latest season featured Amsterdam, San Sebastián/Basque Country, Boston, Tbilisi, Sydney/Adelaide, Las Vegas and Guatemala.
This docuseries about all things Filipino culture is streaming on Netflix
by PAuline MirAndA Inquirer.net
final year of UAAP eligibility under the UP Fighting Maroons to focus on her national team aspirations. But this latest breakthrough is a lesson in perseverance.
“What a journey this qualifying season has been. Grateful to be rooted in the support of my coaches, friends, and family. All in God’s perfect time. I’m ready for what’s ahead,” wrote Gomez on Instagram following
her selection.
Actor, multi-athlete, and Leyte Representative Richard Gomez also took to social media to congratulate his daughter: “Today was a very happy day. Three of our athletes from Ormoc City qualified for the Women’s Epee National Team and will be seeing action at the coming Thailand Southeast Asian Games in December. Let’s go team!”
IF there’s anything we love more than our culture, it’s seeing others talk about and enjoy our culture. It’s just Pinoy pride—or, as we say it these days, “uy Pilipins!” It’s why we love it when we see reactors gush over our OPM stars, or why we cheer when Filipino food makes it to international TV shows.
We just got another reason
to swell up with pride: Netflix has recently premiered “I Love Filipino,” a five-part documentary series that showcases various aspects of Filipino life and culture. Each episode focuses on different cultural topics, from our local cuisine to our musical and artistic identity, our architecture and even our sawsawan. The best part? It’s created and curated by an allFilipino team.
The documentary series, co-
written and hosted by awardwinning broadcast journalist Jiggy Manicad, includes interviews with experts and key figures in various fields. Their insights add depth to each episode as the series seeks to answer what truly makes a Filipino.
Currently in the top 10 shows in the Philippines as of writing, “I Love Filipino” is also an easy watch, with each episode running for only a little less than 30 minutes.
Lea Salonga Inquirer.net file photo Coast can catch her
(From left) Erwan Heussaff, “Somebody Feed Phil” host Phil Rosenthal, and Wilma Doesnt with her family. Photos from Instagram/@erwan, @doesntwilma
