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
Newsom proposes freeze on Medi-Cal expansion for undocumented adults
SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed cutting off new full-scope Medi-Cal enrollment for undocumented adults starting in 2026 and instituting monthly premiums for existing enrollees by 2027. The move comes as California faces a projected $12 billion budget deficit, which Newsom attributes to stock market volatility, federal tariffs, and soaring Medi-Cal costs. The proposal would freeze new enrollment in full-scope Medi-Cal for undocumented adults aged 19 and over beginning January 1, 2026. Current enrollees would retain coverage, but starting in 2027, they would be required to pay monthly premiums—originally proposed at $100, but reduced to $30 following negotiations in the Legislature.
These changes are expected to save the state up to $5.4 billion by 2029. The cuts come just over a year after California became the first state to offer full Medi-Cal coverage to all low-income residents regardless of immigration status.
Newsom defended the proposal as a dif-
PH begins repatriation of Filipinos in Israel, Iran amid escalating tensions
by AJPress
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’ elevation of Crisis Alert Level 3 in both countries due to rising tensions in the Middle East.
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.
Repatriation efforts underway
The DFA and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) began processing the repatriation of Filipino workers this week. As of June 23, 223 Filipinos in Israel and eight in Iran have formally requested assistance.
Over P62 billion in shabu seized since 2022; Rights-based approach reaffirmed
by AJPress
QUEZON CITY — President Ferdinand 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 billion worth of methamphetamine u PAGE 4
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 u
2
‘Our nation cannot again go to war with faulty intelligence,’ says Rep. Bobby Scott
WASHINGTON – Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (D-VA) has criticized President Donald Trump for bypassing congressional approval when he launched airstrikes on three nuclear sites in Iran Saturday.
“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 U.S. 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
by Gabriel Pabico lalu Inquirer.net
Bucoy explained that since Answer Ad Cautelam means an answer with caution — and Duterte submitted an Answer Ad Cautelam to the Senate sitting u PAGE 4 (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 recovered from coastal
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. u PAGE 3
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.
US requires student visa applicants, including those in the US, 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 u PAGE 4
Gina Ortiz Jones
From the Front Page
PH begins repatriation of...
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 escalating 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 im-
plements 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. “T he 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 over...
1
intelligence. We saw what happened in Iraq in 2003, which dragged the United 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,” KamlagerDove 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.”
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. (Inquirer.net with reports from CNS)
San Diego’s $25 minimum wage for tourism workers moves forward
by AJPress
SAN DIEGO
— A proposal
to raise the minimum wage for thousands of San Diego tourismsector workers to $25/hour cleared its first major hurdle on June 25, with the City Council’s Economic Development Committee voting unanimously to advance the measure.
The ordinance would raise wages for roughly 8,000 workers at hotels with 150 or more rooms, the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, Petco Park, and other large venues. The current citywide minimum is $17.25/hour.
“This is not radical,” said Council President Sean Elo-Rivera, who authored the ordinance. “This is what basic dignity demands… Every time they say the sky will fall, and every time they are wrong.”
He emphasized that wages have lagged behind rising costs, noting
that rent has jumped up to 40% over five years for many residents.
“Significant wealth is being extracted from the city,” he added,
“and I don’t believe there’s a fair deal between those extracting the wealth and the workers making it all run.”
Labor unions and community advocates say the raise is necessary to help workers meet San Diego’s high cost of living.
MIT’s Living Wage Calculator estimates a single adult in San Diego would need over $30/hour to afford basic needs.
Opponents, including the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, hotel industry groups, and the San Diego Padres, argue the ordinance unfairly targets one sector while exempting cityemployed hospitality workers.
Padres COO Caroline Perry noted:
“If $25 an hour is truly what it takes to afford to live in San Diego,
why doesn’t it apply to the city’s own workforce?” She also warned it would drive up costs for fans and local businesses, stating, “We urge the City Council to reject it.”
An economic analysis commissioned by opponents projected the measure could result in over 4,000 lost jobs, a $333 million economic hit, and $58 million in reduced tax revenue.
The full City Council is expected to vote on the ordinance by September. If approved and signed by Mayor Todd Gloria, the wage increase would take effect on January 1, 2026. Business groups have indicated they may launch a referendum campaign if the measure becomes law.
For now, San Diego’s wage debate highlights a broader tension playing out across California: balancing affordability for workers with sustainability for businesses. n
Newsom proposes freeze on Medi-Cal...
PAGE 1
ficult but responsible decision. “No state has done more than California to support our immigrant communities,” he said. “But we have to be realistic about our fiscal outlook.”
The shift has drawn criticism from both sides of the aisle. Democratic lawmakers including Sen. Lena Gonzalez and Asm. Sade Elhawary say the freeze undercuts immigrant protections and public health. Health advocates warn that monthly premiums could force thousands to forgo care altogether.
As part of the budget compromise, lawmakers amended the proposal to include a six-month grace period for missed payments and delayed benefit reductions for dental and in-home services.
More than 1.6 million undocumented adults are currently enrolled in Medi-Cal. Officials say the higher-than-expected enrollment and growing medical needs of older beneficiaries have significantly added to costs.
The Legislature has approved the Medi-Cal freeze and premium plan as part of the state
though final administrative details are still being negotiated ahead of the July 1 deadline. If adopted in full, the plan
would mark a turning point in Newsom’s healthcare legacy, signaling a retreat from universal expansion as California recalibrates its finances. (AJPress)
LA Lakers sold to Dodgers owner in record $10 billion deal
Dodgers co-owner Mark Walter acquires majority of the Lakers in a historic deal, Jeanie Buss remains team governor under the family trust by
AJPress
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Lakers, one of the NBA’s most iconic franchises, is undergoing a historic shift in ownership. While the team has not been sold outright, the Buss family has agreed to sell a majority stake—reportedly at a $10 billion valuation—to billionaire investor and Dodgers co-owner Mark Walter.
The landmark deal, which still requires final approval from the NBA Board of Governors, would mark the highest price ever paid for a U.S. professional sports franchise. The current record of $6.05 billion was set earlier this year with the sale of the Boston Celtics. Walter, 65, is no stranger to the Lakers. In 2021, he and fellow Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly acquired a 27 percent minority stake in the franchise from Philip Anschutz for approximately $1.35 billion. That transaction, approved by the NBA at the time, included a right of first refusal clause—giving Walter the first opportunity to purchase majority ownership should the Buss family decide to sell. That strategic position paved the way for this year’s transition.
Jeanie Buss, daughter of the late Lakers owner Dr. Jerry Buss, will remain the team’s governor and retain a significant minority stake along with other members of the Buss family trust. The move ensures continuity in dayto-day leadership even as control shifts.
This isn’t the end of the Buss family’s connection to the Lakers—far from it," a source familiar
with the agreement told ESPN. "Jeanie will continue to play a central role in shaping the team's future." Walter, a longtime figure in Los Angeles sports, first rose to prominence in 2012 when he led Guggenheim Baseball Management’s record-setting $2.15 billion purchase of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Under his stewardship, the Dodgers became a model franchise, capturing World Series titles in 2020 and 2024 and developing one of the league’s deepest farm systems. His leadership style—patient, empowering, and data-driven—has drawn praise throughout professional sports.
In addition to the Dodgers and now the Lakers, Walter is a co-owner of Chelsea Football Club and RC Strasbourg in European football. He also holds ownership stakes in the WNBA’s Los
Angeles Sparks and the Professional Women’s Hockey League.
Through his firm TWG Global, Walter has invested in ventures spanning motorsports, artificial intelligence, and conservation initiatives.
Reaction to the Lakers deal has been largely positive within the NBA and across Los Angeles. Magic Johnson, a Lakers legend and current Dodgers stakeholder, praised Walter’s leadership and business record.
"Mark understands what the Lakers mean to the city and to basketball," Johnson posted on X. "His respect for legacy and his winning mentality make him the right person to take the reins."
The sale was reportedly approved by a majority of the Buss family trust members, though it has not been confirmed whether the vote was unanimous. Under the agreement, Jeanie Buss retains operational control and will continue as the public face of the team.
NBA approval is expected in the coming weeks, with final terms to be settled at the league’s upcoming board meeting in Las Vegas.
Despite rumors suggesting the Lakers were completely sold off, the facts point to a more nuanced reality: the Buss family remains involved, and the franchise’s leadership—at least for now—remains steady. n
Gina Ortiz Jones sworn in as San Antonio’s...
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 being a mayor for all.”
From public service to public office
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 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
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 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 Filipina 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
CRUSHED. Seized illegal drugs are loaded into a giant incinerator at Clean Leaf International Corp., a waste management firm, in Capas, Tarlac on Wednesday, June 25. The thermal decomposition will take 10 hours at 700 degrees Celsius, to be followed by a 12-hour cooling process to ensure complete disintegration.
PNA photo by Joan Bondoc
ICC
prosecutor
by Janvic Mateo, bella cariaso Philstar.com
MANILA — Contrary to the claim of the lawyers of former President Rodrigo Duterte, the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) of the International Criminal Court has formally asked ICC pre-trial judges to deny his request for interim release to an undisclosed third country.
In a 15-page response dated June 23, ICC deputy prosecutor Mame Mandiaye Niang asked the Pre-Trial Chamber I to reject Duterte’s urgent request, citing the risk of endangering ongoing investigations and even the court’s proceedings.
He directly addressed the claim of Duterte lead counsel Nicholas Kaufman that the prosecution “has confirmed its non-opposition to interim release,” provided that certain terms and conditions are met.
In a 16-page urgent request for interim release dated June 12, Kaufman said Duterte is seeking his interim release from detention in The Hague and transfer to a third host country that is a member of the ICC.
Niang said the OTP’s earlier discussions with the defense were in the context of another country, which it described as having “a long history of cooperation with the Court.”
No agreement whatsoever was reached with the Defense on conditions of interim release to any country other than (REDACTED). For absolute clarity: the Prosecution has not agreed in any way to conditions for interim release to (REDACTED), or anywhere else in the world, other than (REDACTED),” he added in the filing. The use of the term “redacted” in the filing was not explained.
In its response, the OTP said Duterte’s continued detention is necessary to ensure his appearance during trial.
He cited various factors, such as Duterte’s resistance to his arrest, as well as the claims by his family and lawyers that he was “kidnapped” by the court.
Among those it cited was the “physical acts of violence” reportedly committed by Duterte’s common-law wife, Honeylet Avanceña, who was caught on video hitting an arresting officer with her phone when the former president was being arrested.
The prosecutor also cited Kaufman’s statements, including claims that Duterte’s arrest was a “political hit-job” and that the prosecution had “colluded” with the Philippine government to abduct the former president.
“Mr. Duterte’s behavior, as described above, and the claims of his family and lawyers that he was kidnapped or abducted by the Court, demonstrate that he does not accept the legitimacy of the legal proceedings against him,” read Niang’s filing.
His continued detention is therefore necessary to ensure
opposes
DAteline PhiliPPines
Duterte interim release San Miguel to break ground on new Boracay airport terminal, promises completion before 2028
his appearance at trial … A victim of a kidnapping is unlikely to return to the custody of the kidnapper if given an opportunity to escape. Mr. Duterte, his family, vocal supporters and counsel all consider him a victim of a kidnapping/abduction,” it added.
The ICC prosecutor also noted Duterte’s political position and international contacts, as well as his financial situation and resources.
For the prosecution, the former president remains a flight risk, citing his recent election as Davao City mayor and his ability to travel outside the Philippines. Duterte’s release, it added, could endanger and obstruct 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 OTP cited repeated history of Duterte interfering with investigations against him, such as his decision to withdraw the Philippines from the ICC.
It also cited the current positions held by his children, including Vice President Sara Duterte, who is also a reserve colonel in the Army. In these positions, she wields power and influence over governmental structures, as well as over her father’s former allies and supporters,” the prosecutor said, referring to the vice president.
It also cited the ongoing impeachment proceedings against her, particularly allegations that she plotted to assassinate President Marcos.
“Overall, Mr. Duterte, his family and his associates are capable of influencing and harming witnesses as a result of their positions of power … The release of Mr. Duterte could risk bringing real and substantial harm to the legitimate interests of victims and witnesses,” the prosecutor said. Niang also maintained that humanitarian factors “are not, on their own, a consideration” in the analysis of the request.
The jurisprudence cited by the defense, he noted, only granted provisional release for humanitarian reasons to allow detained persons to attend funerals and “not an extended period of interim release.” September freedom
The vice president said lawyers of her father want to have their plea for his temporary
freedom and transfer to a third country from the Netherlands approved by the ICC no later than September due to his age and failing health.
“I asked the lawyers for the timeline of the interim release and months was the answer, not weeks. Months was the answer, but they wouldn’t give a definitive timeline, but they said they’re hoping to do it before September and they’re in a rush because of his age and his health condition,” Duterte said.
She said her father inquired anew on his interim release during their last conversation.
“He asked about the interim release and then I told him that I cannot (discuss the interim release) because the ICC is listening on our telephone conversations because apparently my name appears in many of the documents with regard to the ICC case,” the vice president said.
“So, they’re listening in on our conversations. And I told him that I cannot discuss the specifics with him because I do not have privileged communication,” Duterte said.
“I’m helping the lawyers. All the family members are supporting the lawyers as well,” she added.
According to Duterte, her father has lost weight.
“Well, you haven’t seen him this thin before. I don’t think he’s ever been this thin since maybe before his marriage. So he’s thin because of the lack of appetite and because of the weather, it’s very cold for him. He’s not used to the cold. And I think it’s the way that they cook the food. It’s not really traditional Filipino food. But I’m happy that he gets rice every day. But yes, he’s given milk as well if he doesn’t have the appetite to eat,” she said.
Duterte said the ICC should allow the interim release of her father, for his being a “super senior citizen” at the age of 80. The vice president said that Australia is among the countries being considered as temporary host country for the former president if his petition for interim release is granted.
“Australia is in the list of countries that are considered by the lawyers, but I am not here for the interim release. Not for this visit,” Duterte said following her recent visit in Melbourne, Australia.
Duterte said all remedies are being considered to secure the release of her father, including the filing of a case before the local Dutch court.
Former (presidential spokesman) secretary Harry Roque already sat down and discussed with a local Dutch lawyer, and he has been asking me to do an online consultation and vetting of the lawyer. I’ve not done that because I’ve not sat down and discussed this as well with the former President Rodrigo Duterte. Since he is the client, I think he should be the one to decide and he should be informed of the other remedies that are available to him,” she said. n
Sara Duterte’s answer shows non-recognition...
as an impeachment court — he believes the vice president still does not accept the court’s jurisdiction over the case. “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, June 23, 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 offi-
by AJPress
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.
“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, the
airport is operated by Trans Aire Development Holdings Corp., a subsidiary of SMC Infrastructure. Megawide to lead terminal construction 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 fullscale 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
US requires student visa applicants, including...
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
Supreme Court temporarily allows Trump...
litigation proceeded.
cial.
“The Fourth Impeachment 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
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 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)
Marcos showcases largest drug haul in...
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 sixmonth 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 Duterte, 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
Former President Rodrigo Duterte Philstar.com file photo
Boracay Airport Philstar.com file photo
CATICLAN,
Australia eyed for Duterte’s interim release
by evelyn Macairan Philstar.com
MANILA — Australia is on the list of countries being considered for the interim release of detained former President Rodrigo Duterte.
In an interview in Melbourne on Sunday, June 22, Vice President Sara Duterte said her father’s lawyers are looking at Australia for his release to a third-party country.
Critics are calling out the vice president for seeking sympathy from overseas Filipino workers for her father, who is detained in The Hague for alleged crimes against humanity over his bloody drug war that claimed over 6,000 lives.
“I am not here for the interim release, not for this visit,” she said of her visit to Melbourne over the weekend.
During a political rally calling for her father’s release, Duterte admitted to sending an informal message to Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong.
“I did reach out to (Wong).
Unfortunately, she is unable to meet me on Monday, June 23. So, I will not be visiting Australian government officials for this visit. I do hope that I could meet them on my next visit,” Duterte said.
“I informed her informally through a message that I am here in Australia and I am here to do a rally today. If she is available for a very brief quick chat, because I
met her in the Philippines when she visited, I just want to say a ‘friendly hello.’ Nothing official,” she added.
Lawyers of the former president are requesting the International Criminal Court (ICC) to grant Duterte’s interim release, claiming that a country has expressed willingness to receive him.
Former presidential spokesman Harry Roque, who is accused of human trafficking, has met with Dutch lawyers and asked the vice president to do an online consultation.
Duterte claimed she could not discuss with her father details of his interim release request as the ICC was supposedly eavesdropping. n
Filipinos in US urged to ‘exercise caution’ amid Israel-Iran conflict
The Philippine Embassy advises Filipinos to monitor federal and local agency websites for security updates
by Bing Cardenas Branigin Inquirer.net
WASHINGTON – As law enforcement agencies continue to monitor for potential fallout after the U.S. military bombed three nuclear sites in Iran, the Philippine Embassy has advised Filipinos across the nation to exercise caution and ensure personal safety.
In an advisory, the Embassy also urged the Filipino community to “ report observed suspicious activities ” to local authorities and public safety officials, and to monitor the websites of federal and local agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the FBI for security updates.
The Embassy reported that with the ongoing unrest in the Middle East due to the IsraelIran conflict and the U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, the DHS, through its National Terrorism Advisory System, issued a bulletin on Sunday, June 22, stating that the “ongoing Iran conflict is causing a heightened threat environment in the United States.” Low-level cyber attacks by pro-Iranian activists are likely, the bulletin said.
“ The likelihood of violent extremists in the Homeland independently mobilizing to violence in response to the conflict would likely increase if Iranian leadership issues a religious ruling calling for retaliatory violence against targets in the Homeland ,” the bulletin further said. During a Saturday, June 21 address to the nation, President Donald Trump confirmed that B-2 stealth bombers and other fighter jets carried out the attacks and said the damage
Achieve up to 70%
done to Iran’s nuclear weapons program would make future U.S. attacks “a lot easier.” While officials said there is currently no credible threat to the U.S., the federal government is urging heightened vigilance, prompting major cities to ramp up security around places of worship, community gathering spaces and other sensitive sites. In California – home to more than 1.6 million Filipinos –Gov. Gavin Newsom said state officials were also on alert. n
Fil-Am leaders call for unity against hate after US airstrikes on Iran
Cities ramp up security with increased patrols at synagogues and mosques
by elton luGay Inquirer.net
NEW YORK – Filipino American leaders and activists in New York have urged the community to stay vigilant and united against hate after President Donald Trump announced U.S. airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities on Saturday, June 21.
Mayoral candidate Deidre Levy called on communities to “stay grounded” and condemned hate in all its forms in the face of potential backlash against Iranian and Muslim communities.
Kalaya’an Mendoza, head of U.S. programs for Nonviolent Peaceforce, an international humanitarian protection organization, expressed concern about the broader impact of violence.
“ We need to protect our Iranian community members, our neighbors, our colleagues, friends and family, ” Mendoza said. “ The cycle of oppression back at home following the U.S. war machine’s violence is painfully predictable. ” In a statement, Fil-Am community leader, author and lawyer Loida Nicolas-Lewis criticized Pres. Trump’s action, saying he “ went to war without getting Congressional approval.
“ This is totally against the Constitution, which grants Congress the sole power to declare war ,” she said. “ Trump continues to trash the rule of law because he believes he is the law .”
Michelle Amor, who heads the Filipino American Democratic Club of New York, said presidents are bound by checks and balances for a reason.
“ Trump’s decision to bypass Congress and launch military strikes this weekend weakens that foundation and risks dragging the U.S. into conflict without real accountability, ” she said. “ In the hands of someone with a history of overreach, this kind of move threatens both global stability and American lives.
Lewis and Amor also echoed
calls for unity against hate.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and other Democrats assailed Trump’s decision, arguing that only Congress has the constitutional authority to declare war.
“ The president’s disastrous decision to bomb Iran without authorization is a grave violation of the Constitution and congressional war powers ,” Ocasio-Cortez said.
In a Facebook post, Fil-Am activist and singer Charmaine Clamor wrote, “ I do not want a war with Iran! I agree with AOC (Ocasio-Cortez) .”
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem Sunday issued a National Terrorism Advisory System bulletin regarding a heightened threat environment across the nation due to the direct involvement of the U.S. in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.
“ It is our duty to keep the nation safe and informed, especially during times of conflict, ” said Noem. “T he ongoing Israel-Iran conflict brings the possibility of increased threat to the homeland in the form of possible cyberattacks, acts of violence, and antisemitic hate crimes .”
In a televised address, Trump declared that U.S. forces had “ completely and totally obliterated ” Iran’s key nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.
He called the operation a “ spectacular military success ,” aimed at halting what he described as “the nuclear threat
posed by the world’s number one state sponsor of terror.” Iran confirmed the strikes and warned it would “reserve all options” in response. Analysts caution that Iran could retaliate against U.S. military bases in the Middle East or try to disrupt global oil shipping.
The immediate response across the country was swift, with major cities increasing security measures.
In New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul emphasized that her “t op priority is the safety of all New Yorkers.” Hochul said she was receiving regular intelligence briefings and working closely with federal and local agencies to monitor the situation.
Police have been deployed to protect vulnerable sites and guard against cyber threats. In a post on X, the NYPD said, “ We’re tracking the situation unfolding in Iran. Out of an abundance of caution, we’re deploying additional resources and coordinating with federal partners .”
The department also stated that extra resources are being sent to religious, cultural and diplomatic sites across the city. Similar precautions were taken in Washington, D.C., and other major cities, with increased patrols at synagogues, mosques and diplomatic missions. Law enforcement officials warned about the possibility of lone-wolf actors or sleeper cells and said they are working closely with federal agencies. n
From left: Loida Nicolas Lewis, Deidre Levy and Kalaya’an Mendoza Inquirer.net file photo
Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez Inquirer.net file photo by Gabriel P. Lalu
OPiniOn FeAtures
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 unauthorized 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.
The DREAM Act, first introduced in 2001 to offer legal status to undocumented youth, repeatedly fell short. DACA, implemented under President Obama, provided temporary protection—but no path to citizenship. The bipartisan Gang of Eight immigration bill passed the Senate in 2013 but died in the House. President Biden’s 2021 U.S. Citizenship Act never advanced past committee.
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 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.
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 enumerated in the seven Articles of Impeachment submitted by the House of Representatives last Feb. 5, 2025.
Second, the US-Iran war which began at 6:10 a.m. Sunday, June 22, our time, when US 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
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
Too much politics can destroy us
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 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 IsraelIran conflict, by US 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 US 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 two-week 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 meantime
Two wars
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 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 de-
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 Mexi-
Demand and Supply
ChanCo
Boo
IT’S a tropical paradise for dollar spending expats. That’s what a Forbes article entitled “What It Means to Be Wealthy in The Philippines” last June 1 says.
“The Philippines was the 11th most-searched-for country by Americans in 2024, with many looking to relocate or vacation there,” the Forbes article claims.
And the article justifies the interest: “These thousands of islands in the South China Sea offer beaches and biodiversity in abundance, and U.S. News ranks it as the 45th best country in the world.”
The article then points out that “the cost of living in the Philippines is one of its most attractive features for expats and retirees. According to Numbeo, the cost of living in the Philippines is significantly lower than in the U.S., the UK or many European countries. The cost of living is 116 percent higher in the U.S. than in the Philippines, excluding rent.
Commentary
mocracy 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 u PAGE 7
a B i R h ossain
DHAKA — On April 20, 2025, rickshaw drivers took to the streets to protest the decision to ban their vehicles on Dhaka’s Gulshan and Banani areas. Clashes broke out between drivers of battery-run rickshaws, pedal rickshaw pullers, and ride-sharing motorcyclists.
The following day, protests escalated again, with threats against pedestrians attempting to record the incident. The scuffle intensified as protesters threw two pedal rickshaws off the bridge into Gulshan Lake.
Last April, when demonstrations in solidarity with Gaza poured out across the country, the movement garnered attention for the looting and vandalism that undermined their collective efforts.
A month before that, two young women were attacked in Lalmatia by an enraged mob, followed by a barrage of more reports of violence against women.
It would be wrong to claim that
co—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. Govern-
A tropical paradise
“When you factor in rent, it becomes clear that the Philippines offers more for your dollar per square meter; rents in the U.S. are 455 percent higher than in the Philippines. Groceries and utilities are also cheaper than in the U.S., and a meal at an inexpensive restaurant in the Philippines could be around $3.”
All that should have made tourists as well as the retirees Bob Zozobrado has been trying to attract to come here in great numbers.
But something is wrong and our tourism department doesn’t seem to get it. There was this tweet on X from Thea Tan, who I imagine is what they call a social media influencer on “Why is Philippine tourism still falling behind?”
She opens her tweet with a question many of us have: “The Philippines has what other countries dream of: jaw-dropping beaches, vibrant culture, incredible food, and the warmest locals. So, why are tourists still choosing Thailand, Vietnam and Bali over us?
“I’ve been to every country in ASEAN except Myanmar. I usually do slow-travel style: two weeks to one month in each country, and
visited multiple times in some. To be honest, I feel the difference between their tourism versus the travel experience in Philippine islands.
“In other countries, traveling around seems easier: you get airport transfer options, local SIM cards are available, efficient transport, clear tour options, cheaper prices, and lots of ‘things to do’. In the Philippines, it’s a logistical gamble.
“Under Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, we’ve seen the press releases: Gastronomy tourism; Halal-friendly tours; Farm stays; Tourist rest areas; Adventure trails. Sounds good on paper, but how do those efforts translate into actual arrivals?
“Vietnam-based The Outbox Company, a travel insights intelligence firm released the following ASEAN tourism recovery stats:
“Total International Arrivals (2024): Thailand – 35.5 million; Malaysia – 25.0 million; Vietnam – 17.6 million; Singapore – 16.6 million; Indonesia – 13.9 million; Cambodia – 6.7 million; Philippines - 5.9 million. “Even Cambodia edged the Philippines.
Elements that foster violence
these acts have only taken place in recent months since the interim government took charge. It did feel like they happened more frequently, with collective fear gripping the nation. As a nation in transition, any sign of instability threatens grave consequences. However, as we look back at the incidents not just in the past several months but in the many years prior, an underlying pattern emerges: our inclination for violence. Many traits may characterize this irrational phenomenon that may be described as being delirious, damning, and downright despicable. But if all we do is condemn these attacks without fully fleshing out what trigger them, and if the thoughts we spare for the victims are performative at best, then we must turn to the values, or rather the lack of them, that the country has lived with for far too long. Our core values have been distorted and blatantly overlooked. Without institutions built on the foundation of state values, how can we expect to undertake the long-term project of nation-building? On what basis
is it meant to be sustained and directed? What core beliefs are supposed to resonate across generations?
Despite our history, these questions are devoid of a solid answer. We have been left to fend for ourselves based on the whims of politicians, most of whom have rarely, attempted to rectify or address this violence. Rather, they have continued to perpetuate a political culture of control and dominance and leveraged it to accumulate personal wealth. The cycle has been repeated because the system has been rife with corruption for decades. It has cultivated a culture of impunity, not accountability, essentially warping the law and forcing functionality to completely crumble. Even when due process is taken, it is not done to uphold the law or serve justice but for retribution, or to assert dominance. Inevitably, the impulse that one might get away with wrongdoing trickles down, thus forging the culture of impunity as the norm. Nonetheless, the malfunctioning of our legal system doesn’t exist in isolation. Its roots, which are a re-
ManilaTimes.net photo
Too much politics can destroy...
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 nonuse. 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,” referencing President Ronald Reagan’s mantra of “peace through strength.”
An article published last Thursday 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 US 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 Self-Reliant 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.
A tropical paradise
“Phl is growing, sure. But ASEAN neighbors are sprinting while we crawl.”
It is also distressing that Cambodia and other ASEAN countries have recovered nicely from the 2019 pre-pandemic baseline but we are still behind 2019 numbers.
There are more depressing statistics but enough of that now and let’s see what Ms. Tan’s diagnosis of the problem is.
“We’re far below the benchmark in perceived brand strength.
“I asked friends from Europe where they’d go in Asia. They always say: Thailand, Bali (Indonesia), Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos...
“Why not the Phl?
“Too expensive for what you get.”
“Hard to move around.”
“Not sure where to go or what to do.”
“That’s not a PR problem, but a systems problem.
“Yes, we’ve seen some gains in our tourism… But those small wins don’t hide the bigger truth: the Phl is still not a priority ASEAN destination.
“It’s because instead of being an easy destination, the Philippines is an exhausting destination.
“I’ll say it plainly: You can’t fix tourism with hashtags and photo ops.
“You fix it with infrastructure,
of acts, is called plunder. 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
access, service quality, and value for money.
“Other countries make it easy to fall in love with their country. In the Philippines, we make it hard to even get from the airport to the bus terminal…”
And yes, security. We have a growing reputation abroad of not being a safe place to visit. The peace and order problem worries even locals. Somehow, the national police had been unable to provide the protection they are supposed to provide residents and visitors.
A former tourism magazine editor told me that a Korean tour operator who used to charter 20 flights to various points here is now down to one a week.
LIO Beach in El Nido town in Palawan may be contaminated with fecal coliform.
The award-winning singer Celeste Legaspi complained in a public post about getting sick in El Nido.
We were so excited to go and experience El Nido! Such a beautiful place… blessed by God with awesome lagoons and sparkling waters. But alas! We got painfully sick. Turns out it’s dangerous to stay there. The water is horribly contaminated! And food preparation can be easily compromised. With tourists landing in hospitals. Not surprising.
Two wars
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 Ejercito-Estrada brothers, Tito Sotto, Loren Legarda, Robin Padilla,
Immigration’s moral test: Between...
PAGE 6
ment-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 public 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.
* * *
Email: babeseyeview@gmail.com
The Philippines,” Ms. Tan writes, “has every right to dream of being a tourism powerhouse.
“We’ve got the raw materials, we’ve got the food, we’ve got the beauty, we’ve got the kind locals.
“We can’t keep showing up to the global stage with half-baked plans, high prices, and broken systems.
“We need to ask travelers what they want, and deliver what they want.”
Even locals go abroad because of high prices, contaminated beaches, and no facilities for medical emergencies. We must fix things first. Maybe, our presidents should stop appointing clueless political proteges to head the tourism department. Instead, get a well-travelled entrepreneur who has risked personal capital in a tourism business as the next tourism secretary. The ultimate test of effectiveness is increasing the number of visitors. Awards don’t count.
(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.
* * * Boo Chanco’s email address is bchanco@ gmail.com. Follow him on X @boochanco
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
Elements that foster...
sult of a lack of a value system, are entrenched deep in our education system as well. Without a set of values to dictate the curriculum, what core principles are meant to be instilled in and embodied by young minds? While we can debate the implications and impacts of imparting a few rigid values on students, we cannot deny that these principles can at least act as references to mold their thinking around.
Indicative of the state of our educational institutions is the fact that elected politicians themselves tend not to send their children to local government schools, opting instead for private English schools or those
abroad. This screams of the giant rift between politicians and their constituencies. In the process, it also lays bare the source of scarcity that the rest of the nation has to make do with. The dynamic this fosters is one of resentment, enforcing the idea that not only is there no one looking out for them, but also that these institutions are doing nothing to bolster their interests. As a result, people take matters into their own hands and take drastic, often poorly thought-out measures that prove to be counterproductive. With crumbling institutions built on fragile principles, power has, time and again, been co-opted. Is it then any wonder that Bangladesh has been
marred by mindless violence for as long as most of us can remember?
The sources of people’s apathy and collective restlessness can be attributed to a system that continues to fail them. A withering system may amplify and echo their troubles. However, it most certainly underpins that while values may be abstract, their weight is tangible. (Inquirer.net)
* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * * Abir Hossain is a journalist. He can be reached at abir.hossain@thedailystar.net.
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 long-term 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)
ASIAN
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 self-respect. 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 skin-removal 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, 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.
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 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.
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-thescenes moment with Rosenthal, regarding it as a “privilege.” He-
“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.
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
“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.
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 all-Filipino team. The documentary series, cowritten and hosted by award-
“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.
winning 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.
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 Coast can catch her 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
by Pauline Miranda Inquirer.net
by Gavin Martinez Inquirer.net
Lea Salonga Inquirer.net
Sharon Cuneta
Photo from Instagram/ @reallysharoncuneta
(From left) Erwan Heussaff, “Somebody Feed Phil” host Phil Rosenthal, and Wilma Doesnt with her family. Photos from Instagram/@erwan, @doesntwilma ussaff also called it a “special episode” as it shows their last meal with Fores before she died in February this year.
FOR many Filipino Americans and overseas Filipinos, real estate remains one of the most meaningful ways to stay connected to the homeland. Whether you're planning for retirement, securing a future home, or investing in your family's financial legacy, buying property in the Philippines has long been seen as a smart move. But with the United States tightening its immigration policies, particularly around business activities on tourist visas, the way overseas Filipinos engage in real estate— especially cross-border—is beginning to shift. Understanding the current U.S. Immigration climate
Recent updates in U.S. immigration enforcement have focused on stricter compliance around visa classifications. One key area of concern is the growing number of foreign nationals—including some Filipinos— who enter the U.S. on tourist visas (B1/B2) and then conduct business activities, such as promoting or selling real estate. This is strictly prohibited under U.S. immigration law and may result in visa cancellation, deportation, or future entry bans.
For Filipino American investors, this matters. Not only should you be cautious about who you work with, but it's also important to understand that real estate agents or brokers marketing properties while on a tourist visa are not legally allowed to do so in the U.S. This has prompted greater awareness and a shift in how investors vet professionals they engage with.
How this affects Philippine real estate transactions
This immigration crackdown has a ripple effect. Many Filipino-American buyers—especially those in states like California, Nevada, and New York—are rethinking how they engage in transactions involving Philippine properties. The days of casually meeting with unlicensed or improperly documented agents in the U.S. may be coming to an end.
The link between US immigration changes and real estate opportunities in the Philippines
As a result:
• There’s greater demand for licensed Philippine real estate brokers who are either U.S.-based dual citizens or who collaborate with NAR (National Association of Realtors) members.
• Buyers are increasingly requesting online consultations, virtual tours, and special power of attorney (SPA) arrangements to ensure secure and compliant transactions from abroad.
• Legal transparency and documentation have become top priorities—buyers want to make sure they're not unknowingly involved in any gray-area dealings.
Opportunities remain strong in the Philippines
Despite these regulatory changes, the Philippine real estate market remains an attractive investment, particularly with the peso-dollar exchange rate favoring overseas investors. Key trends in 2025 include:
• Growth in regional hubs like Batangas, Pampanga, and Davao, offering lower entry points and strong rental potential.
• Continued pre-selling opportunities in vertical and horizontal developments across Luzon and Visayas.
• Government infrastructure projects (like the North-South Commuter Railway and the New Manila International Airport) boosting nearby property values.
Whether you're buying a home for balikbayan retirement, a condo for your college-bound children, or a property to generate passive income, now is still a good time to enter the market— if done legally and smartly.
The bottom line: Work with professionals who follow the law
The convergence of real estate and immigration law means Filipino-American buyers must now be doubly aware—not just of market trends, but of who they
transact with. Always work with:
•A PRC-licensed broker in the Philippines
• A U.S.-based real estate professional with a valid license and immigration status
• Legal advisers who understand both Philippine and U.S. property laws
By staying informed and choosing your partners wisely, you can continue to build wealth and security for your family without putting your visa, finances, or future at risk.
About SAB Realty Sab Realty specializes in connecting property sellers with the right buyers, offering comprehensive real estate services for both local and overseas clients.
With extensive experience in the Philippine real estate market, Sab Realty provides expert guidance in pricing, marketing, and legal compliance to ensure a smooth and successful transaction. Whether you are looking to sell a family home, a commercial property, or an investment asset, Sab Realty is committed to delivering professional and personalized service.
* * * 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.
* *
*
At SAB Realty, we are committed to providing professional, personalized guidance to help you make informed decisions — whether you’re purchasing your dream home, expanding your investment portfolio, or planning for a secure retirement. Sharon Ann Bathan-San Pedro, a licensed real estate broker in the Philippines for over a decade and a proud member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) in the United States, offers her expertise to both local and overseas clients. For inquiries, consultations, or assistance with buying or selling property, feel free to reach out:
Email: sab.sanpedro@gmail.com
PH Contact (Viber/WhatsApp): +63 917823-7796
USA Contact (Viber): +1 (951) 367-6840
‘Superman’ star Rachel Brosnahan rallies support for Filipino NGOs
by Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com
"SUPERMAN" actress Rachel Brosnahan is giving back to the Filipino community with a public call for donations to local nongovernmental organizations.
Brosnahan, who is also known for comedy series "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," visited the Philippines with co-star David Corenswet, director James Gunn, and DC Studios co-chief Peter Safran to kick-off the "Superman" promotional world tour. After two days in the country meeting with Filipino fans and regional media, Brosnahan took to Instagram to express her gratitude to everyone who welcome the "Superman" team to Manila.
"We love getting to bring 'Superman' to all of you and
Davis and I loved reading your messages about your local superheroes!" Brosnahan said in an Instagram story.
The Emmy-winning actress then shared some local organizations she came across,
adding donation links should any of her followers be interested in joining her in supporting their work.
These organizations were the Angat Buhay Foundation founded by former Vice President Leni Robredo, animal welfare group Pawssion Project, and the Philippine division of Save the Children.
The logos of each organization were placed inside the iconic Superman logo where the "S" would be found above brief descriptions for each of them.
The "Superman" team are currently in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for the second leg of the world tour which continues in the United Kingdom, France, the United States, and China next month.
"Superman" premieres in Philippine cinemas on July 9.
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. 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)
Carlos and Cielo during the latter’s graduation several years ago.
Cielo is shown here with leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel.
RogeLio ConsTanTino medina
THANKS to Cosmo Digest International Magazine, published by Global Asia Insider (USA-UKDubai) 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
Pradash M. Manimba’s:
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 socio-economic topics with insight and empathy, shining a light on the triumphs and struggles of the Fili-
pino 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 U.S. 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 anti-Trump 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
***
It is baseball season in the USA with favorite Los Angeles Dodgers Team. LA-based accountant JR Arugay II recently witnessed the Filipino Heritage Night at Dodgers Stadium in Los Angeles, California.
*** The achievement of won-
author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. * * * rogeliocmedina@yahoo.com
Medicare vs. Medicaid: Understanding the key differences and challenges
When people turn 65, many face a shift in their health insurance coverage. Some may feel unsettled or frustrated to find out that their Medicaid coverage ends. In this month’s column, we will explain why this happens and what options may still be available
by the national asian Pacific center on aGinG (naPca)
WHY did I lose Medicaid after enrolling in Medicare at 65, even though my income hasn’t changed?
When you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare, your eligibility for Medicaid may change—even if your income stays the same. This is due to how Medicaid rules differ for people under and over the age of 65.
If you were previously covered under Expanded Medicaid—available in states that cover low-income adults under 65 earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL)—you may lose eligibility once you turn 65. In 2025, that limit is a monthly income of $1,800 for an individual or $2,432.25 for a couple.
Once you turn 65, you are evaluated under Medicaid for seniors, which uses stricter criteria. In addition to income, this program considers your assets (e.g., savings accounts, retirement funds). So even if your income hasn’t changed, having too much in assets can disqualify you from Medicaid.
It’s also important to note that Medicaid eligibility rules and limits for seniors vary by state and are updated annually.
Can I keep my Medicaid after enrolling in Medicare at age 65?
Yes—if you meet your state’s
income and asset limits for seniors, you can still receive Medicaid alongside Medicare, making you a “dual eligible.”
If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you generally qualify for full Medicaid benefits. In 2025, the federal SSI limit is:
• Individual: Monthly income under $967 and assets under $2,000
• Couple: Monthly income under $1,450 and assets under $3,000
Some states offer State Supplementary Payments (SSP) or have higher income limits. For example:
• California: A couple may qualify with income up to $2,432.25/month, and California does not count assets.
• Washington State: Limits match federal SSI—$1,450/ month income and less than $3,000 in assets for a couple.
If you qualify, Medicaid can help pay for:
• Medicare Part A and B premiums
• Deductibles and co-pays
• Additional services not covered by Medicare, such as dental, vision, and long-term care
You may also qualify for Extra Help, a program that lowers prescription drug costs under Medicare Part D. In many states, enrollment in Extra Help is automatic if you have Medicaid for seniors, but some states require
a separate application.
If I no longer qualify for full Medicaid coverage with Medicare, what other programs or assistance might be available to me?
If you're not eligible for full Medicaid, you may still qualify for the Medicare Savings Program (MSP). This program helps pay for:
• Medicare Part B premiums
• Part A premiums (if applicable)
• Sometimes other out-ofpocket costs
Enrollment in MSPs also makes you automatically eligible for Extra Help with Part D costs. There are three types of MSPs, based on income level, and eligibility varies by state. Even if you don’t qualify for an MSP, you may still be eligible for Extra Help on its own. In 2025, you may qualify for Extra Help if:
• Individual: Monthly income up to $1,956 and assets under $17,600
• Couple: Monthly income up to $2,643 and assets under $35,130
To find out what programs you’re eligible for, contact your state Medicaid office or call our Helpline for assistance.
If you have questions about public benefits, there are three ways you can reach us today: Call our Helpline at: (English) 1-800-336-2722, (Korean) 1-800-582-4259, (Chinese Mandarin) 1-800683-7427, (Cantonese) 1-800582-4218, (Vietnamese) 1-800-582-4336
Email: askNAPCA@napca.org Mail: NAPCA Helpline, 1511 3rd Avenue, Suite 914, Seattle, WA 98101. n Established in 1979, National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA) is a
Asian Journal columnist Rogelio Constantino Medina in a magazine cover.
(From left) Roland Isip, Vincent Isip, Alan Valentin and Daniel Tummings.
Jojo Broce (right) with his son, football player Joshua Broce.
Sticker Mule CEO Anthony Constantino with US President Donald J. Trump. LA-based accountant JR Arugay II at Dodgers Stadium.
Sheanne Marie Faye Pedroso during Philippine Taekwondo Association’s CALABARZON competition in Robinson’s Place Cavite.
American Anthony Constantino with the rappers.
“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.
der 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.
File photo/www.insidesandiego.org
Mayor Gloria elected Vice President of U.S. conference of Mayors
New leadership role puts San Diego in key position to advocate for America’s cities
MAYOR Todd Gloria has been elected vice president of the United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) -- giving San Diego an influential leadership position from which to advocate for common-sense solutions to the serious issues facing cities across the country.
“I am honored by this opportunity to serve as vice president of the United States Conference of Mayors,” Mayor Todd Gloria said.
“This is an extremely challenging time for America’s cities, as we work through a deeply divided environment in Washington, D.C., to deliver more housing that working families can afford, lower the cost of living, and keep our communities safe. I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance thoughtful, bipartisan solutions to drive positive change in the nation’s Capitol and improve the quality of life for all of us.”
The USCM is the official, non-partisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more. There are over 1,400 such cities in the country today. The members of the Conference are mayors from across the country who advocate for policies and resources that directly impact the lives of city residents.
As Vice President, Mayor Gloria will help shape the Conference’s advocacy agenda, guide the organization’s policy priorities, and serve as a leading voice for America’s cities on the national stage.
Mayor Gloria will serve as vice president through June 2026 and will be poised to serve as the next
president of the Conference. He would be the first mayor of San Diego to serve as president.
Mayor Gloria ran for mayor in 2020 with an overarching goal to make San Diego the world-class city that he has always believed it is destined to become. Since being elected, he has pursued that goal by advancing policies that make it easier to build more homes, reduce homelessness, repair roads and upgrade critical infrastructure, eliminate a longstanding structural budget deficit, and ensure that San Diego remains one of the safest cities in the country.
He has also successfully connected San Diego to other global cities, playing an instrumental role in bringing new direct flights to Amsterdam, Panama City, and Washington, D.C., and overseeing the successful effort to make the San Diego-Tijuana megaregion the 2024 World Design Capital.
He brings that same energy to his elevated position with USCM, whose membership has seen his key leadership qualities and identified his unique ability to articulate the challenges that cities and their residents face and lead the way toward solutions.
“This is about bringing San Diego’s experience and leadership to the national conversation and strengthening our alliances to ensure cities have a seat at the table,” Mayor Gloria added. “We’ve proven that when local governments are empowered and resourced, we can deliver real progress. I’m proud to represent
San Diego and stand alongside other mayors who are working everyday to solve problems and improve lives.”
USCM held its annual meeting June 19 through 22. In addition to choosing new leadership, including electing Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt as president, the annual meeting served as an opportunity to develop the organization’s policy advocacy priorities for the year ahead. During the meeting, Mayor Gloria sponsored and passed six policy resolutions:
• Opposing the renaming of Department of Defense assets honoring civil-rights leaders, such as the U.S.N.S. Harvey Milk
• Supporting federal investments in ocean pier infrastructure
• Supporting the classification of safe parking programs as interim shelters
Supporting the extension of funding for the federal Emergency Housing Vouchers Program
• Supporting the passage of the Naomi Schwartz and Susan Rose Safe Parking Act
• Supporting the passage of the Revitalizing Downtowns Act
• Mayor Gloria was elected to the USCM Advisory Board in 2021, and then as a trustee in 2022. Since June 2024, Mayor Gloria served as the second vice president of USCM. In addition to serving on the Conference’s Executive Committee, Mayor Gloria is the co-chair of the Conference’s LGBTQ Alliance and serves on the Criminal and Social Justice Committee. (City of San Diego Release)
County camp for teens shaping tomorrow’s public health leaders
HIGH school students from around San Diego County are spending this week in a classroom with some of the County’s dedicated public health professionals.
Nearly 70 soon-to-be 11th and 12th grade students are taking part in the Public Health Advocates Camp, now in its third year.
County Public Health Services teamed up with the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) to host the camp. It began Monday with a welcome from the County’s new Public Health Officer, Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan.
“We’re so excited to convene the biggest Public Health Advocates camp so far,” said Dr. Sayone Thihalolipavan, County public health officer. “This week, we’re not only teaching students about future careers in public health, we’re empowering the next generation to understand the important role they can play in creating healthier communities.”
Taking place between June 23 to 27 at the SDCOE Linda Vista Innovation Center, the week-long camp is designed to educate teens about health topics relevant to
their age group.
Campers are learning from County public health professionals and asking questions to better understand more about critical health issues. They are also getting a hands-on opportunity to create their own public health campaigns.
The Camp will also host a Public Health Fair on Thursday, June 27.
County and community partners – including, Drug Enforcement Administration, San Diego Fire Rescue, SAY San Diego, and Sharp ThinkFirst – will provide interactive activities and resources
to students.
The week will culminate with student presentations featuring their public health campaigns before a panel of County staff and community members. To participate, students go through a now-closed application process. The camp is no-cost to students and their families program and is made possible through the Public Health Infrastructure Grant and the SDCOE.
County offices will close for Independence day
TO celebrate the Fourth of July holiday, San Diego County offices, family resource centers, library branches and animal shelters will be closed Friday, July 4. All County offices will resume normal business hours Monday, July 7. Emergency response from law enforcement, animal control requests, and other essential services continue through all holi
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(Fernanda Lopez Halvorson, County of San Diego Communications Office)
