NYC schools prepare for statewide cellphone ban this fall
NEW YORK, NY — New York City public schools are preparing for a major policy shift this September as a statewide cellphone ban—backed by Governor Kathy Hochul and NYC Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos—goes into effect. Under the new rule, students will be prohibited from using internet-enabled devices from the first bell to the last, including during recess, lunch, and passing periods.
The “bell-to-bell” ban applies to smartphones, smartwatches, earbuds, and tablets across all public, charter, and BOCES schools. It is part of a broader initiative to curb classroom distractions, reduce social media dependency, and improve academic performance.
"We are committed to restoring focus and face-to-face interaction in our classrooms," Hochul said at a joint briefing with Aviles-Ramos, noting that statewide reading and math scores have hit 20-year lows. “This is not a punishment—it’s a reset.”
Districts must submit their implementation plans to the state by August 1. In New York City, the Panel for Educational Policy is scheduled to vote on the proposed enforcement policy on July 23. While the city already has a discretionary cellphone policy, the new
Marcos to Press U.S. on Tariffs and Security in First Washington Summit With Trump
On his first official visit to Washington under the Trump administration, Marcos seeks relief from new U.S. tariffs and deeper defense cooperation as tensions rise in the South China Sea
by AJPress
WASHINGTON — When President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. arrives in Washington on
July 20 for a three-day official visit, he will be walking a diplomatic tightrope, hoping to shield his country’s export economy from a new round of U.S. tariffs while reinforcing
Chavit calls it quits with the Marcoses: Singson feels ‘forgotten’
by AJPress
In a candid interview aired on July 8, 2025, on the Bilyonaryo News Channel’s #AtTheForefront program, the former Ilocos Sur governor said he felt sidelined by the Marcos administration despite playing a pivotal role in the campaign trail.
“ I helped a lot, especially among mayors ,” Singson said in Filipino. “ I don’t want to
Senate
to
Supreme Court on VP Duterte impeachment:
We
don’t have enough details
by Jean Mangaluz Philstar.com
MANILA — The Senate has formally responded to the Supreme Court’s order on Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment through a Manifestation Ad Cautelam, which means compliance while proceeding with caution.
In a July 8 order, the Supreme Court asked both chambers of Congress to explain the details of the impeachment case. Among the details the Supreme Court asked Congress to explain are the separate impeachment cases filed against Duterte in the House of Representatives. The Senate replied that it was
Manila’s growing reliance on American military support in one of Asia’s most contested regions.
9 years after arbitral ruling, China still defies PH sea claim
MANILA — The Philippine government sounded the alarm over China’s continued rejection of the historic arbitral award, nine years after the arbitral tribunal ruled in favor of Manila and dismissed Beijing’s claims over the South China Sea.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teresa Lazaro expressed this sentiment in her keynote speech on the eve of the 9th anniversary of the Philippines’ arbitral victory.
She emphasized that the arbitration and its award are shining affirmations of the comu PAGE 2
Luxury
on a budget? Why Manila is becoming a haven for the world’s wealthy
by AJPress
MANILA — In a world where luxury often comes with a sky-high price tag, one Southeast Asian city is quietly defying the trend.
According to the newly released Julius Baer Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report 2025, Manila is now ranked as one of the world’s most affordable cities for the rich—an unexpected but telling indicator of the Philippines’ evolving economic and cultural footprint.
A global lens on luxury
Each year, Swiss private bank Julius Baer measures the cost of living well among the u PAGE 4
DAILY GRIND. Motorists negotiate heavy traffic along EDSA, Quezon City on Wednesday, July 16. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority is working with the Japan International Cooperation Agency to improve vehicular traffic through the Intelligent Transportation System that will also enhance road safety, improve transport efficiency, and promote inclusive mobility.
PNA photo by Joan Bondoc
by Charie abarCa Inquirer.net
Marcos to Press U.S. on Tariffs...
PAGE 1
The visit, his first bilateral summit with President Donald Trump, comes as the United States prepares to raise duties on Philippine exports to 20 percent, a move that has unsettled Filipino business leaders and drawn concern among senior officials in Manila. The tariff hike, set to take effect August 1, follows months of recalibration in U.S. trade policy under Trump’s second term, which has adopted a more transactional approach to economic alliances.
“We have already sent negotiators to Washington and will send a delegation next week,” said Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro, adding that the administration is seeking “a fair and sustainable resolution.”
The United States remains one of the Philippines’ top trading partners, but the $4.9 billion trade deficit recorded in 2024 has added pressure on the relationship. Filipino officials have warned that the higher duties may adversely affect export industries reliant on U.S. markets.
A More Assertive Security Posture
The visit is also expected to reaffirm the Philippines’ growing alignment with Washington amid persistent tensions in the South China Sea. Over the past year, Philippine ships have faced increasing pressure from Chinese vessels in disputed waters, prompting Manila to deepen defense cooperation with the United States.
In April, the two countries conducted joint military exercises that included the Typhon missile system, a
mobile land-based launcher capable of striking targets at sea. The drills, held under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), marked an escalation in strategic coordination aimed at deterring Chinese aggression.
“War is not imminent, but the threats are real,” Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro told Reuters. “Our goal is deterrence, not provocation.”
U.S. officials have reiterated their “ironclad” commitment to the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, a pact that obligates both sides to respond to armed attacks in the Pacific. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has said the alliance remains central to American strategy in the Indo-Pacific.
Diplomacy and the ASEAN Code
With the Philippines set to chair the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2026, Marcos is also expected to seek U.S. support for a legally binding Code of Conduct between ASEAN and China to manage disputes in the South China Sea. Negotiations on the code have stalled, and Philippine officials have expressed frustration over delays. Lazaro has pushed for the agreement to be completed before the country assumes the ASEAN chairmanship, calling for a “firm and enforceable framework” to avoid escalation and assert maritime rights.
While the United States is not party to the negotiations, officials are expected to publicly back Manila’s efforts to strengthen regional security norms and uphold interna-
tional law.
Trilateral Momentum, Lingering Uncertainty
The summit will also build on an emerging trilateral partnership among the United States, Japan, and the Philippines. In April 2024, leaders from the three countries launched a new strategic dialogue focused on maritime surveillance, cyber infrastructure, and military coordination. Japan is expected to participate as an observer in upcoming U.S.–Philippine joint exercises.
Still, Filipino officials remain cautious. While defense ties have strengthened, Trump’s tariff moves have raised concerns about the long-term reliability of American economic policy.
“There is still optimism,” said a senior official familiar with the summit preparations. “But consistency matters. Trade, defense, and diplomacy need to move in sync.”
An Evolving Alliance
For Marcos, the Washington visit represents an opportunity to secure shortterm economic relief while shaping a long-term foreign policy trajectory that leans more clearly toward the United States.
Whether the trip results in tariff concessions, new military support, or deeper diplomatic alignment, the outcomes are likely to define Manila’s posture in a region increasingly shaped by great-power competition.
As the Philippines prepares to take the helm of ASEAN, it does so as both a trade partner in distress and a security ally whose strategic importance is rising—fast. n
Senate to Supreme Court on VP Duterte impeachment...
1
not able to sufficiently answer some of the items.
“Respondent Senate manifests that it lacks sufficient knowledge or information on the matters stated under items (a) to (k) of the said Resolution, and this, not in a position to respond to the Honorable Court’s directive,” the Senate said.
The items in question pertain to the impeachment proceedings that occurred in the House prior to transmission of the case to the Senate.
The Senate further explained that many of the Supreme Court’s questions
relate to information they themselves sought from the House of Representatives.
“The Senate's filing of a Manifestation Ad Cautelam underscores the constitutional boundaries of each branch and the limits of what information the Senate can provide especially when it has no official access to these matters and when these matters are similarly being asked from the House to provide in its Order dated June 11, 2025,” Senate Impeachment Court spokesperson Regie Tongol said in a statement.
The impeachment trial of Duterte has been a point
9 years after arbitral ruling, China still...
pulsory dispute resolution mechanisms of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
“The Award not only sets reason and right in the South China Sea, but is like a lighthouse that guides how maritime matters and concerns in the region ought to be addressed. It is a telling reminder to the world that all countries, regardless of size, might, or capacity, must meet their duties and obligations, especially under UNCLOS, including compliance with rulings by its legitimate tribunals and bodies,” said Lazaro.
But nearly a decade later, the legitimacy of the award continues to be tested, challenged, and subverted. Lazaro said this puts the Philippines’ maritime interests in peril.
“It is worrisome that China has continued to reject the binding Arbitral Award and persists with illegal, coercive, and aggressive actions under cover of a revisionist, self-serving interpretation and application of international law, particularly UNCLOS,”
she said.
With this, she asked: What can the Philippines do to protect its rights, uphold international law, and defend a rules-based order?
Lazaro said the Philippines would continue to utilize the Foreign Ministry Consultations (FMC), the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea (BCMSCS), and the bilateral Consular Consultations Mechanism with China to maintain dialogue and diplomacy at appropriate official levels.
“Our effective diplomacy with our Chinese counterparts has resulted in several pragmatic solutions and positive outcomes, such as the Provisional Understanding on the rotation and resupply (RORE) missions to the BRP Sierra Madre. And we are now in the process of developing non-sensitive areas of cooperation between our coast guards and our scientific and technical institutions,” she said.
Lazaro explained the Philippines’ continued drive to leverage alliances and partnerships to “help revitalize
the energy of multilateralism.”
“If we can engage our most challenging relationships, then surely we can produce effective strategic outcomes with our allies, partners, and other like-minded countries. We are constantly looking to create a tapestry of multilateral and bilateral engagements that bolsters our positions and broadens our capacities,” she explained.
Despite the challenges, the foreign affairs chief said the Philippines will not waver in rejecting attempts to undermine the arbitral award and international law.
“Being on the right side of the rules-based order and international law makes it easier for others to join us in taking a stand and forming a tight bond that can withstand illegal and unfounded claims and aggressive actions at sea,” she said.
“The waters may continue to be rough and turbulent, but together we can steady the sails and navigate through obstacles, as we defend the rules-based order in the maritime domain,” she concluded. n
Chavit calls it quits with the Marcoses: Singson...
PAGE 1
say everything, but I did so much—and yet, they forgot me. ”
Singson, a past president and honorary figure in the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP), claimed he was instrumental in rallying support among local government leaders for Marcos Jr.’s candidacy during the 2022 elections.
of contention between the House and the Senate, with the two often exchanging verbal barbs.
While the Senate has stressed that it wanted to proceed with caution, many senators have been explicit in their desire to acquit Duterte without a trial.
Duterte’s impeachment complaint stemmed from alleged corruption in the Office of the Vice President. It also cited her death threat to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Aranaeta Marcos and then House Speaker Martin Romualdez. n
Although he did not specify the kind of recognition or position he expected in return, Singson’s remarks hint at a long-standing political alliance that has now soured. He expressed disappointment at not being consulted or involved in key decisions under the Marcos Jr. administration.
“ No one talks to me. It’s like they already forgot everything,” the 83-year-old Singson said, visibly emotional during the televised segment.
The longtime political figure, who rose to national prominence in the early 2000s as a whistleblower in the Estrada administration’s impeachment, has
long been associated with influential political families in the Philippines—including the Marcoses. His alliance with President Marcos Jr. dates back to their shared Ilocano roots and his efforts to revitalize northern Luzon’s regional bloc.
Singson’s fallout with the Marcoses comes in the aftermath of the 2025 midterm elections, a period when political camps are
reassessing alliances and influence. While he has not declared support for any rival factions or parties, observers note that his public disengagement could weaken the Marcos administration’s standing among local leaders in northern Luzon, a region where Singson has long held considerable political influence.
The Palace has yet to issue a formal response to Singson’s statements. n
Luis “Chavit” Singson Inquirer.net file photo
Governor Hochul assembles cabinet amid federal funding concerns
by AJPress
ALBANY, NY — New York
Governor Kathy Hochul convened an emergency cabinet meeting this week to assess the projected impact of the recently enacted federal budget legislation.
According to a state-released analysis, New York could face a $13 billion reduction in annual healthcare funding, with potential consequences for Medicaid, the Essential Plan, and hospital reimbursements statewide. Officials estimate that the changes may result in approximately 1.5 million New Yorkers losing health insurance coverage, particularly those relying on state-subsidized programs.
The report also projects that nearly 300,000 New York households could lose access to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, citing stricter eligibility requirements and administrative changes.
Governor Hochul called the bill’s effects “devastating” and directed state agencies to develop contingency plans aimed at minimizing service disruptions and protecting vulnerable populations. Her administration emphasized that the financial burden would likely extend to local governments and healthcare systems already operating under strain. While supporters of the federal bill argue that it seeks to rein in spending and reduce dependency on public
assistance, critics—including several healthcare and social service advocates—warn that the policy changes could disproportionately affect low-income families and jeopardize public health outcomes across the state.
All New York Republican congressional representatives voted in favor of the measure, while the state’s Democratic delegation opposed it. The Hochul administration did not confirm whether it would pursue legal or legislative action but signaled that further review is underway.
State health and budget officials are expected to testify before legislative committees later this month as part of an ongoing assessment of the law’s long-term implications.n
Filipino union leader ‘Kuya Max’ released from ICE detention
Immigrant
rights
advocates gather outside
the
ICE memo allows deportation to non-home countries, raising legal and human rights concerns
by AJPress
WASHINGTON, D.C. —
A new internal memo from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) authorizing deportations to countries where migrants are not citizens is raising serious legal and humanitarian concerns across the country.
The memo, signed by Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons in early July, outlines procedures that would allow U.S. immigration authorities to deport noncitizens to socalled “third countries”— even if those countries have not agreed to accept them or if the individuals have no ties to those destinations.
Legal scholars note that this memo marks a shift in U.S. immigration enforcement, significantly reducing protections that have traditionally shielded asylum seekers and long-term residents from arbitrary remov-
al.
What the ICE memo says
The internal guidance gives ICE officers discretion to deport individuals to countries other than their nation of citizenship or last habitual residence. It does not require the receiving country’s prior consent.
The memo outlines two expedited timelines:
• Six-hour notice in “exigent circumstances”
• Twenty-four-hour notice in standard removal cases
In both scenarios, there is no requirement for ICE officers to ask migrants whether they fear return to the third country before removal. The policy took effect after the U.S. Supreme Court lifted a lower court injunction on June 23, 2025.
Legal and human rights implications
Legal scholars and immigration policy analysts have warned that the memo removes key procedural safeguards—such as timely notice, access to legal counsel, and credible fear interviews—that have long been considered fundamental to fair immigration proceedings.
Advocates also argue the policy creates significant risks for individuals who may be deported to countries with which they have no connection, limited language ability, or support systems, increasing their vulnerability to exploitation or harm.
The ICE directive appears to conflict with established principles under U.S. asylum law and international agreements. The principle of non-refoulement, part of the United Nations Convention Against Torture, prohibits governments from transferring individuals to countries where they may face persecution or torture.
Northwest Detention Center to celebrate Maximo Londonio's
TACOMA — Filipino green card holder Maximo Londonio has been released from the Northwest Detention Center (NWDC) in Tacoma, Washington, immigrant rights advocates announced on Friday, July 11, 2025.
Londonio, 42, also known as Kuya Max, was detained by ICE after returning from a family visit to the Philippines on May 16 this year.
A lead forklift driver at Crown Cork & Seal in Olympia, Washington, and a member of the International Association of Machinists (IAM) Local 695, he has lived in the U.S. since he was 12.
Members of IAM Local 695 and immigrant rights advocacy group Tanggol Migrante Network gathered outside the NWDC to celebrate his release with his wife Crystal, who is a U.S. citizen, and to “express solidarity
release
with detainees enduring the abhorrent conditions at the NWDC,” Tanggol Migrante said in a press release. “Thank you for all your guys’ support, I really appreciate it,” Londonio was quoted as saying. “Big thank you to Tanggol Migrante, for sure. From beginning to end, you guys were there from
day one. I appreciate you so much. And we’re gonna do more!”
Philippine Consulate representatives tried to attend Londonio’s hearing, “but the Londonios declined to have the Consulate present in court,” according to Tanggol Migrante.
Maximo Londonio (center) thanks the cheering crowd outside the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma, Washington. Photo from Tanggol Migrante
Photo from Tanggol Migrante
Luxury on a budget? Why Manila is becoming...
world’s affluent. The bank’s Lifestyle Index tracks the price of 20 high-end goods and services—from designer handbags and fine watches to personal trainers, luxury cars, and private healthcare—in 25 major cities. In 2025, Manila emerged near the bottom of the list, placing 23rd out of 25 cities surveyed.
That’s not a knock against the capital. It’s a nod to its value.
Despite a 7.5% local price increase from the year before, Manila retained its position as the most affordable city in Asia-Pacific for the wealthy—outpacing Bangkok, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and even fast-rising Kuala Lumpur. Only cities like Mumbai, Mexico City, and Santiago de Chile proved more cost-effective for the ultra-rich.
“Manila offers something rare: a cosmopolitan lifestyle at a fraction of the price found in New York, Singapore, or London,” said one wealth consultant familiar with the Julius Baer index. “And the high-end experience is real— from world-class dining to bespoke fashion.”
The cost of living well
The index isn’t about groceries or gas—it focuses squarely on items that signal luxury status: a premium business class flight, fine cigars, a year of boarding school tuition, health checkups at private hospitals, and dinner for two at a top-tier restaurant.
Julius Baer’s data was sourced between November 2024 and March 2025 through boutique retailers, verified dealers, and interviews with 360 high-networth individuals across continents. It offers a real-world
snapshot of how much it costs to live rich—and where.
Manila’s relatively low costs in several luxury categories made it a standout. Yet surprisingly, two items bucked the trend: champagne and women’s designer handbags were among the city’s most expensive luxury buys compared to global counterparts, highlighting areas where demand among the wealthy appears especially strong.
A shifting spending culture
The report also revealed changing tastes among affluent consumers in Asia-Pacific, where Manila belongs. Across the region, 65% of wealthy individuals increased their spending on fine dining and smartphones, 64% spent more on luxury hotel stays, 63% on private healthcare, and 55% on women’s fashion.
That means even as global economic uncertainties linger, Asia’s elite continue to spend—not recklessly, but thoughtfully—on experiences, wellness, and identity.
“Today’s luxury spending is about meaning, not just material,” noted Julius Baer in its commentary. “Longevity, personalization, and sustainability are guiding the choices of tomorrow’s wealthy.” Why Manila matters
Manila’s inclusion in this global index speaks volumes. Once a city known more for traffic and transience, the Philippine capital is increasingly recognized as a hub for upscale living and emerging wealth. From rising towers in Bonifacio Global City to the art-filled corridors of Makati’s luxury malls, Manila is quietly remaking itself—not as a rival to global megacities, but
as an alternative. It’s not the most expensive. And that’s exactly the point. Where real estate in Hong Kong can break a billionaire’s budget, Manila’s luxury condos still offer space, skyline views, and investment upside. High-end medical care is accessible, and the local hospitality industry is renowned for warm, worldclass service. The mix of affordability and aspiration is drawing attention—not just from balikbayans, but from international investors and retirees alike.
What’s next for Manila’s luxury landscape
As Manila prepares for continued growth, some experts believe its days as a budget-luxury city may be numbered. Real estate values in key areas like Makati, Ortigas, and Bonifacio Global City are steadily rising. Luxury retail continues to expand, and foreign interest is growing.
Still, for now, Manila represents a rare value in the international luxury ecosystem. It offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle, established cultural cachet, emerging markets potential, global-class amenities, and—critically—accessibility, even for the affluent.
As global spending habits continue to evolve, and luxury becomes less about extravagance and more about experience, Manila’s appeal may grow stronger still.
A new luxury value capital Luxury doesn’t always have to come at a premium. In 2025, Manila proves that the good life—complete with caviar, couture, and concierge medicine—can be found in the heart of the Philippines, and at a price even billionaires might call a bargain. n
NYC schools prepare for statewide...
PAGE 1
mandate will standardize enforcement across its 1,800 schools.
To support the rollout, Governor Hochul announced $13.5 million in state funding, with an additional $4 million earmarked specifically for New York City. Combined with the city’s own $25 million budget allocation, NYC schools will receive $29 million in total to purchase storage solutions such as Yondr pouches, lockers, or classroom bins.
Students with medical needs, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), or family caregiving responsibilities may receive exemptions. Non-smartphones without internet capability will still be permitted.
Early pilots in Albany and Schenectady schools used lock pouches over the summer to test the logistics ahead of the fall rollout. Local educators reported fewer behavioral issues and improved class engagement.
However, some educators
and parent groups have voiced concerns over implementation costs and emergency communication. Chancellor Aviles-Ramos acknowledged the challenges, noting that while the goal is equitable, “we need more time, training, and funding to ensure consistent, safe application.”
Despite concerns, supporters say the move reflects a growing national consensus that technology overuse in schools may hinder—not help—student development. (AJPress)
ICE memo allows deportation to non-home...
“We are not here for publicity,” Crystal Londonio, Max’s wife of 20 years, was quoted as saying. “We are here to bring awareness to unjust circumstances that our loved ones face.”
According to the press release, members of Migrante and Anakbayan approached the Consulate representatives, asking for a meeting with Tanggol Migrante and “to meet the demands of the Filipino detainees still appealing for genuine support.”
The Consulate representatives reportedly declined to have a meeting with Tanggol Migrante “just as the Embassy and its consulates contin-
ue to refuse meetings with the Filipino community and the families of the detained,” the press release said.
However, these claims have been refuted by the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco.
In a letter to Inquirer.net USA, Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer said the consulate has monitored Londonio’s case since his arrest on May 16 and has maintained regular contact with him and his family.
“Contrary to such claims, the consulate, in line with its mandate to provide assistance to Filipino nationals through rights protection and welfare promotion, has been
in direct communication with the authorities, the next of kin of detained Filipino nationals, and the detainees themselves who are under the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement within the consulate’s jurisdiction, including Mr. Maximo Londonio,” Ferrer said.
Tanggol Migrante said Londonio’s release was “the latest victory” in their efforts to fight for Filipino migrants in detention, citing the recent release of green card holders Michelle, Lewelyn Dixon and Rodante Rivera.
“We will continue to demand the release of all other Filipino detainees,” the group said. n
Documented impacts already emerging Reports confirm that at least one Salvadoran man was recently deported to Guatemala under the policy, despite not being a citizen of Guatemala. His family was reportedly not informed until after his removal.
Legal support groups also identified cases involving individuals with valid work permits or active asylum applications who have been subject to third-country removal. These examples underscore the policy’s potential to affect long-time U.S. residents with established lives and pending legal relief.
Public and legal response Organizations including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), National Immigration Law Center (NILC), and the National Immigrant Justice Center have condemned the ICE
memo. These groups assert that the policy undermines legal norms and disproportionately affects vulnerable migrants, including those with pending humanitarian claims.
In response, several cities—such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York—have increased outreach to immigrant communities, urging residents to remain informed and consult attorneys if contacted by immigration authorities.
Foreign policy concerns The implementation of third-country deportations has prompted diplomatic questions from foreign governments. Analysts note that such deportations may strain international cooperation, especially when the U.S. requests other nations to accept individuals without prior arrangements or legal justification. Legal challenges expected
Several legal organizations are preparing court challenges, particularly in the First Circuit, where lower courts previously ruled against third-country deportations under similar circumstances.
Legal experts emphasize that the outcome may hinge on whether courts find the new policy consistent with U.S. immigration statutes and constitutional protections.
Know your rights
Legal aid networks encourage at-risk individuals to:
• Avoid signing any ICE paperwork without legal counsel
• Request a lawyer if detained
• Insist on a credible fear interview if facing deportation
• Inform advocates of any medical, familial, or safety issues related to deportation. n
HALAL FOOD. Annel Abutawila, owner of Ann Arabic Food, demonstrates how she prepares a rice and chicken meal at the Quezon City Fresh Market and Kadiwa ng Pangulo at QC Hall covered pathwalk on Thursday, July 17. She sells each serving for PHP150. PNA photo by Ben Briones
FeAtures OPiniOn
A state visit with strategic consequences: What Marcos Jr.’s Washington trip means for the Philippines and the US
WHEN Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. arrives in Washington this month for a high-level state visit, the spotlight will turn to the longstanding—but increasingly complex—alliance between the United States and the Philippines. This is not just another diplomatic courtesy call. The visit arrives amid rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific, evolving economic conditions at home, and shifting global alliances.
For both nations, the visit is a test—not of formality, but of direction.
Security first, but not security alone
In the last two years, the Marcos administration has actively repositioned the Philippines as a more visible and engaged partner in regional security. By expanding U.S. access to nine military bases under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement
(EDCA), participating in record-scale joint exercises, and asserting claims in the West Philippine Sea, Manila has made clear that it views American partnership as essential to countering aggressive maritime behavior in the region.
But behind the defense optics lies a deeper diplomatic ask: economic reciprocity. Philippine negotiators are expected to raise concerns
Barriers to growth: What’s slowing the Marcos economic agenda?
over new tariffs imposed on key exports such as electronics, canned tuna, and garments. They will also seek increased investment in
Diplomatic Pouch
MANILA — At the midway point of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s term, the country’s economic chiefs are reviewing how the administration has done in managing national wealth, finding that several core issues need to be addressed first.
The Marcos administration has missed its target economic growth for two years in
a row, falling short of expectations.
While the global economy faces high uncertainty in the face of Middle East tensions and U.S. tariffs, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the government must also address long-standing national issues, from the state of education to
the delays in transportation development.
The agency will be submitting a comprehensive report to the president and the Cabinet on how the administration has performed in the past three years.
“We needed to be more responsive to the challenges in education, in health,” Balisa-
CONTRARY to what some may assume, Brazil did not become a major food producer by chance or good fortune alone. Instead, this achievement was built upon decades of rigorous scientific research, technological innovation and strategic investments.
infrastructure, energy, and digital transformation—sectors crucial to the country’s long-term
Brazilian science and technology on Filipino plates: A recipe for agricultural development
icant challenges, notably food insecurity and heavy reliance on imports, as food imports accounted for nearly a quarter of Brazil’s total merchandise imports in 1964. Today, this figure has decreased dramatically to 5.7 percent, as Brazil evolved into a leading global exporter of key agricultural commodities such as soybeans, cotton, coffee and
soybean meal and prominent supplier of animal proteins including poultry and beef.
Central to Brazil’s progress was the establishment of Embrapa (Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation) in 1973, dedicated to advancing agricultural science tailored specifically to tropical environments. Em-
Publication of a Client’s Material does not constitute an a greement to continue publication.
Client agrees and covenants to indemnify AJPI and its officers against any and all loss, liability, damage, expenses, cost, charges, claims, actions, causes of action, recoveries, judgments, penalties,
Gilberto Fonseca, Guimaraes de moura
Jean manGaluz
DOJ chief: 3 bodies dug up at Taal may be from drug war
by Jane bautista Jason sigales Inquirer.net
MANILA
— As authorities searched for the missing “sabungeros” (cockfighting aficionados) believed buried in Taal Lake, another operation found and exhumed the remains of possible drug war victims from around the lake, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said on Wednesday, July 16.
Remulla said authorities were working to recover bodies that were buried around Taal in 2020 allegedly on the orders of police officers after none of the victims’ relatives came to claim the bodies in funeral parlors.
“We are exhuming them as we speak because we have to find out who these people are. They were never claimed,” he told reporters.
Remulla said three bodies were exhumed on Wednesday from areas around Taal, which he did not specify.
The Department of Justice will set up a DNA bank to properly identify the remains recovered from the lake, he said.
Until Remulla gave a report on the three exhumed bodies, the multiagency search in Taal that began last week was officially only for the remains of the 34 people connected to online cockfighting who disappeared between April 2021 and January 2022.
The bodies of the missing persons, now collectively known as sabungeros, were allegedly dumped in the freshwater lake in Batangas province after being killed for match-fixing or cheating, according to a whistleblower.
They ‘may intersect’ Remulla on Monday, July 16 said investigators were looking at possible connections between the perpetrators in the sabungeros case and those who carried out extrajudicial killings (EJKs) in the so-called drug war of the Duterte administration.
“The people who undertake the contractual killings may intersect somehow with the drug war and with the ‘e-sabong.’ There are people involved in killing during the drug war and in e-sabong. That’s as far as we can trace right now, but we will have to establish clearer links to each other,” he said.
It was in this context that Remulla projected that the
ongoing search in Taal Lake might go on indefinitely. In a later statement, on Tuesday, July 15, he said it might take up to six months.
Remulla had also said that the search team for the sabungeros initially focused on a fish cage area that was covered by a fishpond lease agreement and owned by one of the “persons of interest” in the case.
“[It] is owned by an operative who was part of the contractors that disposed of the remains of these people. But we also know of another location which was probably used not for e-sabong, but for something else,” he said.
“Somewhere there in Taal also, very near there, but we think [these sites] may have been used for the drug war,” Remulla added.
Napolcom complaints
The whistleblower in the sabungeros case, Julie Patidongan, had also cited a possible link between Duterte’s antidrug crackdown and the mass disappearance of the cockfighting aficionados.
In a media interview on Monday, after he lodged an administrative complaint against 12 active and six dismissed police officers with the National Police Commission (Napolcom), Patidongan identified two of the 18 respondents as Police Col. Jacinto Malinao Jr. and Lt. Col. Ryan Jay Orapa.
Malinao was chief of the Batangas provincial police, while Orapa was previously assigned to the Highway Patrol Group.
“Police Lt. Col. Ryan Jay Orapa was introduced to me when he was still a major by Col. Malinao because Col. Malinao was a friend of Engineer Celso Salazar. They were close. It all began there,” Patidongan said.
“They were the individuals tasked to kill people during the war on drugs before. That’s it,” he added.
Patidongan and five other security personnel of the Manila Arena cockpit in the capital were charged with kidnapping and serious illegal detention of the sabungeros.
A Manila court has allowed them to post bail, but the Court of Appeals overturned this in December 2024.
Patidongan, now under the protective custody of the Philippine National Police, has applied for inclusion in the witness protection pro-
gram.
The case stemmed from the alleged abduction of cockfighters Mark Joseph Velasco, Marlon Baccay, James Baccay, Rowel Gomez, John Claude Inonog and Rondel Cristorum by the security personnel and their cohorts.
They were last seen being taken to the basement of the Manila Arena on Jan. 13, 2022, before they were forced into a gray van, according to witnesses.
Summons for 12 cops
Meanwhile, the Napolcom has given the 12 active police officers five days to respond to Patidongan’s administrative complaint. The agency’s Inspection, Monitoring and Investigation Service served the summons on the 12 on Tuesday.
“Failure to do so constitutes a waiver of their rights to submit the same,” Rafael Calinisan, Napolcom vice chair and executive officer, said in a message to reporters. “The complaint will then be evaluated whether or not it would proceed to a formal charge.”
The 12 were among 15 policemen—active, dismissed and retired—whom the PNP earlier placed under restrictive custody at Camp Crame after being tagged by Patidongan.
The PNP Forensic Group (PNP FG) is now examining three of the 91 bone pieces recovered from Taal Lake last week to see if they are of human or nonhuman origin.
The three pieces were among 45 bone pieces found in one sack retrieved from the lake in Barangay Balakilong, Laurel town, on July 10, according to the PNP FG.
There is a separate set of six bone pieces to be studied, from the 46 pieces recovered from the fourth sack and fifth sack retrieved from the lake on July 12.
The second sack and third sack retrieved from the lake on July 11 contained “debris,” the forensics unit said.
“It brings us closer to the conclusion of the story. It all ties up now, what Alias Totoy said, if those were really found,” Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, a brother of the justice department chief, said on Wednesday.
“We have videos of the abduction … Now, if a body was found, then it all ties up that it is a conspiracy, grand conspiracy amongst all of them,” Jonvic Remulla said. n
Whistleblower who exposed alleged corruption in NBN-ZTE deal speaks out after nearly three years in prison
Jun Lozada, who testified on alleged corruption in the NBN-ZTE deal, reflects after nearly 3 years in prison —on faith, family, and the cost of coming forward
by AJPress
MANILA — The whistleblower who exposed the alleged corruption behind the canceled $329-million NBNZTE broadband deal is speaking out after serving nearly three years in prison for a separate graft case. Now a free man, Rodolfo “Jun” Lozada Jr. says his time behind bars became a period of personal reflection and religious transformation.
“I asked God, ‘Why?’ hundreds of times,” Lozada shared in a recent interview with PhilStar Life. “But eventually, I learned to surrender. I found purpose even in prison.”
A whistleblower’s burden Lozada rose to national prominence in 2008 when he testified before the Senate
about alleged irregularities in the National Broadband Network (NBN) deal between the Philippine government and China’s ZTE Corporation.
Then serving as president of the Philippine Forest Corporation and adviser to NEDA Secretary Romulo Neri, Lozada claimed the project’s cost had been inflated to accommodate alleged kickbacks.
His testimony identified high-ranking figures, including then-COMELEC Chairman Benjamin Abalos and thenFirst Gentleman Mike Arroyo, as having been involved in or aware of questionable negotiations. Under mounting public pressure, the Arroyo administration canceled the deal in late 2007.
Following his disappearance upon returning from Hong Kong and subsequent
reappearance, Lozada testified that he had been taken by state security agents. His statements triggered a Senate investigation and widespread media attention.
Timeline: The NBN-ZTE deal and aftermath
• March 2007 – Philippine government approves $329M broadband deal with China’s ZTE Corp.
• August 2007 – Allegations of bribery surface; Senate begins probe.
• September 2007 – ZTE contract suspended.
• October 2007 – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo cancels the deal.
• February 2008 – Jun Lozada testifies, alleging corruption and high-level interference.
• 2008–2010 – Senate hear-
A state visit with strategic consequences...
growth and resilience.
In short, Manila wants the alliance to extend beyond security toward shared economic opportunity. This visit is a moment to rebalance that equation.
A new U.S. administration, a familiar ally
The return of Donald Trump to the White House has added a layer of uncertainty to the diplomatic backdrop. While President Trump has maintained friendly ties with key Asian leaders, including Marcos Jr., his administration’s focus on trade protectionism and strategic burden-sharing has occasionally created friction with traditional allies.
In this context, the Philippines must clearly articulate its value—not just as a geopolitical anchor in Southeast Asia, but as a rising regional player seeking sustainable partnership. That means shifting the narrative from dependence to mutual advantage.
The Marcos administration is expected to raise concerns about market access and make the case for a more inclusive trade framework under the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA). At a time when the U.S. is recalibrating its role in Asia, the Philippines can serve as a bridge—linking economic cooperation with strategic
alignment. What remains to be seen is whether this renewed partnership will translate into concrete support: lower tariffs, targeted investment, and greater economic inclusion. Filipino Americans watching from afar
For the more than 4 million Filipino Americans, many of whom still maintain strong ties to the homeland, this state visit is also an opportunity for engagement. Issues such as immigration processing backlogs, visa equity, and streamlined consular services remain important to the diaspora community. Symbolic gestures—a town hall, a media roundtable, or formal recognition of their contributions— could go a long way toward reinforcing bonds that extend beyond formal treaties.
In the U.S., Filipino Americans have long served as cultural ambassadors and economic bridges. Any strengthening of the bilateral relationship should recognize and include their unique role. Looking beyond the optics While state visits are often viewed as largely ceremonial, the circumstances surrounding this trip give it a rare urgency. The Philippines is navigating a delicate balancing act: maintaining vital economic ties with China while deepening strategic ties with
the United States. That act becomes more complicated as the region faces heightened maritime disputes, climate vulnerability, and post-pandemic economic pressures.
The success of this visit won’t be measured by press releases or handshakes. It will depend on whether new agreements emerge that address trade fairness, security cooperation, and long-term resilience. It will also depend on whether both governments can communicate a shared vision to their respective publics—one based on partnership, not paternalism.
A moment that matters
If the Marcos visit is to be meaningful, both sides must bring substance to the table. The era of vague promises and symbolic diplomacy is no longer sufficient. What this moment demands is clarity, consistency, and follow-through.
As President Dwight D. Eisenhower once warned, “A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both.” That reminder applies as much to nations as to individuals. Alliances endure not because of sentiment, but because of shared principles and practical actions.
The Philippines, with all its challenges and potential, deserves a partnership that reflects both. (AJPress)
Whistleblower who exposed alleged corruption...
ings lead to resignation of COMELEC Chair Benjamin Abalos.
• 2011–2014 – Charges filed against some officials, but no convictions were secured.
• 2021 – Supreme Court upholds Lozada’s separate graft conviction over a 2007 land lease deal at PhilForest.
• 2022–2025 – Lozada serves sentence at New Bilibid Prison, released in July 2025.
To date, no final criminal conviction has been issued against any major political figure in connection with the NBN-ZTE scandal.
Conviction and imprisonment
In a separate case, Lozada was convicted of graft over the 2007 lease of government land to his brother while serving as president of PhilForest. The Sandiganbayan ruled that the lease violated procurement rules. The Supreme Court upheld the conviction in 2021, and Lozada surrendered to authorities in June 2022.
He and his brother were sentenced to six to ten years
in prison and were committed to the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa. They were released on July 9, 2025, after serving two years, eleven months, and seven days.
Life behind bars
Lozada said he spent the early days of his imprisonment grappling with confusion and frustration. Assigned as a “bosyo” or orderkeeper in the Reception and Diagnostic Center, he later transitioned to the minimum-security compound, where he facilitated Bible study and assisted other inmates with literacy classes.
He also gave lectures on the writings of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, integrating historical lessons with religious themes.
“Prison became a place of refinement. I was being prepared for something greater,” he said. Release and reflection Upon release, Lozada was met by family and supporters.
The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) confirmed that he and his brother had completed their minimum sentence and were eligible for release under
Brazilian science and technology on Filipino...
PAGE 6
brapa has created numerous technologies and crop varieties adapted to local conditions, demonstrating that investment in science can substantially boost agricultural productivity. Investments in Embrapa yielded substantial economic returns, significantly boosting Brazil’s agricultural productivity and demonstrating the tangible benefits of sustained agricultural research.
the law.
Now 61, Lozada credits his survival in prison to his renewed spiritual faith and support from loved ones.
“I’m no longer afraid of the people I once faced in court. What more can they take?” he said. “I went to prison with nothing. I left with faith.”
When asked whether the sacrifices he made were worth it, Lozada said: “Yes. We only have one life. What better way to live it than by loving others and standing for the truth?”
Continuing debate on whistleblower protections
The NBN-ZTE exposé remains one of the most widely publicized alleged corruption cases in recent Philippine history, drawing attention to procurement transparency and oversight in government technology projects.
Advocacy groups have pointed to Lozada’s case as an example of the potential risks faced by whistleblowers and the need for stronger legal protections for those who report misconduct in government. n
Brazil’s Mid-West (Cerrado), once considered unproductive due to soil acidity, now accounts for nearly half of the country’s total grain production, including soybeans, corn and cotton, following targeted scientific interventions. Similarly, Brazilian scientists pioneered biological nitrogen fixation technology, significantly reducing the reliance on costly chemical fertilizers. This innovation illustrates how targeted research can overcome specific agricultural challenges.
The country also aims to expand and strengthen the use of biological inputs –products made from living organisms or their derivatives, such as bacteria, fungi, plant extracts and beneficial insects – used in farming to improve soil health, protect crops and boost productivity in an environmentally friendly way. These sustainable alternatives to chemical products help reduce pollution, regenerate biodiversity and support more resilient food
systems. They align with new market and societal expectations while minimizing environmental impacts.
Brazil recognizes that in a world marked by population growth, rapid urbanization, increasing globalization and climate change, the interdependence between human, animal and environmental health is undeniable. The adoption of new technologies is essential to overcoming productivity challenges and addressing climate change, water scarcity, soil degradation, increasing demand driven by population growth, pressure on natural resources and biodiversity loss.
Additionally, Brazil has successfully balanced agricultural expansion with environmental sustainability through policies like the Brazilian Forest Code and Rural Environmental Registry, which encourage farmers to preserve substantial portions of their land for conservation.
Complementing these initiatives, Brazil developed a robust food safety and animal health system, while also applying internationally recognized animal welfare standards, ensuring that livestock is raised and processed under ethical and scientifically validated conditions. These combined experiences demonstrate clearly that productivity, rigorous sanitary standards and sustainability can coexist.
The Philippines and Brazil
share many characteristics – rich natural resources, vibrant agricultural traditions and emerging economies with young, dynamic populations. The initiatives and determination demonstrated by the Philippine government to modernize agriculture align closely with Brazil’s historical path. This synergy opens significant opportunities for enhanced technical cooperation, technology transfer and collaborative research, building upon existing agreements and ongoing exchanges in livestock genetics, sustainable agriculture and soil management.
Brazil’s remarkable agricultural transformation underscores how consistent, strategic investments in science, technology and institutional frameworks can drive significant economic growth and food security. By harnessing these lessons and its own unique strengths, the Philippines has every potential to achieve similar success, fostering sustainable agricultural revitalization for generations to come. (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. *
Gilberto Fonseca Guimarães de Moura is the Ambassador of Brazil to the Philippines, Palau, the Marshall Islands and Micronesia.
DRUG HAUL. Bureau of Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno (foreground) leads the inspection of the suspected shabu seized at the Manila International Container Port on Thursday, July 17. The illegal drugs, valued at PHP749.63 million and found in four “balikbayan” boxes, were confirmed by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency to be methamphetamine hydrochloride.
PNA photo by Yancy Lim
DOJ seeks to overturn De Lima acquittal; former senator says move is ‘infuriating’
Jun Lozada, who testified on alleged corruption in the NBNZTE deal, reflects after nearly 3 years in prison — on faith, family, and the cost of coming forward
by AJPress
MANILA — Government prosecutors have filed a motion urging the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (Branch 204) to overturn the acquittal granted to former senator and current Congresswoman Leila de Lima in her final drug-related case. The motion, dated July 12, claims the June 2025 verdict was flawed, citing alleged “serious errors in the appreciation of evidence” and conclusions “contrary to the facts on record.”
De Lima sharply criticized the move, labeling it an act of “infuriating persecution.”
“Nakakagalit na,” she told reporters, “This is clearly persecution disguised as prosecution. Ilang ulit na ba akong kailangang mapawalang-sala?” (“This is infuriating. This is clearly persecution disguised as prosecution. How many times do I need to be acquitted?”)
Years behind bars, acquittal against the odds
Arrest and charge
On February 24, 2017, De Lima was arrested and detained at the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame.
She was accused of enabling drug trafficking inside the New Bilibid Prison during her tenure as Justice ecretary (2010–2015). De Lima has consistently denied wrongdoing.
Witness recantations
Key prosecution witnesses—including Rafael Ragos, Ronnie Dayan, and Kerwin Espinosa—later recanted their testimonies, alleging coercion and pressure from authorities. Their statements featured prominently in her defense, bolstered by legal observers and human rights advocates.
Detention and sentinel role
De Lima spent nearly seven years in detention but persisted in her legislative duties as senator. International organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch recognized her as a “prisoner of
conscience.” In November 2023, she was granted bail, and on June 24, 2024, she was acquitted of her final drug-related charge.
Appeals court intervention and reaffirmed acquittal
In May 2025, the Court of Appeals set aside the earlier acquittal and remanded the case to the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court for further review. Following a reassessment, the trial court reaffirmed De Lima’s acquittal in June 2025. The Department of Justice has since filed a motion seeking to reverse that decision, citing alleged errors in the court’s evaluation of the evidence. No new evidence or witness testimony was introduced in the filing. Return to politics and present challenge
During the May 2025 midterm elections, De Lima ran as the first nominee of the Mamamayang Liberal Partylist and secured a seat in the House of Representatives. She was sworn in on June
by
Barriers to growth: What’s slowing...
PAGE 6 can said when asked about the report’s findings.
Education
For education, Baliscan noted that there were multiple deficiencies. There are learning gaps that stemmed from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are feeling the effects of this now, and all these backlogs in classrooms, hiring of teachers, it’s going to require a lot of resources. So we need to give more focus on that,” Balisacan said.
30, 2025, resuming her platform on human rights and justice reform. She has joined fellow opposition lawmakers in reviewing impeachment complaints and other legislative oversight measures.
Legal watchers have noted that her legal team has filed a formal opposition to the DOJ motion, urging the court to uphold the finality of her acquittal.
“Hindi ako natitinag. Marami ang naninindigan para sa katotohanan,” De Lima posted on social media. (“I will not be shaken. Many stand with me for the truth.”)
Pending ruling could determine future of longrunning case
The court’s response to the DOJ motion remains pending. A reversal may lead to a renewed trial or further legal proceedings — but critics warn that prosecuting the same case after multiple vindications could undermine principles like double jeopardy and judicial finality. n
Learning gaps have long hounded the country. A survey from the Philippine Statistics Authority found that one out of five senior high school students is functionally illiterate, meaning that they cannot fully comprehend what they read.
The Philippines also lags behind the global learning standards for science, mathematics and reading, according to the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment.
The country is among the world’s worst performers, ranking 76th out of 81 countries for reading comprehension, mathematics and science.
Health
Should the government want to hit its growth targets, the fundamental issues of health must also be addressed. Balisacan noted that there was a high incidence of malnutrition and that there was a lack of basic health services available.
There has also been a resurgence of communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis, malaria and HIV.
“These are so critical to address,” Balisacan said.
The Department of Health has sounded the alarm on the surge of HIV cases in the Philippines.
The World Health Organization said the Philippines has the fastest-growing number of HIV cases in the Asia-Pacific region. Cases have risen by 550% from 2010 to 2024, the organization said.
Tuberculosis also remains rampant in the Philippines, with the government recording more than 540,000 cases in 2024.
Agriculture
Directly impacting the first two sectors are issues in agriculture. Food security is still an issue, according to Balisacan.
Food prices have remained high in the past two years, affecting farmers and consumers alike. Balisacan said that these high prices also have an impact on the macroeconomy, driving inflation.
Several issues have plagued Philippine agriculture for decades, including the lack of farm-to-market roads and competition coming in the form of imported goods.
While the agricultural sector was able to expand as a whole in the first quarter of 2025, several products under it also declined, such as livestock, corn, mango and more.
Transportation and connectivity
For transportation, Balisacan said there needed to be a speedier implementation of projects.
Transportation infrastructure in the Philippines is
notoriously slow for several reasons, one being the rightof-way (ROW) issues that projects often encounter. Balisacan noted that this problem should be improved given the amendments to the ROW law.
Funding is also often an issue, with many key transportation projects requiring high budgetary allotments.
To ease the cost, the country often seeks official development assistance (ODA) from foreign bodies to develop these projects.
A lawmaker recently flagged that the Marcos administration has nearly P1 trillion worth of delayed ODA projects. Prior to this, President Marcos had already ordered his administration to spend the budget more efficiently. He also said availing of ODAs will be stricter moving forward.
Digitalization
The Marcos administration has also been keen on digitalization. Balisacan said that digitalization is a key aspect, and it should also impact the other sectors positively.
“Connectivity, particularly connecting our lagging areas, the last mile and the middle mile, the connectivity, that’s going to be a game changer,” Balisacan said.
Despite the Philippines often being cited as among the top social media users in the world, its internet connectivity has left much to be desired. (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.
SEARCH FOR MISSING 'SABUNGEROS'. Technical divers of the Philippine Coast Guard prepare for the initial dive into the Taal Lake in Batangas as part of a search for human remains possibly linked to the case of the missing sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts) on Thursday, July 10, 2025. The families of the missing sabungeros welcomed the government's latest move on the case.
PNA
photo
Yancy Lim
Congresswoman Leila de Lima
Inquirer.net file photo
COMMUNITY JOURNAL
Success Story: Petition “dies” twice but still ends up in a green card in new Citizen Pinoy episode
THIS week’s new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” proves how valuable and lifechanging legal status and a green card can be to a person and especially to their children.
The story starts with Alice, who years ago ignored her father’s petition for her because she was too busy raising her two sons in Dubai. During a chance meeting in the Philippines with Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel, she was told that her long-abandoned petition could still be reinstated so that she and her family can pursue their green cards.
While visiting her parents in the U.S. and waiting for her petition to be processed, Alice’s father passed away, causing her petition to “die” a second time. Atty. Gurfinkel found other solutions for Alice. Besides the Survivor Act, her husband’s Lebanese Priority Date was also used to expedite the
process. Except that her husband was hesitant to move to America because of a long-kept secret.
Despite various snags, Atty. Gurfinkel successfully obtained the green cards for Alice and her family. Now, a decade later, Alice lives a more fulfilling life in the U.S. as a teacher. Her success story continues through her son, Roget, who also greatly benefited from his mom’s green card. He now runs his own successful business fixing and remodeling million-dollar homes and provides for his own family. A green card can be a great blessing that continues to give for generations to come.
Don’t miss this uplifting success story on a new episode of CITIZEN PINOY –this Sunday at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) on select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)
ATTY. GURFINKEL REVIVES PETITION THAT “DIED” TWICE AND STILL ENDS UP WITH A GREEN CARD. Life got too busy for Alice while she was raising her two sons in Dubai. She ended up abandoning the petition that her dad had filed for her in 1994. Years later, during a chance meeting in the Philippines with Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel, she was told that her long-abandoned petition could still be reinstated so that she and her family can pursue their green cards.
While visiting her parents in the U.S. and waiting for her petition to be processed, Alice’s father passed away, causing her petition to “die” a second time. Atty. Gurfinkel found other solutions for Alice. Besides the Survivor Act, her husband’s Lebanese Priority Date was also used to expedite the process---except that her husband was hesitant to move to America because of a long-kept secret.
Despite various snags, Atty. Gurfinkel successfully obtained the green cards for Alice and her family. She is now a happy fulfilled teacher. Her success story continues through her son, Roget, who now runs his own successful business fixing and remodeling million-dollar homes and provides for his own family. Alice’s case proves how valuable and life-changing legal status and a green card can be to a person and especially to their children. Don’t miss this uplifting success story on a new episode of CITIZEN PINOY – this Sunday at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) on select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)
Health@Heart Cancer in the young!
PhiliP s . chua, md, Facs , FPcs
MY wife, Farida, a retired Pediatrician, sent me the alarming medical paper entitled “Why are colorectal, other GI cancers, on the rise in younger people?”
The obvious first question is “Why,” since most cancers are seen among people older than 60. In general, one in every 100 individuals is diagnosed with cancer today, according to the National Institutes of Health. In 2025, there are 18.6 million individuals in the USA who are living with a history of cancer.
Here’s the summary from MNT, which she forwarded to me:
• “Increasing age is the greatest risk factor for all types of cancer, with most cases being diagnosed in people over the age of 60.
• However, in people under 50, there has been a rapid, worldwide increase in cancers of the digestive system, or gastrointestinal cancers.
• Although still far less common than in older people, early-onset colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men, and the second in women, in the United States.
• The exact cause is unknown, but the authors of a new review published in the British Journal of Surgery suggest that obesity, a Western-style diet, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, smoking, excessive alcohol use, and even exposure to microplastics may all be contributing to the rise. (Consumption of soft drinks, processed and ultra-processed foods, and charred barbeque foods are other contributing factors in both young and old.)
• Another study, published in Nature Medicine, has further estimated that, without early intervention, as many as 15.6 million gastric cancer cases may occur in the next few decades, most of which are attributable to infection with a common bacterium, Helicobacter pylori.”
The data further stated: “The researchers note that early-onset cancers of the colon and rectum had increased the most. People born in 1990 are more than twice as likely to develop colon cancer and more than four times as likely to develop cancer of the rectum than those born in 1950. They identified global increases in
colorectal cancers.
A study of 20 European countries showed that between 2004 and 2016, colorectal cancers had increased by almost 8% for those aged 20–29, almost 5% for people aged 30–39, and by 1.6% in the 40–49 age group. Even more shocking are figures from the Center for Disease Prevention and Control Wonder database in the U.S., which identified a 333% increase in the incidence of colorectal cancers among 15-19 year olds and a 185% increase among people aged between 20 and 24.”
Everybody should be alarmed by this scary discovery. Living a healthy lifestyle, paying attention to medical data and statistics, and behavioral modification are vital to minimizing the risk of major illnesses, including cancer. To a great extent, except for genetics, almost all risk factors are modifiable, within our control, placing our medical “fate” greatly in our hands.
A poison called “soda”
For more than half a century, I have been warning people, in my lectures and in my newspaper columns, about the poisonous nature of soft drinks and diet sodas. The toxic phosphoric acid in them is one of the unhealthy components in these beverages, especially for young people, elevating their risk for metabolic syndrome, “a cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing the risk for heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.”
I surmise everyone knows drinking soft drinks is not healthy, and the question is whether diet soda is a healthy option. Past studies have linked drinking diet soft drinks (with aspartame and sucralose) to various risks, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, kidney ailments, metabolic syndrome, and even cancer.
New research has revealed that women with type 2 diabetes who choose to drink water over diet soda “may be more likely to achieve weight loss, as well as diabetes remission.” – 85th Session, American Diabetes Association.
Measles can kill
A highly contagious viral disease, measles is spreading in the United States and in some other countries, and has raised serious concerns. It is airborne and could be transmitted rapidly in buses, trains, on a plane.
Measles can be spread by respiratory droplets (sneezes and coughs), by touch, and by contact with contaminated
surfaces. Particularly vulnerable are children, older adults, those who are unvaccinated, travelers, and immunosuppressed individuals.
One out of 20 measles patients will develop pneumonia, and 1 in 1000 will have brain swelling that can cause deafness and intellectual disability. Nearly in 3 in 1000 who are infected with measles will die. While measles appears to be benign among young children 5 and below, it can kill. It is more deadly among adults.
The best protection against measles is vaccination. The MMR vaccines (two doses) provide lifelong protection against measles.
Talk to your physician about what’s best for you.
New test for Alzheimer’s
There are over 55 million people around the world with Alzheimer’s disease, about 7.2 million in the United States alone this year.
The challenges in diagnosing Alzheimer’s may be alleviated with a new blood test, Lumipulse, approved last May by the US-FDA. This test detects abnormal clumps of protein, known as amyloid plaques, in the brain. These plaques impair brain function and are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s. Before this, physicians used PET scans and spinal fluids to find the plaques.
Microplastics inside us
There is a rising concern about the adverse effects of microplastics on our bodies. As I pointed out a couple of weeks ago, everyone has an average of about 7 grams of microplastics in their brain, which is about the size equivalent of a plastic spoon. Microplastics are also in various organs of the body. While research is still ongoing, microplastics remain a suspect in the increasing rate of diabetes T2, high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, thyroid illnesses, and Alzheimer’s. Microplastics could be found in fruits and veggies, in the atmosphere, in bottled water, and food items in plastic containers, plastic bags, plastic wraps, and even in glass bottles/jars with metallic lids. It's time to use ceramics, glass, and stainless steel instead of anything plastic.
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas,
From beauty queen to cancer advocate: The quiet power of Dayanara Torres
by AJPress
WHEN Dayanara Torres was crowned Miss Universe 1993 in Mexico City at just 18 years old, she became a global symbol of grace, beauty, and promise. But her most lasting impact would emerge decades later—not on a runway, but in a doctor’s office, and then across communities who had long been left out of the cancer conversation.
In 2019, Torres was diagnosed with stage 3 metastatic melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer that had silently developed behind her knee and spread to her lymph nodes. She underwent surgery and nearly a year of immunotherapy, completing her treatment in early 2020.
“When it happened to me, I was in complete shock,” Torres told SurvivorNet in a later interview. “I had no idea what was going on in my body.”
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. It begins in the melanocytes—cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Although less common than other skin cancers, melanoma spreads quickly and can be life-threatening if not caught early. It can appear anywhere on the body, even in areas not typically exposed to sunlight. For many, including Torres, it arrives without symptoms or warning.
Her decision to share that shock publicly had ripple effects far beyond her own healing. Dermatologists across the U.S. began reporting a measurable uptick in skin exams among Hispanic patients, many of whom cited Torres’s story as their reason for finally getting checked. The phenomenon became known in advocacy circles as the “Dayanara Effect.”
A voice for #GetNaked
In October 2020, the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) announced Torres as the newest spokesperson and featured model for its bold and award-winning #GetNaked campaign, launched to promote early detection through self-checks and fullbody exams.
“While melanoma can affect anybody, early detection is the key to saving lives,” Torres said in the MRF’s official release. “One of my missions is for every single person to know the risks and how to detect it
Torres
early on.”
MRF CEO Kyleigh LiPira praised Torres for helping dismantle long-standing misconceptions:
“Her voice helps dispel the dangerous myth that melanoma only affects older people or those with fair skin. Melanoma does not discriminate by age, race, or gender—everyone is at risk.”
Through raw interviews, public speaking, and a striking series of black-and-white campaign images, Torres helped reshape how skin cancer is perceived across racial and cultural lines.
Dayanara in the Philippines
For many Filipinos, Dayanara Torres isn’t just a former Miss Universe— she’s part of local pop culture history.
After her reign ended in 1994, Torres traveled to Manila as part of her pageant duties. What began as a short visit evolved into a four-year stay that would define her connection to the Philippines. Embraced by fans and producers alike, Torres accepted acting and hosting roles that made her a familiar face in Filipino homes.
She became a regular co-host on ABS-CBN’s top-rated Sunday variety show ASAP and starred in a string of Filipino films.
Among them was the 1995 box office hit Basta’t Kasama Kita, opposite leading man Aga Muhlach. Their onscreen chemistry spilled into real life, and the two became one of the era’s most talkedabout couples.
“The Philippines has always been my second home,” Torres wrote in a 2016 Instagram post.
Though their relationship
ended, Torres’s bond with the country remained strong. She spoke some Tagalog, engaged with Filipino fans directly, and earned respect for her willingness to embrace the culture fully. To this day, she is warmly remembered as one of the most beloved foreign celebrities to make the Philippines her home.
A life reimagined
In 2000, Torres married singer Marc Anthony. The couple had two sons—Cristian, born in 2001, and Ryan, born in 2003—before divorcing in 2004.
Now based in Los Angeles, Torres has rebuilt a full life as an actress, model, author, and advocate. She continues to raise awareness about melanoma through bilingual campaigns, brand partnerships, and speaking engagements. Though she has kept her personal life private in recent years, her energy remains focused on healing— not just for herself, but for the communities she’s committed to reaching.
Legacy beyond the crown
Dayanara Torres’s legacy reaches far beyond the Miss Universe crown. Her openness about cancer, her cultural influence in the Philippines, and her role in reshaping public health conversations reflect a woman who has transcended her pageant origins.
“It’s not just about me,” she said. “It’s about reaching people who think they’re not at risk. Because I was one of them, too.”
Today, her quiet strength and continued visibility serve as a lifeline for those who need it most—proof that advocacy, when rooted in experience, can change lives.
Dayanara
Photo from Instagram/@dayanarapr
Love in the limelight: Bea Alonzo and Vincent Co’s low-key romance begins to shine
Actress Bea Alonzo and Puregold heir Vincent Co step into the spotlight with a quiet romance marked by thoughtful gestures, public sightings, and growing family approval
by AJPress
MANILA – After months of quiet speculation, subtle sightings, and overlapping travel posts, the relationship between actress Bea Alonzo and businessman Vincent Co is stepping gradually but unmistakably into the public eye.
What began as quiet companionship and private gestures has become a steady partnership—one that neither flaunts nor denies, but whose presence is being felt more clearly at public events, overseas trips, and family gatherings.
How they met: Friendship turned familiarity abroad
Before their Spain sightings in late April 2025 sparked public speculation, Bea Alonzo and Vincent Co were already acquainted. In fact, their connection appears to have begun quietly months earlier, away from the spotlight.
According to PEP.ph, one of the earliest signs of Vincent’s interest came during a trip Bea took to Siargao, sometime in early 2025. When Bea reportedly fell ill during her stay on the island, Vincent arranged a private helicopter to bring her back to Manila—an extraordinary gesture that insiders say reflected both concern and quiet courtship.
By April 2025, both posted photos from Seville and Andalusia, Spain, around the same time. One of Vincent’s posts showed a man and woman walking hand-in-hand on the beach. While faces weren’t shown, online observers matched the woman’s outfit and hairstyle to Bea’s. She also liked the post—fueling speculation they had traveled together.
Their first public sighting
together followed shortly after, in early June, at a private celebration attended by close friends from the fashion and business circles, including Heart Evangelista and Senator Chiz Escudero. They appeared relaxed and familiar in photos shared on social media, seated beside each other and engaging comfortably with the group.
Who is Vincent Co?
Ferdinand Vincent Pe Co, 45, is the eldest son of Lucio and Susan Co, founders of Puregold Price Club Inc., one of the Philippines’ largest retail empires. Since 2015, Vincent has served as president of Puregold, overseeing the operations of more than 600 stores nationwide. Educated at the University of Asia and the Pacific, he also holds leadership roles in several Co
Manhattanhenge 2025: From stone circles to street canyons, a
shared
alignment with the sun
This year’s Manhattanhenge offered more than a stunning sunset—it echoed Stonehenge’s sacred geometry, reminding us how ancient rituals and modern cities both honor the path of the sun.
by AJPress
family ventures, including Cosco Capital Inc. and Entenso Equities.
Despite his business stature, Vincent is known for maintaining a low profile. Those familiar with him describe him as soft-spoken, respectful, and deeply private—a personality that has matched well with Bea’s own evolving preference for a more grounded and quieter life.
Courting Bea: From gestures to commitment
Long before the public sightings began, Vincent Co had already shown quiet but meaningful interest in Bea Alonzo. His now widely reported gesture—arranging a private helicopter for Bea during a medical episode in Siargao—was not an isolated act, but one of many that signaled his steady
NEW YORK - As the sun sank low over Manhattan on July 11, 2025, its golden orb aligned with surgical precision between the city's towering buildings, casting a corridor of radiant light along 42nd Street. Onlookers gathered shoulder-to-shoulder, phones raised and eyes wide, to witness a phenomenon that has become one of New York City’s most beloved urban rituals: Manhattanhenge.
But while the setting seemed uniquely modern, the impulse behind the moment reaches far into humanity’s past. This solar alignment, now an Instagram staple, shares a spiritual and scientific lineage with Stonehenge, the ancient stone monument on England’s Salisbury Plain. Though separated by thousands of years and continents, both serve as silent witnesses to humankind’s enduring fascination with the sun.
A modern name with an ancient root
The name “Manhattan-
henge” was coined in 2002 by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, inspired by his teenage visit to Stonehenge. Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, saw a parallel between the Neolithic stone circle and Manhattan’s urban grid. Both, he noted, align with the sun during specific days of the year—turning structured spaces into cosmic observatories.
Unlike Stonehenge, which was built deliberately to track the solar calendar, Manhattanhenge is a happy accident of geometry. The 1811 Commissioners’ Plan angled Manhattan’s streets approximately 29 degrees off true east–west, allowing the setting sun to align perfectly with cross streets on two pairs of days each year—usually in late May and mid-July.
Stonehenge: Where the sky met spirit
Built between 3000 and 2000 BCE, Stonehenge is more than just a circle of stones. Archaeological evidence suggests it served as a ritual buri-
al ground, a sacred gathering place, and a solar calendar.
On the summer solstice, the sun rises directly above the Heel Stone, illuminating the monument’s central passage. On the winter solstice, it sets in near-perfect alignment with the structure’s axis.
These celestial alignments were not merely scientific markers—they were spiritual events. For ancient people, the sun’s journey through the sky was deeply tied to the cycles of life, death, and renewal. The stones embodied humanity’s effort to give meaning to the heavens.
Even today, modern-day Druids, Pagans, and spiritual seekers return to Stonehenge during solstices to celebrate the sun and nature’s rhythms.
Manhattan: A city's unintended solstice
Though designed for commerce, not cosmology, Manhattan’s street grid transforms twice each year into a cathedral of light. Known popularly as the “Manhattan solstice,” Manhattanhenge occurs when
Bea Alonzo and Vincent Co at Puregold suppliers appreciation night. File photo
The setting sun aligns perfectly with Manhattan’s east–west street grid during Manhattanhenge, creating a breathtaking corridor of light. This twice-yearly spectacle draws crowds to the city’s major cross streets for a rare urban alignment of nature and architecture. AJ file photo
Image of sunrise during the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge Andrew Dunn / Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 2.0
From the ancient stones of Stonehenge to the modern streets of Manhattan, both the summer solstice sunrise and Manhattanhenge sunset reflect a striking parallelism—moments when the sun aligns with human design, bridging millennia of celestial wonder and cultural connection.
EVEN though I spent half of my life in government press and public information work, I had already been exposed to writing and editing jobs before daily news and feature deadlines—especially when there were daily exhibitions or events that needed timely coverage for the next day’s updates.
I remember being the pioneering editor of the daily CITEM Trade Update newsletter, which was distributed to CITEM’s foreign and local buyers, business stakeholders, and government offices. The Trade Update gained both local and international recognition due to our hard work and 24/7 operation.
At the Office of the Press Secretary’s Foreign Information Council, I regularly sent news releases to Philippine embassies worldwide, reporting on the activities of then-President Corazon C. Aquino and other key government agencies, covering military, economic, social, political, cultural, environmental, and health-related matters.
Likewise, while working in the Press and Public Information Offices of the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Labor and Employment, I produced daily news releases on trade, labor, business, employment activities, and negotiations.
As an editorial assistant at one of the Philippines’ oldest newspapers, the Manila Bulletin, through its Philippine Panorama magazine, I received training and gained expertise in identifying newsworthy stories. I learned to edit with enthusiasm and make articles concise—a skill sharpened by my exposure to The Japan Times in Minato-ku, Tokyo, where I wrote brief yet comprehensive news items.
My time at Gulf News in Dubai, UAE, and the now-defunct Far Eastern Economic
I love the Philippines, my country
Review in Hong Kong further exposed me to writing for an international and inclusive audience.
I always remember what the late comedian Rodolfo Vera Quizon Sr., known as Dolphy, told me in his home in Marina Village, Parañaque City:
“Nagrorosaryo ako arawaraw. Maski na may mangyari sa iyong masama man o mabuti, ay nakapagpaalam ka na sa Kanya.”
“I pray the rosary every day. Whether something good or bad happens to you, you’ve already said your goodbyes to Him.”
“Noong araw, inabot ko ang orasyon, o iyong tinatawag sa Ingles na Angelus Time. Pag tumunog ang mga kampana ng simbahan tuwing alas sais ng gabi noon, tumitigil ang lahat, pati na ang mga sasakyan, bilang pagbibigay-galang sa Diyos. Kahit na hindi nila dinadasal nang buo iyong Angelus, at least tumitigil sila as a sign of respect. Mapalad ako at inabot ko ang panahong iyon.”
“Back then, I experienced the ‘orasyon’—what is called the Angelus in English. When the church bells rang at 6 p.m., everything would stop, even the cars, out of reverence to God. Even if people didn’t pray the entire Angelus, they paused as a sign of respect. I’m fortunate to have lived during that time.”
He further said:
“Noong araw, bihira ang may baril. Noong araw, nagmamagandang-gabi ang mga pulis, at gayundin ang mga tao sa isa’t isa. Ngayon, babarilin mo na ang mga pulis, at ang mga pulis ay mamamaril din.”
“In the old days, few people owned guns. Back then, policemen and citizens would greet each other politely in the evening. Today, people shoot at police, and the police shoot back.”
In 1974, he won Best Actor at the Metro Manila Film Festival. In 1977, he received the
FAMAS Best Actor Award. In 1992, he was honored with the Film Academy of the Philippines’ Lifetime Achievement Award.
At the ABS-CBN compound parking lot, Dolphy told me:
“Palagay ko ang may kagustuhan talaga na maging matagumpay ako ay ang Diyos. Ang mahalaga ay di ka nagbabago. Iyong magandang ugali mo noong mababa ka pa at maliit, dapat manatili iyon sa iyo gaano ka man kataas ngayon. Saka dapat ay hanggang kaya mong gampanan ang pagtulong ay gawin mo.”
“I think it’s truly God who wanted me to be successful. What matters is that you don’t change. The good values you had when you were still unknown and starting out— those should stay with you no matter how high you rise. And as long as you are able to help, you should do so.”
Dolphy invited me to try acting in his TV program Home Along Da Riles, but I declined the offer since I was working full-time in government. A friend who was an executive producer also invited me to appear in a film with Nora Aunor and Jaclyn Jose, but I chose instead to support Father Pierre Tritz’s SABANA (Samahan ng mga Batang Nananambakan) and help educate former child scavengers in Smokey Mountain, Tondo, Manila.
Mabalacat City, Pampanga Mayor Atty. Geld Aquino recently appointed Dr. Sonny Nanon De Guzman as the new president of Mabalacat City College (MCC).
In 2024, MCC received the Times Higher Education Digital Innovation of the Year Award for its smart classrooms, which enabled greater accessibility for all students—especially those unable to attend in-person classes.
Lara Lea Yunaska Trump is an American political figure and former co-chair of the Republican National Com-
mittee. She is married to Eric Trump, the third child of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Lara was the producer and host of Trump Productions’ Real News Update and a producer of Inside Edition. On February 22, 2025, she debuted her new show, My View with Lara Trump, on the Fox News Channel.
Katherine Siochi recently showcased her God-given talent as the principal harpist of the San Francisco Symphony, performing at Davies Symphony Hall on Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco, California.
She was the gold medalist at the 2016 USA International Harp Competition.
Vocabulary word for the week: salt of the earth
Very good, honest, and reasonable; not thinking you are special in any way.
“They were such good people. They really were the salt of the earth.”
“He was the sort of person referred to as salt of the earth—very friendly and straightforward.”
In Matthew 5:13, when Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth,” He meant that His followers should be a posi-
tive, transformative influence on the world—preserving moral values and spreading goodness through their actions. Just as salt enhances flavor and prevents spoilage, Christians are called to bring light and integrity to society.
* * *
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * * rogeliocmedina@yahoo.com
roGelio constantino medina
US President Donald J. Trump recently sat down with Lara Trump on My View with Lara Trump —on the eve of the one-year anniversary of the assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Mabalacat City Mayor Geld Aquino (extreme left) appointed recently Dr. Sonny Nanon de Guzman (2nd from left) as the new Mabalacat City College President.
Rogelio Constantino Medina with former Philippine Labor Secretary and Chairperson of the Development Bank of the Philippines Patricia Santo Tomas.
The San Francisco Marathon overlooking the famous Golden Gate Bridge.
Principal harp Katherine Siochi of the San Francisco Symphony.
(From left) Erna Cariaso, Cheeya Isip, principal harp Katherine Siochi, Anna Toribio-Isip, and Victoria Isip.
Rogelio Constantino Medina in a “write-shop” at the Department of Labor and Employment.
Dolphy with Rogelio Constantino Medina and Vandolph.
Fil-Am Jessica Sanchez gets golden buzzer on ‘America’s Got Talent’ return, reveals pregnancy
by Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com
MANILA — Expecting Filipino-American singer Jessica Sanchez made a grand return to the "America's Got Talent" stage after receiving a golden buzzer from judge Sofia Vergara.
The talent show competition teased prior to the premiere of its 20th season that Jessica had auditioned, a milestone as she previously competed in the inaugural season where the then-10year-old Jessica made it all the way to the semifinal round.
Jessica, now 29 years old, shared as much during her audition that aired on July 15 which earned applause from the crowd.
The show even shared clips from Jessica's prior stint. "AGT was the beginning of that fire sparked inside of me," Jessica told the judges — Jessica, Simon Cowell, Howie Mandel, and Mel B.
Six years after "America's Got Talent," Jessica finished as the first runner-up of "American Idol" Season 11 behind Phillip Phillips.
Simon, who left "American Idol" two seasons before Jessica competed, asked the singer about her career de-
velopments since her initial appearance on "America's Got Talent" years ago.
"Throughout the years, I kind of fell out of love with music because I was really young and so swayed by whatever everyone wanted me to be," Jessica shared.
"Maybe it took me 20 years but I know exactly who I am and exactly what I want, so excited to be back."
Jessica added she was married to fellow musician Rickie Gallardo with whom she is expecting her first child with, a revelation that surprised Simon and the entire audience.
"This is the best thing that can ever happen in your life, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ev er. I'm very happy for you," Simon said with a smile.
Jessica then auditioned with Benson Boone's hit song "Beautiful Things," wowing everyone present when she hit the chorus, earning her a standing ovation after she'd finished.
Simon gave Jessica two thumbs up and quipped that the crowd must have enjoyed her performance.
"I gotta say, 20 years is a long time, but well worth the wait," said Howie who shared his love of the song and praised how Jessica
Manhattanhenge 2025: From stone circles...
PAGE 13
the setting sun aligns precisely with the city’s east–west avenues. In 2025, the phenomenon reached peak visibility on May 28 (half sun), May 29 (full sun), July 11 (full sun), and July 12 (half sun).
On the “full sun” days, such as July 11, the entire solar disk was visible hovering just above the horizon, creating a glowing tunnel of sunlight through the city. Prime viewing locations included 14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd, and 57th Streets, as well as the Tudor City Overpass and Hunter’s Point South Park in Queens.
In contrast to the ancient stillness of Stonehenge, the Manhattan version unfolds amid taxi horns, towering billboards, and pedestrian chatter. And yet, the pause it inspires—the hush of the crowd, the gaze toward the west—is oddly familiar.
made it her own. "You blew the roof off the place, you are so wonderful."
Mel B admitted being speechless and said Jessica had "the voice of an angel," and Sofia commented on the magic of a pregnant Jessica auditioning again after 20 years.
The "Modern Family" star then added another surprise by pressing the golden buzzer, sending Jessica straight to the live shows round.
As golden confetti rained down, Sofia went up on stage to embrace a crying Jessica and lovingly rubbed the singer's belly. The show even mixed clips of Jessica's prior stint with her latest golden moment.
Sofia quickly explained to host Terry Crews why she opted to give Jessica the golden buzzer, and was joined by Simon, who praised Jessica once more.
"You know, to succeed, you've got to have real determination and talent," Simon said. "All those years of really wanting something and just going for it, it was like powerful, right? You're an absolute star."
Jessica's audition clip ended with her hugging Rickie in the hallway and a final past clip of 10-year-old Jessica.
Cancer in the young!...
Manhattan by urban logic, the effect is remarkably similar.
Both sites:
• Align with the sun at key times of year
• Create moments of awe and gathering
• Offer a shared experience of time, space, and light
• Remind observers of humanity’s connection to something larger
In each case, the sun becomes more than a celestial body—it becomes a symbol of rhythm, purpose, and continuity.
A shared spirit across time and culture
Stonehenge, is a reminder that amid technology and traffic, humans still yearn for connection with the cosmos—and find it in the path of the sun.
Looking forward
Those who missed this year’s summer alignment can anticipate reverse Manhattanhenge, which occurs during winter sunrises in early January and early December. While less photographed, these quiet mornings offer the same profound geometry—just turned east.
A moment of shared wonder
PAGE 12
Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He was a recip-
ient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, U.S. senator, and later a presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry S. Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali, Astronaut Gus Grissom, scientists, and educators. (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com; Amazon.com (“Where is My America?”); Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com.
Where city and stone converge
While Stonehenge was shaped by sacred intent and
For readers across the Filipino diaspora—from Manila to Los Angeles to Toronto— the resonance of solar alignment is not foreign. Filipino traditions, too, are rich with symbolic celebrations of light, from parol lanterns during Christmasto sunrise masses and harvest feasts. The desire to honor the cycles of nature transcends geography.
Manhattanhenge, like
Stonehenge and Manhattanhenge stand at opposite ends of history, yet both capture the same human truth: the search for meaning in the skies above. Whether carved from ancient stones or etched into a city grid, both monuments frame the sun’s journey—and reflect our own.
For a moment, the city becomes sacred. And the sunset, like in the days of old, becomes something to celebrate.
Love in the limelight: Bea Alonzo and Vincent Co’s...
PAGE 13
presence and support.
Following their Spain trip and their joint appearance at the private June gathering, the pair appeared increasingly comfortable in each other’s company. Sources close to the couple told PEP.ph that what started as a respectful and lowkey courtship has since matured into a relationship that is very much ongoing—if still kept largely out of the spotlight.
While neither has issued a formal statement, their actions speak clearly: they are no longer in the “getting to know you” stage. Bea and Vincent have been seen at multiple public events together, including corporate functions and concerts, with Bea now appearing alongside Vincent in both social and family settings.
“They’re already together. They’re just choosing to live quietly, without the fanfare,” one source said.
From private moments to public sightings
Their transition into the public sphere has been measured but unmistakable:
June 2025 – Bea attended a high-profile Puregold corporate event at the World Trade Center in Manila, where she was seen mingling with Vincent’s family and business associates.
July 5, 2025 – The couple was spotted holding hands at OPM Con in Bulacan—a major
public event featuring top Filipino artists. This marked their first undeniable public display of affection, drawing cheers from fans.
Mid-July 2025 – The pair was photographed boarding a flight at NAIA Terminal 1, reportedly headed to Japan to celebrate Vincent’s birthday. The two appeared relaxed and coordinated, sparking more buzz about how comfortable they’ve grown in sharing time—and travel—together.
Most recently, Vincent was seen accompanying Bea at her warehouse event promoting travel essentials, quietly offering support at one of her entrepreneurial appearances.
Past loves and new beginnings
Bea Alonzo, now 37, has long been in the public eye— not only for her critically acclaimed acting career, but also for her highly followed personal life. She previously dated Gerald Anderson, Zanjoe Marudo, and most recently, Dominic Roque, to whom she was briefly engaged. Their split was confirmed in February 2024.
In interviews after the breakup, Bea acknowledged being open to love but more discerning. “I know what I want now,”she said. “Peace. Kindness. And someone who lets me grow.” Vincent, by contrast, has no known public romantic history prior to Bea. His appearance in
her world marks the first time he’s been linked to a celebrity relationship.
Family matters
Though not officially confirmed, multiple reports indicate that Vincent’s family is aware and quietly supportive of the relationship. The Co family—known for keeping to themselves—has not issued any comment, but Bea was seen interacting with them at corporate functions, including a Puregold event at Okada Manila.
One source close to the Co circle described the family’s view as “warm and respectful,” adding, “There’s appreciation for Bea’s values and grace.” What’s next for BeaVi?
While neither Bea nor Vincent has gone public with a formal announcement, their consistent presence together is confirmation enough for many observers. Social media fans have dubbed them “BeVi,” and with red carpet season and holiday events on the horizon, many are watching for their first official debut as a couple. For now, however, Bea and Vincent appear content where they are: sharing quiet moments, traveling side by side, and showing up for each other without the noise of celebrity declarations.
“Love doesn’t always announce itself,” said one friend close to the couple. “Sometimes it just shows up, quietly— and stays.”
Filipino-American singer Jessica Sanchez made a powerful return to ‘America’s Got Talent” nearly 20 years after joining its first season. Screenshot from AGT via YouTube
