ICE Chief: Agents will arrest anyone found in US illegally regardless of criminal history
LOS ANGELES — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will arrest any undocumented immigrant found in the country illegally, regardless of whether they have a criminal record, Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons confirmed in a recent interview aired by CBS News.
In a sharp escalation of the agency’s enforcement posture, Lyons stated: “If we encounter someone who’s here in the country illegally, we will take them into custody.” The remarks mark a shift from prior policies that prioritized apprehension of individuals with serious criminal offenses or national security concerns.
As US government pushes self-deportation, legal experts warn of risks
US ammo facility in Subic Bay could build world’s largest stockpile, says Trump
by Cristina Chi Philstar.com
MANILA — United States President Donald Trump is optimistic that the U.S. and the Philippines will amass "more ammunition than any country has ever had" through a proposed ammunition manufacturing hub at Subic Bay, the site of a former American naval base.
Trump said this at his first face-to-face meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr at the White House on u PAGE 3
Filipino
THE Trump administration is aggressively pushing self-deportation for undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. Part of that strategy involves stoking fear in communities through highly publicized enforcement activities.
But legal experts say, despite government assurances, the risk to those who do selfdeport can be significant.
Marcos, Trump strike trade, security deal at White House
Philippine president caps state visit with Oval Office summit; new tariff terms and defense talks reaffirm U.S.–Philippine ties
by AJPress
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on July 22, 2025, concluding a three-day official visit that underscored the enduring alliance between the United States and the Philippines amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific. In a joint appearance before reporters at the White House, President Trump announced a newly negotiated trade arrangement under which the United States will impose a 19% tariff on goods imported from the Philippines—down from a previously considered 20% rate. In exchange, the Philippines has agreed to grant duty-free access to U.S. exports. u
“President Marcos is a very good and tough negotiator,” Trump said. “They’ve been very serious. This is a very serious negotiation. They wanted it badly. We wanted it.”
We’re going to be putting a 19% tariff on products coming in from the Philippines. They’re going to be taking our products in for nothing. That’s what we wanted, and we got it.”
We’re very close to finishing a big trade deal with the Philippines.” Trump characterized the outcome as a move toward a “very open market” between the two nations, adding that the Philippines is a “very important nation militarily.”
Strategic talks and diplomatic engagements In addition to the Oval Office summit, President
President Marcos returns from US visit as PH grapples with storm damage, inflation, and political tensions
by AJPress
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has returned to the Philippines following a three-day official visit to the United States, where he met with U.S. President Donald J. Trump to advance bilateral cooperation on trade, security, and investment.
The visit, which concluded on July 22, 2025, included discussions at the White House and other high-level engagements with
workers removed from cruise ship in US immigration
raid
The workers, sent back to the Philippines, are banned from re-entry to the United States for 10 years
Despite the Trump administration’s assurances, the risk to those who self-deport can be significant by Bing Cardenas Branigin Inquirer.net by elton lugay Inquirer.net
“Once they’re gone, they might be stuck on the outside for years, or it could be forever,” says Professor Gabriel “Jack” Chin, director of Clinical Legal Education at the University of California, Davis School of Law.
Often, Chin says, individuals in this
NORFOLK, Va. — At least 18 Filipino workers “were forcibly removed in handcuffs” from a cruise ship at the Port of Norfolk in Virginia recently, sent back to
the Philippines and banned from re-entry to the United States for 10 years, Filipino American community leaders said Saturday, July 19. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) removed the Filipino workers,
ICC delays decision on Duterte’s request for interim release
The International Criminal Court has postponed its ruling on Rodrigo Duterte’s interim release, keeping him in custody while his legal team prepares further submissions. by AJPress
THE HAGUE, Netherlands — The International Criminal Court (ICC) has postponed its decision on former
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s request for interim release, allowing his legal team more time to provide additional information.
Former US ambassador to PH slams Trump tariff deal struck with Marcos
The Philippines must press for more robust talks with the U.S., says former Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr.
WASHINGTON — A modest U.S.Philippines trade deal sealed at the White House Tuesday, July 22 drew sharp
criticism from former U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas Jr., who warned that the new 19% tariff on Philippine goods puts the country at a continued economic disadvantage.
American officials. In a joint appearance, Trump confirmed that the U.S. would impose a 19% tariff on goods imported from the Philippines—down from a previously proposed 20%—while the Philippines agreed to duty-free access for select U.S. exports. Both sides described the meeting as productive, with additional agreements expected to follow.
We’re very close to finishing a big trade deal with the Philippines,” Trump said, while emphasizing the “seriousness” of
the negotiations. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it would pursue follow-up discussions with U.S. counterparts in the coming months, with a focus on expanding market access and attracting investment in sectors such as renewable energy and infrastructure. Typhoon aftermath and new storm warnings As the president returned, large parts of Luzon remained u PAGE 2
LAS VEGAS — On the evening of July 19, 2025, Manny Pacquiao returned to the ring at age 46— older, wiser, and still hungry.
Facing reigning WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand, Pacquiao wasn’t just fighting for a title. He was fighting for something more enduring: legacy.
The bout ended in a majority draw. Two judges scored the fight 114–114, while one gave Barrios a narrow edge at 115–113. Barrios retained the belt, but the night belonged to Pacquiao—proof that
time may slow a man, but it cannot silence a legend. From the streets to the pinnacle of boxing Manny Pacquiao’s story is no ordinary rise. Born in Kibawe, Bukidnon, and raised in the streets of General Santos City, he sold bread and cigarettes as a child to feed his family. At 14, he left home, slept on cardboard in Manila, and took up boxing as a means of survival. By 16, he turned professional. His rise was meteoric—winning world titles in eight weight divisions, a feat no other boxer in
Marcos, Trump strike trade, security...
Marcos held a series of high-level meetings during his visit:
• At the Pentagon, Marcos met with U.S. Secretary of Defense
Pete Hegseth on July 21, where both sides reaffirmed their mutual defense commitments, particularly in the context of maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosted Marcos at the State Department for discussions focused on trade, regional security, and diplomatic coordination.
• Marcos also met privately with Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director John Ratcliffe at CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia. The Philippine Presidential Communications Office confirmed the meeting, although no details were released publicly.
Domestic and regional response In Manila, Philippine officials publicly welcomed the outcomes of the Washington visit. Trade Secretary Roque reiterated the country’s commitment to pursuing “balanced” trade partnerships and expressed readiness to engage with U.S. stakeholders on sectoral cooperation. Meanwhile, labor and industry groups raised concerns about the potential impact of the 19% tariff on key Philippine export sectors such as electronics and agricultural goods, which are heavily dependent on access to the U.S. market. In Beijing, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement calling on all parties to avoid actions that might “escalate tensions” in the South China Sea, where the Philippines is a
claimant and has reported repeated encounters with Chinese vessels in its exclusive economic zone.
Charting future ties Marcos’s return to the White House—his first since Trump’s second term began in January 2025—was seen as a reaffirmation of a decades-old security and economic alliance shaped by evolving regional challenges. While no formal joint statement was issued, both sides described the discussions as productive and based on mutual strategic interest.
The visit positioned the Philippines as the first Southeast Asian country to engage in a state-level summit with the Trump administration in its current term, setting the stage for further cooperation in trade, defense, and diplomacy in the coming months. n
President Marcos returns from US visit as...
affected by flooding caused by the enhanced southwest monsoon intensified by Typhoon Wipha, which passed west of the Philippines after making landfall in northern Vietnam. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), over 90,000 residents were displaced in provinces including Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, and Metro Manila. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has mobilized relief supplies to evacuation centers while local government units continue to clear affected areas.
At the same time, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)issued warnings for Tropical Storm Emong (international name: Gaemi), which developed over the West Philippine Sea. Signal No. 1 was raised in parts of Northern Luzon, including Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan, with forecasters warning of possible landslides and flash floods. Economic and political pressures at home President Marcos returns amid persistent economic challenges. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), inflation stood at 3.0% in June 2025, with
food and transport prices continuing to weigh heavily on Filipino households. A Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey conducted in late 2024 found that 63% of Filipinos still considered themselves poor, underscoring widespread concerns over cost-of-living pressures.
At the same time, the administration faces renewed political headwinds following midterm gains by opposition forces—particularly allies of former President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Sara Duterte. The widening rift between the Marcos and Duterte camps, driven by disagreements over constitutional reform and elements of foreign policy, has intensified political polarization just as the government contends with disaster recovery, economic strain, and rising public dissatisfaction.
In response, Malacañang undertook a Cabinet recalibration, appointing new leadership where needed and reaffirming its policy direction for the remainder of Marcos’s term. Although the reshuffle has been implemented, performance monitoring remains ongoing. Analysts view the move as a strategic—if familiar—effort to consolidate control and adapt governance to evolving political dynamics. n
Trump administration’s Medicaid data sharing with ICE prompts multistate legal challenge
THE Trump administration’s decision to grant Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) access to a federal Medicaid database has prompted legal action from a coalition of U.S. states. The lawsuit, filed in July 2025, centers on concerns over privacy protections and data use.
According to public records and statements by government officials, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) entered into a data-sharing agreement that allows ICE weekday access to the Transformed Medicaid Statistical Information System (T-MSIS). The agreement became effective in July 2025 and is scheduled to continue through mid-September.
T-MSIS contains detailed enrollment and demographic information on approximately 80 million Medicaid recipients. Access is reportedly limited to regular business hours, Monday through Friday, as outlined in documentation reported by multiple national outlets including the Associated Press.
Scope of the agreement
The data fields in T-MSIS include personal identifiers such as full names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, and information on race and ethnicity. According to coverage by Wired and Axios, early drafts of the agreement considered broader categories of information, such
as banking or internet protocol data, but those elements were ultimately excluded from the final version.
The database was created to support Medicaid program oversight by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The current agreement is the first known instance in which this data has been made available to a federal immigration enforcement agency.
Federal position on the agreement
Federal officials have stated that the agreement is intended to identify individuals who may not meet eligibility criteria for Medicaid. According to public statements cited by Axios, a DHS spokesperson explained that the policy helps to ensure that Medicaid benefits are only extended to those who qualify under federal law. HHS has described the agreement as focused and within the department’s existing legal authority.
Legal action by states
On July 17, 2025, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced that 24 states had joined a lawsuit seeking to block the agreement. The suit, filed in U.S. District Court, alleges that the policy may violate the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), federal Medicaid laws, and procedural requirements under the Administrative Procedure Act.
The complaint argues that the agreement could result in misuse
PUBLIC NOTICE
of protected health information and discourage eligible individuals from enrolling in public health programs. A preliminary injunction hearing has been scheduled for August 7, 2025, according to a press release from the California Attorney General’s Office. Broader implications and considerations
Legal observers and data privacy specialists have noted that this marks a significant development in how federal health data is used across agencies. The use of T-MSIS for immigration enforcement purposes introduces questions about the intersection of health privacy and law enforcement.
Health organizations and advocates have raised concerns that the agreement may contribute to decreased participation in Medicaid or hesitation in seeking care, especially among immigrant households. These concerns have been noted in reporting by national outlets, though no official federal data has directly linked the policy to enrollment trends as of publication. Supporters of the policy maintain that the measure is designed to strengthen oversight and prevent fraud in federally funded programs. The outcome of the pending court case may shape future decisions on the use of interagency data-sharing agreements in the administration of public benefits. n
Solicitation of Applications for Membership on the TransNet Independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee
The TransNet Independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee (ITOC) is seeking qualified members of the public to fill one vacancy on its seven-member committee in the following category:
• A licensed engineer with appropriate credentials in the field of transportation project design or construction and a minimum of ten years of experience in a relevant and senior decision-making position in the government or private sector.
The ITOC aids in the implementation of the TransNet program, the San Diego region’s halfcent sales tax for transportation improvements. The TransNet program is administered by SANDAG.
As outlined in the TransNet Ordinance and Expenditure Plan, the ITOC provides an increased level of accountability for expenditures of TransNet funds. ITOC members are unpaid, but certain expenses are reimbursed. The ITOC functions in an independent, open, and transparent manner to ensure that all voter mandates are carried out, and develops positive, constructive recommendations for improvements and enhancements to the financial integrity and performance of the TransNet program.
ITOC membership is open to individuals from throughout the region, who possess a set of appropriate professional skills and experience. Due to their public service status, ITOC members must comply with the following conflict of interest requirements, as set forth in the TransNet Ordinance:
The ITOC shall be subject to SANDAG’s conflict of interest policies. ITOC members shall have no legal action pending against SANDAG and are prohibited from acting in any commercial activity directly or indirectly involving SANDAG, such as being a consultant to SANDAG or to any party with pending legal actions against SANDAG during their tenure on the ITOC. ITOC members shall not have direct commercial interest or employment with any public or private entity, which receives TransNet sales tax funds authorized by this Ordinance.
The possibility of a conflict of interest, however, does not automatically require disqualification of an applicant. Applicants are encouraged to contact SANDAG if they have any questions regarding their eligibility for service.
More detailed information regarding the ITOC and its responsibilities can be found at SANDAG.org/itoc. Individuals interested in applying for these ITOC positions should contact SANDAG for an application at vanessa.leon@sandag.org or 619.699.0726 or go to https://www.sandag.org/news. Questions regarding this solicitation should be sent to Vanessa Leon at vanessa.leon@sandag.org
Applications must be postmarked no later than Wednesday, August 27, 2025. SANDAG seeks to fill openings on the ITOC with a diverse group of persons who are representative of the community. SANDAG highly encourages applications from diverse individuals with socially and economically diverse backgrounds. The newly selected licensed engineer with appropriate credentials in the field of transportation project design or construction is anticipated to begin serving at the regularly scheduled ITOC meeting in November 2025.
Malacañang photo
PRICE FREEZE. Consumers check the prices of canned goods at a grocery store in Kamuning, Quezon City on Thursday, July 24. The government reminded businesses about the price freeze in areas that have declared a state of calamity due to widespread flooding caused by the enhanced southwest monsoon.
PNA photo by Ben Briones
Pacquiao held to draw in comeback...
PAGE 1
history has matched. He defeated titans like Marco Antonio Barrera, Miguel Cotto, and Oscar De La Hoya, and became a global force not just in the ring but in the hearts of millions.
Pacquiao was never the biggest fighter. But he didn’t need to be. He climbed to the top not with size, but with grit—a fearless, fighting spirit honed by hardship and hardened by hunger.
A senator, a servant, a dreamer
By the 2010s, Pacquiao had expanded his battles from the ring to the political arena. Elected to the Philippine Congress and later to the Senate, he advocated for poverty alleviation, education, and anti-corruption reforms. In 2022, he made a bold run for the presidency of the Philippines.
He lost.
The campaign ended with a third-place finish in the national vote. But Pacquiao accepted defeat with humility and grace, saying, “I will continue to serve the people in whatever way I can.” For many, the loss humanized him even more. He had dared to dream—again— and handled disappointment with the same dignity he showed in victory.
The comeback that transcended titles
Three years after his retirement, Pacquiao announced a comeback. Critics questioned the move. At 46, what more could he prove?
Plenty.
On fight night, he showcased flashes of the fighter the world fell in love with. His footwork, timing, and flurries of punches dominated the middle rounds. Barrios, 16 years younger at age 30, rallied late and secured the draw by taking the 12th round on all cards.
Yet Pacquiao walked away as only he could: with his chin up, his legacy intact, and the roar of fans in his ears.
“I thought I won the fight,” Pacquiao said afterward.
“It was a close fight. My opponent was very tough. It was a wonderful fight.” A worthy opponent in Barrios For his part, Mario Barrios proved he was more than just the younger fighter—he was a composed and technically sound champion. The 30-year-old Texan absorbed Pacquiao’s early pressure and executed a smart, measured strategy down the stretch. His strong finish in the final round sealed the draw and allowed him to retain the WBC welterweight title. After the bout,
Manny Pacquiao earns up to $20 million in comeback fight vs. Barrios
LAS VEGAS – Boxing icon
Manny Pacquiao was expected to take home as much as $20 million from his July 19, 2025 bout against reigning WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios, according to multiple reports detailing fighter purses and projected pay-per-view revenue.
The 46-year-old Filipino legend—who returned to the ring after nearly four years in retirement—earned a guaranteed purse of $12 million, with an additional $5 to $8 million estimated from pay-perview shares and promotional bonuses. If projections hold, Pacquiao’s total compensation could reach $17 million to $20 million, making it one of his highest paydays since facing Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2015.
Barrios, 30, received a guaranteed payout of $1 million. While his share of PPV revenue is expected to be modest compared to Pacquiao’s, the titleholder still secured the biggest purse of his career.
The fight, held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, ended in a majority draw, with two judges scoring it evenly (114114) and one narrowly favoring
Barrios showed deep respect for the Filipino icon, calling it an “honor” to share the ring with a legend. Generations apart, but shoulder to shoulder
When Mario Barrios was just 8 years old, Manny Pacquiao had already shaken the boxing world. In 2003, Pacquiao delivered a career-defining knockout of Marco Antonio Barrera—a stunning victory that announced his arrival as a global force. While Barrios was still in grade school, Pacquiao was already headlining pay-perviews, earning his place among the sport’s elite. More than two decades later, they stood shoulder to shoulder in the same ring— proof that greatness can endure and even span generations. More than a champion Even outside the ring, Pacquiao’s impact endures. He has built homes for the poor, funded surgeries and scholarships, and launched charitable foundations. He has been a voice for the underprivileged, a symbol of
Barrios (115-113). Although no winner was declared, the bout marked a triumphant return for Pacquiao, who showcased flashes of his trademark speed and aggression despite the age gap.
Pacquiao’s impressive earnings reaffirm his global draw and the enduring interest in his legendary career.
With no formal retirement announcement yet, speculation continues on whether this was a one-time comeback— or the prelude to another title campaign. (AJPress)
resilience, and a beacon for Filipino pride on the world stage.
He has inspired not only with his fists but with his faith, generosity, and relentless hope.
“You don’t need to be born into privilege to do something great,” Pacquiao once said. “You just need to believe and never stop fighting.”
Final bell, eternal legacy
Manny Pacquiao may never become president. He may never fight again. But what he’s given the world, through struggle, sacrifice, and service, will never fade.
He is not just the greatest Filipino boxer of all time. He is one of history’s most remarkable lives. From cardboard floors to championship belts.
From poverty to greatness.
From the streets to the pinnacle of boxing.
And on this July night in Las Vegas, Manny Pacquiao reminded fans and critics alike – yet again: Champions aren’t defined by titles. They’re forged through grit. n
US ammo facility in Subic Bay could build...
Tuesday, July 22, where the two leaders discussed expanding military cooperation amid rising tensions in the South China Sea. It's very important. Otherwise, we wouldn't have approved it," Trump told reporters during a free-wheeling press conference alongside Marcos.
"We're going to end up in a few months, we'll have more ammunition than any country has ever had," Trump said, adding that this includes "all the speedy missiles... the slow ones, the accurate ones, the ones that are slightly less accurate.
"
The U.S.’ House of Representatives passed a defense spending bill in July directing officials to study the feasibility of establishing the "joint ammunition manufacturing facility" at Subic Bay.
The proposed facility would store ammunition stockpiles and "related materials" needed to produce explosives and ammunition.
For the U.S., the planned construction of the ammunition hub in the Philippines solves its problem of not having a "forward stage ammunition manufacturing facility in the Indo-Pacific," according to the June 16 report by the American lawmakers.
For the Philippines, however, it would be a major shift from its decision to expel American forces from Subic and other bases in 1991.
Marcos described the proposed ammunition plant as being part of the Philippines' "self-reliance defense program" that would help the country "stand on our own two feet."
The reason that we have encouraged more interaction with the United States is because it is necessary," Marcos added, noting the Philippines' increased engagements with other like-minded countries, including those from Europe.
Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel Romualdez earlier said Manila was "open" to the construction of the U.S. ammunition facility because it offers "a combination of both defense and economic cooperation" that would create jobs.
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro has also welcomed the proposal for its projected commercial benefits, but clarified on Tuesday that the government will review the plan as a "business proposal."
"[It] is on a business case basis, being foreign direct investment," Teodoro said, adding that they will have "more to report" after the review.
Already, Teodoro projects the ammunition hub will employ about 200 to 300 "highly technical people."
The planned ammunitions hub falls within the scope of the U.S. and the Philippines' March 28 joint statement on defense industrial cooperation, which listed "ammunition components / energetics" as a priority area.
Potential risks
Fisher group PAMALAKAYA earlier criticized the proposed ammunition hub, saying its presence would pose a threat to Filipino fishers and "make us a target" of “U.S. rival countries."
The planned facility will be constructed in Subic Bay in Zambales, within the US-backed
Luzon Economic Corridor, but also facing the South China Sea.
We have expelled US military bases and troops before. We can’t see any reason why it is strengthening its military presence in our country, but to set the stage for provocative operations against China," Fernando Hicap, chairperson of PAMALAKAYA, said in a June 30 statement.
Scientist group AGHAM has also opposed the facility, citing environmental destruction and health impacts from past U.S. military presence in Subic Bay, including documented cases of children who died after exposure to toxic waste.
In the same Tuesday press conference, Marcos said the actions the country is taking for the modernization of its military are a "response to the circumstances that surround the situation around the South China Sea." Marcos added that the Philippines does not see a need to balance its relations between the U.S. and China — the world's two superpowers.
This is "simply because our foreign policy is an independent one," he added.
"We are essentially concerned with the defense of our territory and the exercise of our sovereign rights," Marcos said.
"Now, whether we do this not alone, we need to do this with our partners. And again, our strongest partner is — has always been the United States," the Philippine president added.
Trump interjected: "And I don't mind if he gets along with China, because we're getting along with China very well. We have a very good relationship." n
Filipino workers removed from cruise ship...
all with valid 10-year visas, from the Carnival Sunshine cruise line, the Pilipino Workers Center (PWC) and the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) said in a joint statement. The workers, who have not been charged or found guilty of any crime, were removed “in an alarming escalation of unjust immigration practices,” the PWC and NaFFAA said.
“These crew members are dedicated parents and spouses with exemplary backgrounds, having passed rigorous background checks to obtain their work visas,” they said.
“Their abrupt removal, accompanied by the cancellation of their visas and a shocking 10-year ban from re-entry, has inflicted deep humiliation, plunging their families into dire financial straits.”
The CBP confirmed an ongoing operation but did not provide details, according to a USA Today report. Other cruise lines affected include Viking and Pearl Seas Cruises.
The crew members had valid work visas and were previously cleared to work in the U.S., the report said. As the Carnival Sunshine is set to dock again in Norfolk this Sunday, the remaining crew members “are left in fear of be-
ing the next victims of these aggressive actions,” the PWC and NaFFAA added.
The Fil-Am groups said the workplace raids reflect “a disturbing national trend that has seen other crew members deported under similar false pretenses, despite their valid visas and lack of criminal charges.” Community members are outraged by this blatant mistreatment of Filipino workers and are demanding accountability from Customs and Border Patrol, Carnival Corporate and the Philippine Embassy to safeguard the rights and well-being of Filipino and other cruise ship seafarers,” the groups said. n
Photo courtesy of Esther Lin/ Premier Boxing Champions
Former US ambassador to PH slams...
“The 19% tariff is a slight relief from the 20% originally floated by the Trump administration, but it still places Philippine exporters in a difficult position – especially compared to developing countries with free trade agreements like Mexico or Vietnam,” Thomas told Inquirer.net USA.
He added that many Philippine businesses operate on high-volume, low-margin models – such as garments and agricultural products – making them especially vulnerable to even small increases in trade costs.
Thomas, who was the U.S. ambassador to the Philippines from 2010 to 2013, urged Filipino trade leaders to pursue the renewal of the lapsed Generalized System of Preferences and explore deeper sectoral cooperation with Washington in areas like semiconductors and critical minerals.
“To add insult to injury,” he said, “hours after meeting President Marcos, President Trump announced a 15% reciprocal tariff agreement with Japan. The Philippines must press for more robust talks and enact reforms to remain globally competitive,” he said.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met with President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday in a visit aimed at reinforcing economic and defense ties between the longtime allies. The summit marked the first by an ASEAN leader to the U.S. during Trump’s second term.
The resulting agreement reduced U.S. tariffs on Philippine goods to 19%, while Philippine tariffs on U.S. imports were dropped to zero.
The two also reaffirmed the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty and announced enhanced cooperation in cybersecurity, defense manufacturing and infrastructure development in the region.
After their bilateral meeting, Marcos called the United States the Philippines’ “most reliable ally” and emphasized Manila’s commitment to independent foreign policy even as geopolitical tensions rise in the South China Sea.
Trump called the U.S.Philippines relationship “ironclad” and praised Marcos as “a tough negotiator.”
The trade deal also drew sharp reactions from Filipino American leaders.
New York State Assembly Member Steven Raga, the first and only Filipino elected official in the state, criticized the trade deal’s impact on working families and small businesses.
“Trump’s tariff policy is flat-out dangerous,” Raga told Inquirer. net USA. “Raising tariffs on Philippine goods shipped into the United States will shift the burden onto consumers and place Filipino businesses at risk. During the pandemic, Filipino American healthcare workers were essential. This 19% tariff shows just how quickly we are forgotten.”
Mariela Fletcher, national chair of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA), echoed the economic concerns while calling for greater cooperation and fairness in the U.S.Philippine trade relations.
“As Filipino Americans who value both our heritage and our economic ties with the Philippines, we are concerned about the high 19% tariff rate,”
Fletcher said in a statement sent to Inquirer.net USA.
“While the reduction from 20% is a small improvement, we continue to advocate for trade policies that promote economic bridges – not barriers – between our nations.”
Lack of engagement with the Filipino community
Outside the White House, more than 100 protesters from Filipino American and immigrant rights organizations demonstrated during Marcos’ visit, voicing opposition to both the increased tariffs and the expansion of U.S. military cooperation in the Philippines.
Many also criticized the lack of engagement with the Filipino community during the president’s stay.
Jom Dolor, a community organizer with Migrante USA, condemned what he called a lack of consular support for detained Filipinos and ongoing human rights concerns in the Philippines.
“Our people are getting disappeared and detained,”
Dolor said.
Marcos’ visit marked his second to the White House since taking office, aligned with upcoming milestones in the U.S.-Philippines alliance – 80 years of diplomatic relations and 75 years of security cooperation. Philippine officials indicated the possibility of inviting Trump to the East Asia Summit in 2026 during the Philippines’ chairmanship of ASEAN.
As the two governments refresh their strategic partnership, members of the Filipino American community say their voices must be part of the conversation — especially when economic policies directly affect families on both sides of the Pacific. n
ICC delays decision on Duterte’s request for...
In a ruling made public
Wednesday evening, July 22, the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber I said the decision would be deferred “until further action is undertaken by the defense on the matter, or until when the chamber will deem it appropriate.”
The court emphasized that the move does not signal approval or denial of Duterte’s appeal and should
not be interpreted as favoring either side in the ongoing proceedings.
Judges Iulia Antoanella Motoc and Reine AlapiniGansou supported the deferral, while Judge Socorro Flores Liera issued a partial dissent, saying the Chamber should proceed with a decision now. Duterte’s legal team had requested the delay, citing the need to review redacted materials and submit a more
complete response.
The former president remains in ICC custody while facing charges of crimes against humanity for thousands of killings linked to his administration’s controversial war on drugs. His lawyers have asked the court to release him temporarily while the case is ongoing. The ICC has not set a timeline for when it will revisit the matter. n
ICE Chief: Agents will arrest anyone found...
“We still prioritize the worst of the worst,” Lyons said. “But we’re not going to turn our back on immigration violations just because someone doesn’t have a rap sheet.”
The policy, which has alarmed immigrant communities and civil rights advocates, reflects a broader strategy by the Biden administration’s successor, President Donald Trump, to intensify immigration enforcement and override sanctuary policies in place in multiple states and cities.
‘Collateral arrests’ expand
Under the expanded guidance, ICE officers conducting workplace operations or targeted arrests will now also detain any undocumented individuals encountered at the scene—even if they were not initially targeted. These socalled “collateral arrests” have been criticized by human rights groups as indiscriminate and likely to create fear among law-abiding immigrant communities.
ICE has said the increased community operations stem from local law enforcement agencies refusing to honor ICE detainers—requests to hold undocumented individuals already in jail for transfer to federal custody. “When jurisdictions won’t cooperate, it forces us to go out into communities,” Lyons told CBS.
As of July 2025, ICE has reinstated workplace raids in several states and revived its controversial “no sanctuary” policy, allowing agents to conduct arrests even near sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals, and courthous-
es—actions once discouraged under previous administrations.
Raising the stakes: New detention policies and quotas
According to an internal DHS memo obtained by the Associated Press, ICE has also ramped up daily arrest quotas and reduced detainee access to immigration bond hearings. A proposal introduced earlier this month aims to deny initial hearings for certain detainees, effectively prolonging detention without judicial review. Civil liberties groups have already filed legal challenges.
The agency has received increased funding to expand detention bed capacity and transport resources. In fiscal year 2025, ICE aims to detain between 3,000 to 7,000 individuals per day, up from a daily average of 1,900 earlier this year.
Advocacy groups push back Immigrant advocacy organizations have called the new policies “inhumane, reckless, and legally questionable.” The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) warn that due process rightsare being undermined by the removal of oversight mechanisms such as bond hearings and case-by-case discretion.
“We’re deeply concerned that ICE is criminalizing presence alone,” said Andrea Flores, a senior policy counsel at NILC. “Being undocumented is not a crime—it is a civil violation. Treating it as criminal opens the door to unconstitutional overreach.”
In sanctuary jurisdictions such as San Francisco, Los Angeles,
and New York, local officials say they are limited in their ability to protect residents from federal enforcement but vow to continue supporting legal defense programs, community alerts, and immigrant service hubs. Know your rights Legal experts stress that all individuals—regardless of immigration status—have constitutional rights. These include the right to remain silent, the right to speak to a lawyer, and the right to refuse consent to a search without a warrant signed by a judge. Several cities have reactivated ICE watch networks such as StopICE.net, a rapid-response system with more than 470,000 subscribers that alerts communities of reported ICE activity.
Ongoing legal battles
As ICE expands its authority, immigration courts are bracing for a surge in case backlogs and detainee intakes. Meanwhile, civil rights organizations continue to monitor arrests for possible constitutional violations. Lawsuits have already been filed against ICE’s courthouse arrests and expanded use of detainers without probable cause.
For Filipino American families and other immigrant groups with undocumented members, advocates advise immediate consultation with qualified immigration attorneys and legal aid clinics. (AJPress)
For legal resources and updates, visit: www.immigrationadvocates. org or www.stopice.net. For official updates from ICE, visit www.ice. gov.
As US government pushes self-deportation...
situation have accrued a period of unlawful presence in the United States, which, after leaving the country, can trigger a multi-year or even permanent ban on reentry.
Consular officers, meanwhile, have broad discretion to deny future visa applications based on that history.
Anyone thinking about selfdeporting should first consult with an immigration attorney or a reputable nonprofit organization that specializes in immigration law, stresses Chin. There may be legal avenues to remain in the country, especially for those with U.S. citizen relatives or individuals who unknowingly hold U.S. citizenship through a parent or grandparent.
Many nonprofit organizations, such as CHIRLA, Catholic Charities, ASOSAL, CARECEN, the San Bernardino Community Service Center, and the Amica Center, among others, provide free or low-cost legal services to immigrants.
‘Scare a million people a year’
According to the Department of Homeland Security’s Project Homecoming website, undocumented immigrants who “self-deport” under the program can receive assistance in the form of a plane ticket, a $1,000 exit bonus, and forgiveness of fines for “failing to timely depart.”
“I think the administration is relying on self-deportation. In other words, I don’t think they can arrest and deport a million people a year… but they can scare a million people a year,” explains Professor Hiroshi Motomura, faculty co-director at the Center for Immigration Law and Policy at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). ICE arrests have surpassed the u PAGE 5
Russell Jauregui is an attorney at San Bernardino Community Service Center, which supports immigrants with legal services and education. He says such statements, echoed in official ads running on local stations that promise, “If you leave now, you may have an opportunity to return,” offer a sense of “false hope” to communities experiencing fear and uncertainty over ongoing immigration raids.
by AJPress
MANILA — San Miguel Cor
poration (SMC), led by Ramon S. Ang, has acquired a 3.8-percent stake in Manila Electric Company (Meralco) for approximately P3.9 billion, finalizing a 2008 agreement with the government-owned Land Bank of the Philippines. The transaction involved 43.23 million shares sold at a fixed price of P90 per share, significantly below Meralco’s market value at the time of sale. According to data from the Philippine Stock Exchange, Meralco closed at P544.50 per share on the trading day prior to the block sale. The agreed sale price reflects a discount of more than 83 percent from market value. Transaction based on 2008 agreement
The sale stems from a share purchase agreement executed in 2008 between Land Bank and an SMC-affiliated entity. The deal was delayed due to legal proceedings, including a case before the Sandiganbayan,
DAteline PhiliPPines
which issued a resolution in 2024 allowing the transaction to proceed. The shares were transferred at the original P90 pershare rate specified in the 2008 agreement. No new price was negotiated.
Current market valuation
At a current trading price of approximately P545 per share, the 3.8-percent stake is valued at around P23.55 billion.
• Shares Acquired: 43.23 million
• Purchase Price: P90 per share
• Total Investment: P3.89 billion
• Current Market Price: P545 per share
• Current Value: P23.55 billion
• Difference in Value: P19.66 billion
The stake was acquired through a block sale and does not involve board control or voting majority.
Government explanation
Land Bank officials stated that the sale was carried out in compliance with a court-approved transaction and a legally binding
agreement established in 2008. Government sources clarified that the state was not in a position to renegotiate the terms after the Sandiganbayan ruling affirmed the enforceability of the original sale contract.
Background and market context
San Miguel previously held a controlling interest in Meralco between 2008 and 2009 before transferring its holdings to the First Pacific Group, a Hong Kong-based investment management firm led by Filipino businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan.
Pangilinan serves as Managing Director and CEO of First Pacific and chairs several of its Philippine affiliates, including PLDT Inc., Metro Pacific Investments Corporation, and Meralco.
The recent acquisition revives SMC’s equity position in the utility company, though in a minority capacity. The transaction comes at a time of continued investor interest in infrastructure and energy assets, with Meralco remaining the country’s largest electricity distributor.
DOJ withdraws motion vs De Lima acquittal
by daphne galvez Philstar.com
MANILA
—
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has withdrawn a motion filed before a Muntinlupa court seeking to reverse the acquittal of Mamamayang Liberal party-list Rep. Leila de Lima in one of her three drug charges.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla instructed the DOJ prosecutors to withdraw the motion, which was filed on Wednesday, July 23, according to Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon.
Fadullon said the motion “should not have been filed in the first place” due to double jeopardy.
The appeal was filed by the DOJ after the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 204 upheld the acquittal of De Lima and her former driver Ronnie Dayan. They were accused of illegal drug trade in the New Bilibid Prison (NBP).
De Lima welcomed the DOJ’s decision to withdraw the appeal.
“I thank and commend Justice Secretary Remulla for bringing sense and order to the unethical
actuations of Prosecutor Ramoncito Bienvenido Ocampo and his panel of prosecutors,” De Lima said in a statement. She called on Remulla to “investigate and sanction” Ocampo, whose action she said was “politically motivated.”
The DOJ had argued that De Lima’s acquittal mainly hinged on the recantation of the prosecution’s key witness, former Bureau of Corrections chief Rafael Ragos, who initially claimed that he delivered P10 million in drug money to then
justice secretary De Lima at her residence. In 2022, Ragos recanted his testimony, saying that former justice secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II had coerced him to implicate De Lima in the illegal drug trade in Bilibid.
All three drug charges filed against De Lima have been dismissed. She spent seven years at the police Custodial Center at Camp Crame in Quezon City. (With reports from EJ Macababbad, Delon Porcalla, Jose Rodel Clapano)
As US government pushes self-deportation...
4
100,000 mark during Trump’s second term, with pressure on the agency to meet a goal of 3,000 arrests per day nationwide.
It remains unclear how many have participated in the Project Homecoming program.
A DHS press release in May suggested some 64 individuals had chosen to be returned to Honduras and Colombia.
Mexican officials reportedly confirmed that a small number of those detained in recent raids in Los Angeles opted to self-deport rather than face extended detention or removal proceedings.
The administration also recently deported several individuals to the small African nation of Eswatini. The five men hail from Vietnam, Jamaica, Laos, Cuba, and Yemen.
For Motomura, such tactics are part of a broader strategy. It’s really a central feature of the administration strategy to scare people and then to get people to leave on their own,” he says.
‘Why don’t you just go to jail?’
Amelia Dagen is an attorney with the Amica Center, which provides legal representation to immigrants. She told The Marshall Project that government materials once used to share information about legal services are now being replaced by posters promoting selfdeportation. Such pamphlets are not only posted in detention centers, she says, but also appear in courtroom lobbies, and are even passed out with official court documents.
Advocates say the effort is part of a strategy to discourage people from seeking legal assistance. “They’re trying to lock as many people up and they don’t want them talking to attorneys,” says attorney Nicholas Mireles, who has been representing immigrants for more than twelve years. “They don’t want
them, you know, asking about their rights.” The whole approach undermines due process, insists Mireles, offering the analogy of someone in criminal proceedings being told by the court, “Instead of going through the trial and witnesses and having the government prove their case, why don’t you just go to jail?” Still thinking of selfdeporting?
For those still contemplating self-deportation, Chin says they should gather and preserve key documents that may become essential later on, especially if they hope to return or apply for legal status in the future. Financial records—such as tax returns, pay stubs, or any proof of tax payment—can be especially important, as some legalization programs require evidence of tax compliance. Similarly, proof of residence is often a critical component in immigration cases, so items like utility bills, rental agreements, or lease receipts should be collected to demonstrate sustained residence in the U.S. Chin also emphasizes that individuals leaving the country should carry official documentation for any U.S.born children or relatives traveling with them, including birth certificates and passports.
“It might not make a difference right now,” he admits. “But over the years, various kinds of proposed and actual legalization programs have depended on a certain period of residence in the United States, and so it could become relevant in the future.
For those who own property, a power of attorney can be essential. More urgently, for anyone leaving behind children or dependents, it’s vital to ensure proper legal custody arrangements are in place. Each state has different laws, but generally, someone must be legally designated to make
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. thanked the United States for pledging $15 million in new support for private sector development under the Luzon Economic Corridor, and $48 million in additional foreign assistance following a high-level three-day official visit to Washington D.C.
In a message upon his arrival from the U.S. on Wednesday night, July 23, Marcos said “we will continue to work with the State Department as well with the U.S. Congress for the implementation of these programs.”
In a statement issued earlier on Wednesday, the U.S. embassy in Manila said the foreign assistance funding to support energy, maritime, and economic growth programs in the Philippines was discussed during the meeting between Marcos and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday, July 21 (U.S. time), in Washington. This is the U.S. government’s first announcement of new foreign assistance for any country since the Trump administration began its review and realignment of foreign assistance in January,” the U.S. embassy said.
Rubio announced that the U.S. Department of State intends to work with the U.S. Congress to allocate $15 million to catalyze private sector development in the
Luzon Economic Corridor. “If approved, this funding will support investments in the areas of transport, logistics, energy, and semiconductors that will help create jobs and drive economic growth in the country,” the embassy said.
The embassy said Marcos’ meetings with Rubio, U.S. President Donald Trump, and U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in Washington this week reaffirmed the U.S.’ ironclad commitment to the U.S.-Philippines alliance and advanced closer economic ties between the two nations.
In his message, Marcos also said he returned to the country with over $21 billion in investment pledges that have the potential to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs for Filipinos in the country.
“On the sidelines of his visit, I also met with business leaders and top executives of leading global investment, healthcare, infrastructure and semiconductor firms.
Expanding our economic engagements to provide opportunities for building economic security and resilience was a key point in our discussions,” he noted.
Ironclad commitment Marcos also said the visit reaffirmed the “breadth and depth” of the Philippines–U.S. alliance across security, economic, and
geopolitical cooperation.
In his meetings with Trump, Rubio and Hegseth, Marcos underscored the alliance’s role in upholding peace and stability in the South China Sea and broader Indo-Pacific, amid continued assertiveness by China.
In his meeting with Trump on July 22, Marcos said “we reaffirmed our ironclad commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty,” Marcos said, citing discussions on cybersecurity, infrastructure resilience, and energy security. “I thank the United States for its consistent support for the preservation of regional peace and stability and for upholding the rule of law in the South China Sea.” “The United States is our oldest and only treaty ally, and my visit to meet the new president is important in advancing our historic and dynamic cooperation, mutual respect and shared strategic interests,” Marcos noted. Marcos said he is looking forward to hosting Trump next year to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations meetings under the Philippines’ chairmanship, which also coincides with the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Philippines, U.S. diplomatic relations and 75 years of the MDT. (Philstar.com)
decisions regarding a child’s education, medical care, and day-to-day needs.
In many cases, appointing a legal guardian is the appropriate step, and it may require formal legal proceedings.
Chin warns that those preparing to self-deport are still susceptible to law enforcement if they have pending criminal cases or outstanding warrants. In such situations, consulting a criminal defense attorney beforehand is critical, he says. Seek help and don’t jump to conclusions In moments when confusion and fear feel overwhelming, reaching out can be the most important first step, explains Mireles.
While resources are stretched, trusted networks—whether a church, school, or community organization—can offer guidance at no cost. “Information is power,” he notes, adding that the hardest part is often finding the courage to ask for help.
People just have to try not to jump to conclusions or make life-changing decisions all of a sudden,” he advises. “Maybe waiting and seeing and giving it a week, giving it a month that dayby-day approach may be the best thing they can do for themselves and their family.”
He adds, “I think the point of everything these days is to overwhelm people so much so that they just give up. But, like anything in this world, when you feel that way… that’s when you have to really dig down deep and ask for help.” (Roxsy Lin/ Inquirer.net)
This story is part of “Aquí Estamos/Here We Stand,” a collaborative reporting project of American Community Media and ethnic/community news outlets statewide tracking how current White House policies are impacting Californians, especially in rural regions, and how residents are responding.
OPiniOn FeAtures
Marcos, Trump, and the future of a strategic friendship
THE recent summit between Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C. marked another chapter in the long and often complicated relationship between the two countries.
Held at the White House on July 22, 2025, the meeting featured public pledges of strengthened cooperation, military alignment, and economic exchange—most notably, a negotiated 19%
Editorial
U.S. tariff on Philippine imports, down from a previously proposed 20%, with the Philippines granting dutyfree access to American goods in return.
For some, the numbers may seem minor. For others, they represent deeper currents in a relationship where trade, defense, and diplomacy are never far from politics.
Observers noted the tone of the summit:
President Trump, now in the final term of his presidency, appeared eager to secure legacyshaping agreements across the Pacific.
President Marcos, meanwhile, arrived with the weight of balancing regional pressures, a rising China, and expectations at home and abroad. Their joint appearance in the Oval Office conveyed unity—but also reflected the uneven power dynamic that has long defined U.S.–Philippine ties. Whether this visit marked a new era in strategic trust or was simply a continuation of transactional politics is a question still unfolding.
WHAT would you do if you were “kiss-cammed,” “caught in the act” or “coldplayed” beyond deniability? How do you recover after millions of memes, re-enactments, spoofs are done about it?
There are allegedly over 50 million-plus netizens who’ve watched the Kisscam video of the accidental exposé of an “affair” during a Coldplay concert. If you have not, just google “Coldplay Kisscam” or “CEO caught by kisscam/Coldplay.”
The incident was the perfect series of unfortunate events, starting with the Kisscam focusing on PDA couples or “publicly displaying affection,” until one couple reacted in sheer terror and embarrassment seeing themselves on the concert screens.
Unfortunately, their next move was tragically hilarious as they broke for cover, the woman hiding her face, the man ducking behind the seats and a woman next to them smirking in obvious amusement.
That in itself amused the audience but it was the cheeky
Demand and Supply
Boo ChanCo
SOMETIMES I wonder if this is still the same country I grew up in. Social values have changed so much and often, not for the better. Caring for senior citizens is one example.
It is sad that Sen. Ping Lacson found it necessary to file a bill seeking to penalize those who fail to provide the necessary support to their aging, sick and incapacitated parents. When I was growing up, caring for aging parents wasn’t even discussed. It is simply provided by their children.
Sen. Lacson observed that “Nowadays, the sights of abandoned elderly in our streets become typical. Children fail to provide the necessary support to their aging, sick and incapacitated parents. This happens despite our moral and natural obligation to maintain our parents who are in need of support. Times have changed. My
On the surface, the optics of camaraderie were unmistakable. The language was optimistic. The smiles were choreographed. But beneath that surface lie questions— some old, others urgent.
What does it mean when a president agrees to open Philippine markets further in exchange for a marginal tariff reduction? How do Filipinos—both in the homeland and in the diaspora—interpret this gesture? Are we looking at a partnership evolving in equality, or a relationship still rooted in deference?
Filipino Americans, who watched from a distance, were not a central part of the summit’s official agenda. Despite their growing influence in U.S. society, their voices remain on the periphery when statecraft unfolds at this level. Should that change? And if so, who will initiate that shift?
The broader context matters. The Philippines continues to navigate regional tensions in the South China Sea, where Beijing has grown more assertive. Manila’s alignment with Washington offers reassurance to some—and concern to others who fear entanglement in great power politics. At what point does security cooperation become
Coldplayed
off-the-cuff remark of band leader Chris Martin that did the couple in: “Oh look at these two, either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy.”
It turned out the man was a company CEO and the woman the company’s head of HR. The CEO was married and the HR manager, I read was recently divorced.
It has been a long time since a simple Kisscam video has caused a viral global reaction. In the beginning people enjoyed the dark humor in the situation but it didn’t take long before many called it “just deserts” or their deserved outcome.
After a few days, millions of people began to publicly state their view or sentiment regarding “infidelity,” “an affair” and poor judgment. This I have to say was a departure from the practice of “minding your own business, being politically correct or respecting peoples’ choices or privacy.”
One lady associated with the team in charge of the Kisscam coverage was quite unapologetic about the incident, saying the couple’s PDA and reaction did them in. Her parting words, “You play stupid games, you win stupid prizes.”
Needless to say, many women were livid about a couple of
cheaters who actually attended such a public event while grown kids and the CEO’s wife were clueless at home. Others expressed disbelief that the couple would date in such a public event.
Reacting to the workplace “affair,” executives and employees all said: “Don’t put dirt in your own backyard.”While many don’t talk openly against it, executives clearly disapprove of such behavior.
The incident reminded me of a statement I once heard pointing out that “modern life,” movies, etc. are responsible for taking the sting out of adultery, theft and other old-world sins.
Those who control our language have lessened the severity of our sins, calling them poor judgment. But think of it as a crime instead of as an “affair” and then things get serious.
Yes, as far as I know, marital infidelity is a crime in the Philippines and depending on how you get involved, determines if you are an accomplice or not. I am certain that in the future we will hear about lawsuits involving workplace-tolerated infidelity/ crime. But how does one deal with the situation? Memes have come out about the lady next to the couple, u PAGE A7
Caring for senior citizens
wife was telling me about her childhood yaya who managed to build her own house, asked by her son to transfer the title to him and thereafter, the son kicked his mother out. Now she lives in a rented place hardly suitable for her ailing condition.
That’s not the first case of parents being kicked out of their own house by one of their children. I have heard of parents transferring ownership of their house to a child who needs it to borrow money. Some parents simply want to avoid their children quarreling over the division of the estate after death.
But it seems it is no longer a good idea to do such transfers. Filial piety is out of style. Sometimes, children are too economically hard up to take care of their aging parents. That’s when the government must step in, through DSWD, to help provide alternate care. But no aging parent should be left out on the streets to fend for themselves.
If the Lacson bill is passed, it will be a criminal offense to abandon a parent in need
strategic dependence?
We raise these questions not to answer them definitively, but to suggest their importance. The true meaning of this summit may not lie in the speeches or press statements, but in what happens in the weeks, months, and years that follow. Will Filipino exports grow under this new tariff structure? Will the benefits of trade reach ordinary workers and families? Will diplomatic
goodwill translate into long-term resilience for the Philippines—politically, economically, and culturally?
Diplomacy often moves in symbols and gestures. But history tends to reveal whether those gestures were substance or show. In this moment, perhaps what’s needed most is not celebration or condemnation—but reflection.
(AJPress)
andrew J. Masigan
THE confronting truth of this article may be an affront to some. Bear with me as I make my case and present my recommendations.
The reality we must face is that the country is performing far below its potential. In fact, we have been underperforming for years. We belong to the most progressive region on earth yet we remain a development laggard. Among our peers in ASEAN, the Philippines is dead last in economic competitiveness, in FDIs and exports, in per capita income, in education, in future readiness, in tourism arrivals, in safety and security, in digitization and in technology adaptation.
There is no reason why the country should be performing this poorly. After all, we have a strong workforce at their prime working age, we have the world’s fifth most mineral-rich terroirs, the most biodiverse marine resources and most strategic location in the gateway of Southeast Asia. Many countries have succeeded with much less.
Point of View
of support. Lacson noted that in the US, 30 states have filial responsibility laws, with approaches ranging from civil court action to criminal penalties.
Our problem in our country is the absence of a good old-age pension system. SSS provides me less than P15,000 a month, not even enough to buy my prescription medicines and pay for regular blood tests, 2D echo, ultrasound and sometimes the more expensive CT scan. And PhilHealth is laughable.
Some of the bigger conglomerates provide retirement lump sum amounts that should automatically go into an interest-bearing investment account. If possible, only the interest income should be used for daily expenses. Unfortunately, the government taxes interest income from bonds and bank deposits.
Since the government is unable to provide adequate social safety net benefits to cover health care and living expenses of senior citizens, the least it should do is to exempt interest u PAGE 7
P aul M. i C a M ina
THE world’s eight richest individuals have as much wealth as the bottom half of the world.
So, is that immoral or not?
The answer is a lot more complex than that, a new study shows.
The study shows that people in Russia, Switzerland and Ireland held the strongest moral opposition to having too much money. On the other hand, people in Peru, Argentina and Mexico were least likely to show moral objections to having excessive wealth.
All national cultures, on average, found excessive wealth to be between “not wrong at all” and “moderately wrong,” according to the study, indicating that few people might hold the belief that possessing excessive wealth is extremely unacceptable from a moral standpoint.
The study was published
After decades of writing about our eco-political system, it has become crystal clear that the reason for our underperformance is bad governance, resulting from poor quality political leaders.
Look around you – some of those dictating national policy in the executive and legislative branches do not even have a college degree. Some are drop outs. Many have been criminally convicted. Others are mere scions of dynasties without governance experience.
A few are unabashed traitors whose loyalty lies with China.
The overwhelming majority are stained with corruption scandals.
What do you expect from such a cast? Garbage in, garbage out. It takes a lot for me to say this – but the core flaw is our democratic electoral system. The Chinese system of meritocracy is far superior in as far as the selection of highlevel government officials are concerned.
China does not have elected leaders at top of government positions because national leadership is too important to be a popularity contest. Instead, the Chinese Communist Party chooses its leaders based on performance and meritocracy. In the Chinese system,
potential leaders start as village administrators. If he performs well for over five years, he is allowed to move up to township administrator. He can move up to provincial, prefecture and national level, respectively, after an unblemished and successful performance in each post. His performance is assessed by the CCP based on measurable matrices, loyalty and integrity. Only after 20 to 30 years can political leaders serve in the parliament or as president. What are the advantages of this system?
The right leaders are placed in the right position based on their expertise, past performance and record of integrity. False promises, emotional appeal and celebrity power becomes irrelevant. The system is immune to the inclinations of the uneducated who tend to vote based on name recall and bribes. Meritocracy is long term in its orientation. Even now, the Chinese are already grooming their leaders for 2050 based on the foreseen geopolitical landscape, economic conditions and technologies that will be prevalent then. In contrast, democratically elected candidates plan only for the next elections. Their actions u PAGE A7
Hoarding too much money, is it good or bad?
June 24, 2025, in PNAS Nexus, the sibling journal to the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the official journal of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences.
“ People’s moral judgment of excessive wealth should not necessarily be the same as their moralization of economic inequality ,” says the study’s co-writer, Jackson Trager of the Brain and Creativity Institute University of Southern California (USC). “ One might think of economic inequality as morally wrong but still find excessive wealth morally permissible.
“ While inequality is recognized as a moral issue in many societies, it is not clear whether people hold similarly negative views about individuals with excessive wealth ,” says Trager, a behavioral researcher at USC’s Department of Psychology.
Our research investigates the moralization of inequality and the immorality of excessive
wealth,” says co-writer Mohammad Atari of the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst. “The immorality of excessive wealth might vary substantially based on people’s moral intuitions, cultural background, socioeconomic status, and the structural economic systems they live in .” The researchers examined how people’s various moral concerns predict the moral judgment of excessive wealth across 20 nations, complemented with a survey in the United States further examining the relationship between moral concerns and other types of excess such as excessive knowledge and excessive anger) as well as attitudes toward different ways of excessive wealth acquisition and expenditure.
The study involved demographically stratified samples with 4,351 participants miru PAGE 7
The Corner Oracle
PNP chief Nicholas Torre accepts Baste Duterte’s fistfight dare
by ian laqui Philstar.com
MANILA — Philippine
National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicholas Torre III has accepted the fistfight challenge issued by Davao City Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte, calling it a “charity boxing match” for those affected by recent severe weather.
Duterte issued the challenge during a podcast on July 20, accusing Torre of acting brave only because of his official position.
The mayor’s remarks came in response to Torre’s role in leading the arrest of his father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, earlier this year. He also questioned whether Torre's promotion to PNP chief was based on merit, citing his rapid rise from a lower rank.
In an interview with reporters on Wednesday, July 23, Torre was asked about Duterte’s social media challenge. He quipped that he could keep up for 12 rounds.
“Tamang-tama, maraming nasalanta ngayon ng bagyo at baha. Maybe we can use this moment and this opportunity to raise funds…well, in a charity boxing match this coming Sunday? Sa Araneta,” he said.
(It's perfect timing; many people are affected by the storm and floods
right now. Maybe we can use this moment and this opportunity to raise funds... perhaps through a charity boxing match this coming Sunday? At Araneta.) Siguro para malaki-laki ang mairaise natin, per round, may mag-sponsor,” he added. (Perhaps to raise a substantial amount, we can have a sponsor for each round.) When asked why he needed to engage with Duterte, he replied that it was a good opportunity to help those affected by the tropical cyclones. It's a good opportunity para makatulong sa ating mga kababayan. Kaya sigurado marami ang sponsor nito. All the proceeds that we raise will
donated to charity,” he said.
(It's a good opportunity to help our fellow countrymen, so I'm sure there will be many sponsors for this. All proceeds we raise will be donated to charity.) “I'll ask Araneta to set up a boxing ring. Hopefully, they will oblige,” he added.
The PNP chief added that he does not expect either of them to get injured, noting that both he and Mayor Duterte have boxing experience.
Pareho naman kami siguro kung nag-practice or baka kung nag-practice, okay lang din. That's it,” Torre said. (Both of us have likely practiced, or if we have, that's fine too. That's it.) n
Caring for senior...
incomes of people who have already retired from their regular jobs or occupations.
For the longest time, our government has been taxing interest earned by bank savings accounts at the rate of 20 percent. What was exempted before was the interest on fiveyear time deposits. The idea was to encourage long term savings suitable for retirees. Now that’s taxed 20 percent, too.
DOF is claiming they are just equalizing the playing field because the old system is unfair for depositors who cannot afford to park their money in longterm deposit accounts. So, why not remove the tax on shortterm deposits if leveling is the objective?
DOF also says there is always the option of putting funds in provident savings programs under SSS, GSIS and Pag-IBIG because all those remain tax free. Ayun… ayaw pala ng competition ng gobyerno.
It is also not right to call the interest earned by funds seniors put into bonds and other investment instruments as passive income. Those funds are actively earning interest that retirees depend on for daily living. This new tax rule is once
again hitting the middle-class hard. The masa is not affected. They live on hand-to-mouth existence. The rich have more funds than they can spend in their lifetime. The middleclass retirees are, as usual, easy pickings when they need suckers to pay more taxes.
It may be alright to pay high taxes if our tax money is spent wisely. For example, our VAT rate is the highest in ASEAN at 12 percent. Yet, our peer countries provide better transportation, education, health care and housing.
Our officials shamelessly steal our money in corruption legalized by pork barrel insertions in the national budget. Sana mahiya naman sila and prioritize public benefits.
We have a serious social safety net problem that is likely a drag on our economy’s growth. In the Nordic countries, there is a willingness to accept high taxes (45 to 56 percent of GDP).
That’s because they see their money being spent for their welfare. They have free or heavily subsidized health care, education (including higher education), childcare and parental leave.
The taxes they pay reduces financial strain and enables high labor force participation,
especially among women. Early childhood education and care is near-universal and affordable, enabling both parents to work.
They leverage robust social safety nets as core elements of their economic model, and they are broadly credited with positively impacting economic growth, workforce participation, resilience and social cohesion.
Lacson’s proposed law would be unnecessary if we had proper social safety nets. It is easy to say we cannot afford the kind of social safety nets they have in Nordic countries. But they are just allocating taxes for proper social safety nets. We should try doing that.
In our case, it only goes one way… we pay taxes and by some estimates, 60 percent of all that is pocketed by politicians. Just look at the luxury cars parked at Batasan. We can do a whole lot better.
Take care of our senior citizens beyond the restaurant discount. Tatanda din kayo. (Philstar.com)
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* Boo Chanco’s email address is bchanco@ gmail.com. Follow him on X @boochanco
Hoarding too much money, is it good...
roring demographics in terms of gender, education and age (and political ideology in the United States) across Argentina, Belgium, Chile, Colombia, Egypt, France, Ireland, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Nigeria, Peru, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates and the United States. When looking at overall wealth, the study found that countries with high GDP per capita (richer countries like Ireland and Switzerland) were more likely to find excessive wealth immoral than countries with lower GDP per capita (Nigeria or South Africa).
It also found that when controlling for religiosity, conservatism, moral attitudes toward wealth acquisition, moral attitudes toward wealth spending, and other moral values, the endorsement of authority and age still had a significant negative
relationship with the immorality of excessive wealth, partially similar to the main study’s findings.
“ Hence, older people and those high on authority have less severe moral objections to having too much money ,” says Trager, the study’s first author. “ The moralization of benevolent spending, exploitative spending, and benevolent acquisition of wealth were all significantly positively associated with the immorality of excessive wealth.”
The correlation between acquiring and spending wealth as immoral and viewing excessive wealth in general as immoral suggests that people seem to morally evaluate not just the existence of excessive wealth, but the paths through which it is obtained and used, Atari says. Many people in the study appear to agree that having too much money is not immoral, but this view is not universal.
suggesting she is the officemate who knows everything going on in the office. The mythical officemate may not have been an accomplice but would be guilty of complicity, knowing about the affair.
Everyone has been asking what do you do when you catch a friend’s wife or husband cheating with someone else? The general response was, “look away,” “mind your own business” or, worse, people calling it a victimless crime between two consenting adults!
What if someone you caught in the act pleads with you to act like you never saw anything or worse, to actually cover up for him/her? Either way, you are dragged into their sin and criminal offense.
The Kisscam couple are no different from somebody who publicly carries out their infidelity and carelessly or accidentally involves friends or people who witnessed their behavior.
Coldplayed
In a ladies chat group that addressed the same questions, someone suggested to act clueless and ignorant but find a way to inform the injured party anonymously. That is quite wise and safe because the injured party might blurt out your name in the heat of anger and toss you under the bus!
From personal experience, I have often told “cheaters” to keep me out of their mess and to pray to God that their partner/ wife/husband never asks me because I will speak the truth.
By doing so, you risk losing one friend but by not telling the truth, you lose both!
On a more serious note, I just want to remind Kisscam characters that if you are married, the presumption is you knowingly entered into and signed a contract of marriage.
Our mistake is we think the contract is between “man and wife,” conveniently forgetting God as the third party.
The agreement between man
and wife is to love and care for each other. The agreement with GOD is that if we live under his covenant, he will protect, provide, prosper and propagate us, our lives, families and all we do. However, the contract and covenant is only valid as long as we stay faithful to the provisions thereof.
If you violate the contract, you lose all the privileges and rights provided, and so does your spouse, your children, your people and your “house.”
The CEO had to resign, is looking at divorce proceedings, losing his family, etc. His dalliance already broke the first contract and has now broken someone else’s. In all of it, the innocents suffer! (Philstar.com)
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian
Breaking the cycle of...
are centered around what will get them re-elected. Hence, the inclination towards populist policies even if damaging.
Case in point, the 18 senators who voted to remand the impeachment case of Sara Duterte to Congress. For them, political survival is the end all, be all. Their ilk are the reason why the Philippines is a perennial laggard. In my opinion, they represent the very traits of Filipino politicians that have relegated us to failure.
In short, the Chinese electoral system promotes competence while democracy promotes popularity.
The Chinese system aims for collective benefit. The democratic system is all about perpetuating the politician in power at all cost. This leads politicians to engage in populist acts such as squandering their pork barrel on hand-outs rather than on meaningful development projects.
In the Chinese system, plans are carried out with consistency over the long term. In the democratic system, policy flipflops and finger pointing are aplenty as politicians try to correct populist policies done by past administrations.
I am not suggesting that we turn communist. Not at all! What I am advocating are electoral reforms to highlight meritocracy and to weed out the morally, educationally and experientially unqualified.
The recommendation
The Chinese system, however superior, may be difficult to adopt since it necessitates a strong political party composed of senior statesmen. We have neither a strong political party nor worthy senior statesmen. That said, our electoral reforms can revolve around imposing strict qualifications for aspiring political leaders. This leans towards the Singaporean model.
In Singapore, aspiring members of parliament are disqualified if: one has been bankrupt and undischarged; criminally convicted and sentenced; has financial conflict of interest and has voluntarily acquired foreign citizenship.
While not explicitly required by law, Singapore’s ruling People’s Action Party only fields candidates to the parliament if he/she possesses university degree/s; has professional experience in civil service, the military, law, medicine,
academia or business, and has a record of community service.
To be the president of Singapore, one must have a strong academic background in law, public administration and/or economics. He/she must have held office for at least three years as minister, chief justice, speaker of Parliament, attorneygeneral, permanent secretary, head of a statutory board or chief of defense force. Additionally, the aspiring president must have served for at least three years as the CEO of a company with at least S$500 million in equity and the company must have been profitable.
For us Filipinos, we must recognize that competence beats popularity every time. Results matter more than rhetoric. Longterm thinking trumps short-term votes. Our electoral system must be reformed to reflect this. Only then can we live up to our potential. (Philstar.com)
* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and
of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* Email: andrew_rs6@yahoo.com. Follow him on Twitter @aj_masigan
“ Left-leaning individuals, people living in egalitarian societies, those who highly value equality, people in higher socio-economic status, and people who value purity appear to think of excessive wealth as more objectionable ,” Trager says.
The study concludes “ that moral condemnation of excessive wealth is not just about harm or different flavors of justice; rather, it may have a more complex moral underpinning To many, possession of excessive wealth may be disgusting and unnatural due to the degrading nature of excess, suggesting there is more of a psychological truth to the term filthy rich than merely being an American metaphor.” (Philstar. com)
editorial board and staff.
(Left) PNP Chief Nicholas Torre III; (Right) Acting Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte. Philstar.com file photos
DONATION. Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso inspects the rice donated by Senator Erwin Tulfo (right), at the Manila City Hall on Wednesday, July 23. The donation, consisting of more than 1,000 sacks of rice and 7,000 pieces of 7-liter bottled water, will be distributed to Manileños affected by recent weather disturbances. PNA photo by Yancy Lim
BB Gandanghari graduates with top honors from Los Angeles Film School
by AJPress
Gandanghari
marked a new
journey of
in
Clad in a black toga and beaming with pride, she wrote:
“To God be the glory! SUMMA CUM LAUDE it is!!! With perfect attendance, Student of the Month,
reinvention. On July 10, Gandanghari announced on Instagram that she had graduated summa cum laude from the Los Angeles Film School, completing a Bachelor of Science in Entertainment Business.
and Honor Society member — what more can I ask for?”
From celebrity to student: A second degree earned
This is Gandanghari’s second degree. She previously earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Saint Louis Universityin Baguio City, Philippines.
The matinee idol years as Rustom Padilla
Before transitioning, Gandanghari rose to fame in the 1990s as Rustom Padilla, a matinee idol and member of the well-known Padilla acting family. She starred in hit films such as Mistah (1994), Maruja, Kadenang Bulaklak, and Nandito Ako, often paired with top leading ladies of the era.
In 1998, she married actress Carmina Villarroel. The marriage was annulled in 2002.
Coming out and embracing her truth
In 2006, Gandanghari came out as gay on Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Edition. Three years later, in 2009, she publicly
QUEEN of All Media Kris Aquino denied that she has cancer. Kris replied to a comment on her Instagram post last Tuesday, where a fan said she had read comments about the host-actress being cancer-free.
“I saw couple of posts on FB (Facebook) that you are now cancer-free, Ms.@krisaquino. So I am here to check hoping it's true!
I’m still hoping and praying you’d recover from this! You’re still the best and Queen of All Media. I will include you on my prayers. God is good,” a fan commented.
Kris said that she has always been cancer-free.
I think my having another PET SCAN on the day before Mother’s Day was misunderstood. That was done to check the condition of my autoimmune and long-term COVID damaged lungs,” she wrote.
“Medyo sumobra na kung pati cancer meron ako,” she added.
by Anne PAsAjol Inquirer.net
YEN Santos said there is no truth to claims she has a love child with businessman Chavit Singson, stressing that the latter is just a “good family friend.”
The actress addressed this in her first YouTube vlog shared on Wednesday, July 23, where she answered the “most asked questions” about her.
“The rumors about Manong Chavit and I having a child. Guys, the kid is not our child, he’s my brother,” she clarified. “He’s my youngest brother. I have two siblings.” Santos said she does not usually speak about such matters but that she did so only because she was asked about it. She also noted that she even saw videos on social media claiming that her apparent child is already a preteen. Yes, he’s already 11 years
Kris shared in October last year that she had several tests done, including a computed tomography (CT) scan of her chest and a positron emission tomography (PET) scan, noting the latter is done to rule out the possibility of cancer.
old. But he is not my child with Manong Chavit. He’s my brother,” she reiterated.
identified as a transgender woman and adopted the name BB Gandanghari—a stylized moniker blending beauty and strength.
In 2016, a California court legally recognized her name and gender marker. In 2022, she became a naturalized U.S. citizen.
“Rustom is dead. That person no longer exists,” Gandanghari once stated in a televised interview, emphasizing her full embrace of her true identity.
Life in the U.S.: A fresh start
After relocating to the United States, Gandanghari took on everyday jobs—including as a ride-share driver and caregiver— while continuing to advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility and authenticity.
She later enrolled at the Los Angeles Film School, where she studied Entertainment Business, focusing on brand strategy, production management, and entrepreneurship in the creative industries.
Kris recently gave another update on her latest health condition following her weight improvement.
The Queen of All Media said that she has two new diseases adding to her current autoimmune diseases.
It’s funny because [Manong Chavit] is a good family friend. He is the godfather of my sibling,” she stressed. “This has been an issue since I was a newbie in show business.” Santos admitted she did not know how to respond to the rumors, and that she was hurt because her brother got involved. She even quipped that she should invite Singson for an interview so he can clear the rumors himself. Santos also declared during the vlog that she’s “at peace” now and that it means a lot to her to finally feel “this kind of calm.” In the same vlog, the actress opened up about her last relationship which she described as a “nightmare,” saying it was a “blessing” it ended. While Santos did not name anyone, it can be noted that she was previously in a relationship with actor Paolo Contis.
KYLIE Verzosa just made a big move—and it's one straight out of a Mediterranean dream.
In an Instagram post, the Miss International 2016 titleholder revealed that she and her friends have purchased a stunning villa, called Villa Sogno, in the picturesque region of Puglia, Italy.
Bought a house in Italy," Kylie said in an IG story, while tagging some of her friends, including Danish musician Tomas Barfod.
Barfod, on the other hand, celebrated by sharing photos of their new home with the caption, We bought a villa." He tagged Kylie and four other friends: Chiara Yee, Emil Eriksen, Enzo Yee, and Oscar Trap. Villa Sogno has distinctive features including a private courtyard, a pool, cobblestone paths, and elegant arched facades. It also houses six bedrooms and four baths.
Moreover, the place also caters to an old-fashioned yet elegant ambiance, thanks to its
Graduation with honors
Gandanghari’s graduation was marked by multiple academic recognitions. In her Instagram post, she mentioned:
A second degree under my belt… now equipped with tools and purpose to tell stories that matter.
While the summa cum laude distinction is typically awarded to students with high academic achievement, the Los Angeles Film School does not publicly disclose specific GPA thresholds for honors.
A platform for representation Following her graduation, Gandanghari expressed her desire to create inclusive,
meaningful content, reflecting her journey as a transgender woman and immigrant. This is a personal victory that I dedicate to all dreamers,” she said. “Never stop evolving.” From spotlight to summa: A story of resilience
From her heyday as a Philippine film star to her quiet determination as a student in Los Angeles, BB Gandanghari’s story is one of courage, reinvention, and grace. Her academic achievement adds a new dimension to a life already marked by bold transformations—and a deep commitment to telling stories that uplift and include.
by jAn Milo severo Philstar.com
by Yoniel Acebuche Philstar.com
Aquino
by AllAn PolicArPio Inquirer.net
AT the piano, Lani Misalucha, accompanied by musical director Toma Cayabyab, sang her evergreen hit, “Bukas na Lang Kita Mamahalin,” in a way only she could.
A virtuoso of vocal dynamics, she manipulated volume and intensity, slipping from resonant belts into tenderly caressed notes within the span of a word. Her agility, meanwhile, meant she could seamlessly travel across different registers— chest, mixed, head, falsetto—to better express the ballad’s ebb and flow of emotions.
And when the aching final passage was sung, the intimate crowd that had gathered around her at the Discovery Suites lounge swelled with heartfelt cheers and applause. It was Misalucha, true to form.
Listening to that richly textured performance, one would be hard-pressed to guess that just a few years ago, she didn’t even know if she would ever be able to hear—much less sing—ever again.
Not one singer, even the greatest of them, can escape the inevitable vocal decline over time. Lani Misalucha, at 55, still has hers intact. But what if it were her ability to hear that she lost—and in such devastating circumstances?
Not one singer, even the greatest of them, can escape the inevitable vocal decline over time. Misalucha, at 55, still has hers intact. But what if it were her ability to hear that she lost—and in such devastating circumstances?
In 2020, Misalucha and her husband contracted bacterial meningitis, a serious—possibly fatal— infection that causes swelling around the brain and spine. While the couple couldn’t be more thankful that they pulled through, the ordeal left them with lingering complications, including hearing loss, tinnitus, and vestibular issues.
Forget about singing for now. “How could I even function on a daily basis?” she wondered.
Static and distortion
The first day out of the hospital—and the year that followed—proved to be the most draining in every sense of the word. She could barely hear the sound of her own voice, as if she were covering her mouth whenever she spoke. High frequencies— the clinking of cutlery, the jangling of coins— were auditory assaults. Low tones mostly went by unnoticed.
Her world, once filled with beautiful melodies, now hissed and crackled with static and distortion. The slightest movement sent her head spinning and her eyes darting. “‘My God, is this how I will live the rest of my life?’ I asked myself,” Misalucha told Lifestyle. I was backstage, trying hard not to cry,” she said. “I didn’t want to sing anymore. How could I, when I couldn’t even hear myself?” Imagine a painter suddenly being unable to see color
In December of that year, the singer returned to the stage for a Christmas special on “The Clash,” a singing contest where she sits as judge to this day. Some once-routine notes veered off pitch. The worst part? She couldn’t even tell that she had gone out of tune. Although her condition somewhat improved over the following years, she never fully regained her hearing. She remains deaf in her left ear; her right ear works, but feebly so. But maybe that would do, she figured, better than having nothing at all. Despite her initial doubts, her passion for music, come hell or high water, endured. Acceptance
But if she were to continue doing what she loves most, Misalucha knew she had to take the first important step: acceptance. “I told myself that this is my current state. I have to deal with it and work around it,” she said. “If this is the only resource I have, then I have to make the most out of it.” Misalucha had no choice but to rethink her approach to singing. She needed to sharpen what remained of her hearing. Regular practice and vocalization were a given. The toughest challenge, however, was staying on pitch. With impaired auditory cues, she had to rely mostly on muscle memory, almost as if she were trying to visualize the tones in her mind.
“Sometimes, I wonder if I still have it in me.
Kakayanin ko pa ba? I wouldn’t know if I don’t try”
At first, I was practically guessing all the notes. No kidding!” she said. “The sound I hear isn’t precise, so when I try to hit a low note, it feels like I’m landing a semitone under. And when the instrumentation builds—vocals, instruments, and everything—I feel like I’m hovering just above the right note.”
It was like I was trying to relearn how to sing, like I was rebooting myself,” pointed out the singer, occasionally leaning in to confirm that she had heard the question correctly. “It was very difficult, to be honest.”
But more than a change in technique or a recalibration of her instrument, what also helped her “triumph over the odds,” she said, was a shift in mentality. “Prayers and meditation work. I also surrounded myself with good vibes and positive people.”
Misalucha has been singing professionally for almost 40 years now—first as a band and multiplex singer, and then as a mainstream recording artist. She has several classics under her belt, sold countless records, and held sold-out concerts both here and abroad.
Resilience
By all means, she has nothing left to prove to the world—except, now, to herself.
This Aug. 21, at The Theatre at Solaire, she will headline a concert called, “Still Lani”—her first major solo outing in years—as “a testament” to the fact “that I can still offer the kind of performances people expect from me.”
Fans can expect the usual trappings of a Misalucha spectacle: pop and classical crossovers, with a sprinkling of jazz and R&B. Maybe she’ll even squeeze in some rock or reggae. “Who knows?” she said, laughing. There will be powerful singing, of course, but she would like to believe that it’s no longer as central to her craft as much as conveying emotions. Storytelling over bombast, so to speak. “Sometimes, you feel like you’re no longer relevant. But you just have to dust yourself off and keep it moving,” she said. “Sometimes, I wonder if I still have it in me. Kakayanin ko pa ba? I wouldn’t know if I don’t try”
Misalucha also hopes to bridge generational gaps by inviting younger music acts such as Ben&Ben and Leanne & Naara, along with theater artists Shaira Opsimar and Paeng Sudayan.
Looking back at her discography, it turns out she has quite a few songs that perfectly reflect her ongoing story of resilience.
There’s “Tila,” part of which goes: “Tila lilipas din ang bagyo / Liliwanag din ang kalangitan / At ang araw ay sisikat nang muli…” Then there’s “I
Rise to the Top,” about “risking it all and giving my all” amid life’s biggest battles, playing softly— and fittingly—in the background throughout the interview.
Sometimes, you feel like you’re no longer relevant. But you just have to dust yourself off and keep it moving,” she said. “Sometimes, I wonder if I still have it in me. Kakayanin ko pa ba? I wouldn’t know if I don’t try.”
by
IT looks like Jollibee not only has a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of Filipinos, but also of those in the U.S.
The Filipino food joint emerged in the top spot of fast food fried chicken restaurants in the U.S. for the second time in a row in a poll organized by USA Today. In their latest 10Best article, Jollibee placed number one in terms of fast food chains serving the "most outstanding fried chicken."
This was after readers cast their votes on a list of food places compiled by the newspaper's editors as well as a panel of quick-service dining experts.
"With around 100 stores in North America, and more than 1,700 stores internationally, Jollibee is the largest and fastest-growing Asian restaurant company in the world," USA Today described.
"They're best known for Chickenjoy, the signature juicy, flavorful fried chicken. Order it in buckets or accompanied by sides—and don't forget to dip it in their silky gravy," they added.
The Filipino food place managed to outrank the likes of other popular chicken brands in the U.S. like Popeyes and Chickfil-A.
Jollibee was followed by Guatemalan chain Pollo Campero in second place and Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken in third. In succeeding ranks are Church's Texas Chicken, Guthrie's Chicken, Krispy Krunchy Chicken, Golden Chick, KFC, Chick-fil-A, and Popeyes.
first in USA TODAY's list in 2024. Apart from this, they were also named as the runner-up for Best Fast Food Fried Chicken in 2023 and runner-up for Best Regional Fast Food in 2022. Jollibee currently has 103 stores in North America and
THIS week’s encore presentation 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 an encore presentation 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)
Lani Misalucha Photo courtesy of Backstage Entertainment
Photo from Instagram/@jollibeeus
Teaching Has Been My Passion — Shaping Minds and Hearts
Having reached the rank of Associate Professor 3, or Senior Lecturer 1, is a feat.
I began as Assistant Professorial Lecturer 2 at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila’s College of Mass Communications. Then later at De La Salle University in Dasmarinas, Cavite as Assistant Professorial Lecturer 4.
I moved to De La Salle Araneta University in Malabon City to teach business subjects, while also teaching at the Conrado Benitez Institute for Business Education at Philippine Women’s University in Manila.
During President Noynoy Aquino’s administration, I began teaching at Far Eastern University in Manila while pursuing my Juris Doctor degree as a sophomore at its Institute of Law, where I was privileged to learn from distinguished legal minds such as Katrina Legarda, Koko Pimentel, Dean Amado Valdez, and former COMELEC Chair Andy Bautista.
As a way of gratitude to my fellow Kapampangans, I taught in Holy Angel University in Angeles City, Pampanga.
Then I was invited to teach at the University of Makati. From Associate Professor 2, I was promoted to Associate Professor 3. I taught again at Philippine Women’s University-Manila in its graduate school teaching statistics as well as journalism subjects for the undergraduate college level.
At Mabalacat City College in Mabalacat, Pampanga, I taught international marketing, introduction to marketing, organizational management, human behavior in organization, management and organization, and economics (and maybe soon customer analytics). ***
The Dean of Mabalacat City College’s Institute of Business and Computing Education is Myrna Cuento-Calma, CPA, MBA, Ph.D., FRIAcc.
She took her BS Accountancy at Philippine School of Business Administration, her MBA at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila and her Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management at Pampanga State Agricultural University. She is reliable and hardworking,
and has a practical hands-on approach and always perseveres to achieve the best results. She possesses excellent communication and problem-solving skills with demonstrated leadership strengths and proven ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a fastpaced environment with critical deadlines.
“Poverty motivates me to work harder in achieving my dreams... Families are my inspiration in doing all the best I can in every step and possible way towards the realization of my dreams in life,” she said.
She continued: “I am lucky to have been trained by mentors who are highly dignified, humble, with unquestionable integrity, and have respect for everyone regardless of status in life.”
It is interesting to note that during her high school day in Sta. Rita, Guiguinto, Bulacan, she was the editor in chief of a school paper, The Light of Wisdom. She was a writer at Atlas Publishing during her college days.
***
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem recently had the honor to have dinner with Senator Katie Britt, Chair of the US Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security. They discussed how “we can best work together to protect our homeland, essential infrastructure, and keep the most secure border in American history.”
Secretary Noem is a mother, grandmother, farmer, rancher and small business entrepreneur.
***
Thanks to the 5th Dangal ng Lahi Awards held in April 2023 in Baguio Country Club at Baguio City’s Camp John Hay for the Philippines’ Man of Influence and Most Outstanding Educator and Journalist of the Year recognition. In May 2023, I was honored by the 7th Asia Pacific Luminaire Awards as Asia’s Man of Influence in the Field of Education and Most Outstanding Inspiring Educator of the Year at the Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila. I was with comedianne-singer Beverly Salviejo and veteran multiawarded actress Elizabeth Oropesa who later treated Beverly and me in a Japanese restaurant.
***
As a child, I witnessed my aunts’ passion to teach: Lucia Calzado Bendicio in Ramon Magsaysay High School in Manila; Lourdes Calzado Bendicio in Pio del Pilar Elementary School in Makati; and Pilar Bendicio De Mesa in Legarda Elementary School in Manila (she is
now in Iceland taking a vacation).
***
I was educated in Aquinas School in San Juan City, Saint Andrew’s School in Paranaque City, De La Salle University-Manila, University of the Philippines-Diliman, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, University of CaliforniaBerkeley and University of Oregon. ***
48th San Francisco Marathon 2025 has had an array of exciting events and heartwarming stories.
“We are thrilled to present an even more exhilarating and inclusive experience for the 48th San Francisco Marathon,” said Lauri Abrahamsen, Race Director. The incredible stories of the participants and the unwavering support of SF Marathon 2025 partners embody the spirit of perseverance and community that the San Francisco Marathon represents.
This year’s event also shone a spotlight on remarkable
Philcongen LA swears in first Philippine Honorary Consul in Arizona
LOS ANGELES – In its continued efforts to make consular services more accessible to the Filipino community in the State of Arizona, the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles has facilitated the appointment of Ms. Jenny Lynn M. Ho-Vijungco as Philippine Honorary Consul in Arizona. Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz administered Ms. Ho-Vijungco’s oath of office on 21 July 2025. Ms. Ho-Vijungco will head the inaugural Philippine Honorary Consulate in Arizona. Operating under the direct supervision of the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles, the Honorary
Consulate will exercise consular jurisdiction over all counties in the State of Arizona. Its consular services will include the following:
• Consular notarization of documents;
• Issuance of mortuary certificates; and • Issuance of emergency travel documents. As Philippine Honorary Consul, Ms. Ho-Vijungco is also mandated to protect and promote the welfare and interests of Filipino nationals, as well as provide assistance to distressed Filipinos within the State of Arizona. A citizen of both the Philippines and the United States, Ms. Ho-Vijungco holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Business Administration from the Ohio University. She currently works as a real estate developer and as the administrator of a vascular surgery clinic in Arizona.
Ms. Ho-Vijungco also founded Project J.O.Y., a non-profit charity organization that conducts medical missions in remote areas in the Philippines, including its most recent mission held from 3 to 5 July 2025 in Misamis Occidental.
Honorary consular officers are appointed by the Philippine government from among private individuals to perform consular functions on a non-career basis in regions or areas located at a considerable distance from Philippine Embassies or Consulates.
Vanessa Hudgens pregnant with 2nd baby
individuals. Skout, an inspiring social media personality and runner, served as an official ambassador, bringing his unique blend of humor, authenticity, and dedication to mental health advocacy to the forefront. Also, acclaimed Bay Area rapper P-Lo committed to running his first full marathon, adding a new dimension of celebrity and inspiration to the event, a celebration of athleticism, community, and the unique spirit of San Francisco.
***
Philippine President Bongbong Marcos recently made an official visit to Washington, D.C., where he met with U.S. President Donald Trump to reaffirm the strong and enduring relationship between the Philippines and the United States.
*** 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
BINI earns 5 nominations at Jupiter Music Awards
by jAn Milo severo Philstar.com
THE Nation's Girl Group BINI bagged multiple nominations at the 2025 Jupiter Music Awards, a prestigious recognition under the Asian Television Awards.
BINI is nominated in five different categories that includes Female Group of the Year, Album of the Year for "BINIverse" and triple nods for their hit track “Cherry On Top (BINIMo Remix feat. AGNEZ MO)” in Song of the Year, Collaboration of the Year and Music Video of the Year categories.
Blooms can help BINI to secure the win by voting during the premilinary rounds from July 18 to August 1 and the final round from August 8 to 29.
Voting is currently ongoing on MUNIVERSE, QQ Music, KuGou Music, Kuwo Music, and My1Pick.
Visit the official JMA voting platform 'MUNIVERSE' for more details," it added.
Giselle
by jessicA Ann evAngelistA Inquirer.net
GISELLE Sanchez revealed that one regret she has in her life is when she took on the role of the late former president Corazon “Cory” Aquino in the controversial movie “Maid in Malacañang,” directed and written by Darryl Yap.
Sanchez expressed her regret in a recent guest appearance on “Long Conversation: The Men’s Room,” saying she wished she could have thought “better” before accepting the role, considering she is a University of the Philippines (UP) graduate.
“If there’s only going to be one regret in your life, that would be my regret, to have chosen that role,” she said. “I should have thought about it better. They say, ‘You’re from UP; what did you do that for?’”
The actress-comedian explained that at the time she only considered being an artist but not a “responsible citizen.”
“I didn’t think it through. I should have considered, I’m from UP. I should have thought about my country before I accepted that role because at the time, I only thought about being an artist, so I would perform many roles. But there are implications. You still have responsibilities as an artist that I should have prioritized,” she
emphasized. Sanchez faced backlash in 2022 after a promotional teaser showed her character as the former president playing a game of mahjong with Carmelite nuns.
The actress revealed that she opposed filming the scene when she learned that she would be playing mahjong with the nuns. However, the comedian shared that she was promised the scene was only for promotion and would not be part of the full movie, saying, “It was true, they were not nuns in the movie, but the teaser is more popular than the film.” Sanchez became teary-eyed when she recalled the time her nun friends in real life asked her about the scene. “I’m a devout Catholic. It was truly a heavy feeling for me at the time. But then
again, it has been done,” she said in Filipino. Following Sanchez’s interview, Yap posted a statement on Facebook saying he “understands” where the actress is coming from. “I understand her sentiment,” wrote the director. “The only thing I don’t
BINI Photo from instagram/@bini_ph
Giselle Sanchez Screengrab from YouTube/The Men’s Room
PHL Honorary Consul Ho-Vijungco
Consul General Adelio Angelito S. Cruz administers the oath of office to Ms. Jenny Lynn M.
University of Makati Associate Professor Rogelio Constantino Medina and his students with his Rizal subject’s guest speaker Ms. Gemma Cruz-Araneta (first Filipina Miss International and former Tourism Secretary).
Rogelio Constantino Medina with the late Holy Angel University President Dr. Luis Calingo (right) in Angeles City, Pampanga.
Dean Myrna Cuento-Calma of Mabalacat City College’s Institute of Business and Computing Education. US Senator Katie Britt (left) and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
(From left) Rogelio Constantino Medina, comedianne-singer Beverly Salviejo and multi-awarded actress Elizabeth Oropesa in Okada Hotel during the 7th Asia-Pacific Luminaire Awards.
Retired teacher Pilar B. de Mesa on vacation in Iceland.
Rogelio Constantino Medina at his alma mater, De La Salle University in Manila. San Francisco Marathon 2025.
Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and US President Donald J. Trump at the White House.
Governor Gavin Newsom signs
Assemblymember
Caloza’s first bill to expand food access for CalFresh families
SACRAMENTO
– This week, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 553, authored by Assemblymember Jessica M. Caloza (D-Los Angeles), marking her first bill to become law. AB 553 removes the requirement that the California Department of Social Services (DSS) must request federal waivers and approvals before expanding food options, including hot foods, for CalFresh recipients and families.
Every Californian deserves the dignity of knowing they can feed their family. AB 553 brings us closer to that reality,” said Assemblymember Caloza. “With AB 553, we are putting that principle into action for millions of families who rely on CalFresh to feed themselves and their children. At a time when the federal government is cutting vital nutrition assistance, California is once again stepping up to protect our most vulnerable communities.”
More than 5.5 million Californians rely on CalFresh, with nearly 3 million living in deep poverty. As Congress slashes funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), AB 553 ensures that California can better respond to the urgent needs of families by removing unnecessary red tape that limits their food choices. During the devastating Los Angeles County wildfires and other disasters, DSS used Disaster CalFresh to provide emergency EBT payments for families facing food insecurity. In 2023 alone, Disaster CalFresh supported Californians in 28 counties across five separate events, showing how critical it is for the state to act swiftly in times of crisis.
“We are thrilled that AB 553 has been signed into law,” said Shimica Gaskins, President and CEO, End Child Poverty California. “This legislation put California on record trusting people who access CalFresh to make food choices for their families. It ensures the dignity and privacy of every Californian in the grocery line, and continues to maximize hot foods that are critical for those who have lost everything following disasters. We thank Assemblymember Caloza for her committed leadership on this issue, and Governor Newsom for signing this impactful legislation.”
The signing of AB 553 is a long overdue step forward in making nutritious, affordable, prepared food truly accessible to some of our most vulnerable folks who don’t have the ability to cook, but have CalFresh benefits,” said Frank Tamborello, Director of Hunger Action Los Angeles. “That includes unhoused people, seniors, people living in places with no stoves, and those with disabilities.” With this new law, California can move faster and smarter to meet families where they are, whether during a disaster or simply when they need a hot meal,” added Caloza. “I’m grateful to the Governor for signing this bill and to our partners who continue to fight for food security for all.”
CDPH recommends Families add vaccines to Back-to-School checklists
Keeping up to date with vaccinations protects our schools and communities and helps ensure students stay healthy and ready to learn
SACRAMENTO – During National Immunization Awareness Month in August, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is highlighting the importance of routine vaccines as students return to school. Vaccination prevents the spread of serious illnesses, reduces hospitalizations, saves lives, and helps keep kids in school and doing the activities they love.
While California’s immunization rates for kindergarten students remain higher than the national average, CDPH wants to keep rates high and continue to protect California children and communities from vaccine-preventable diseases. CDPH recommends families stay up to date on all vaccinations for the new school year.
“When our youngest Californians are healthy and able to participate in learning and doing the things they love, the future of California is brighter,” said Dr. Erica Pan, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer. “As a parent and a pediatrician, I am grateful for and confident in the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, which have transformed the leading causes of childhood deaths away from infectious diseases. CDPH remains committed to ensuring all California families have access to safe and effective vaccines, and the information they need to understand that vaccine recommendations are
based on credible, transparent, and science-based evidence.”
Due to large outbreaks in other states, the number of measles cases in the U.S. as of July 2025 are already higher than any year since 2000, when the World Health Organization declared the disease eliminated in the United States due to vaccination. Over 90% of this year’s cases were not vaccinated, and more than 1 in 10 of those infected with measles were hospitalized, some in intensive care units. Three people have died this year from this entirely preventable disease, reminding us of the importance of immunization. California continues to report more than 95% coverage among kindergarteners for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. While the state has maintained the level of vaccination necessary to prevent community spread for nearly a decade, it remains critical that our children and communities stay protected through continued vaccination. Required Immunizations: California law requires students to receive age-specific immuniza-
ICE arrests of noncriminals surge in San Diego
by AJPress
SAN DIEGO — Arrests by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of individuals without criminal records surged in June, with San Diego reporting a more than 400% increase compared to the same period last year.
According to federal data reviewed by Axios and local media outlets, nearly half of the individuals arrested by ICE’s San Diego field office in June had no prior criminal charges or convictions—a sharp rise from just 11% a year ago.
The trend reflects a broader nationwide shift: noncriminal arrests rose from 21% of ICE arrests in early May to 47% in early June across the U.S., amid a new federal directive issued in late May that tripled the agency’s daily arrest
target—from 1,000 to 3,000.
ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons confirmed the updated enforcement quota, defending the agency’s actions by stating that most of those arrested are subject to removal under immigration law, regardless of criminal history.
The spike has drawn criticism from immigrant rights advocates and public officials, especially in California. Civil liberties groups and local leaders warn that such tactics threaten community trust, blur distinctions between civil and criminal enforcement, and may lead to unnecessary detention of law-abiding immigrants.
Tensions escalated further following a high-profile ICE raid in June at Buona Forchetta, a restaurant in South Park, San Diego, where agents reportedly used flash-bang devices during the operation—prompting protests and
condemnation from local representatives. California is among several states where the impact has been especially pronounced, with similar surges reported in Texas, Georgia, and the Washington, D.C. area. The Biden-era enforcement guidelines—once focused on targeting individuals with serious criminal records—have been rolled back under the Trump administration’s renewed emphasis on broader immigration enforcement, including civil immigration violators with no criminal charges.
Community leaders have called for greater transparency, legal oversight, and a reexamination of ICE’s arrest protocols as legal challenges mount in response to the agency’s new enforcement posture. n
City Hall relocation proposal takes center stage in Civic Center debate
by AJPress
SAN DIEGO – The future lo-
cation of San Diego City Hall has become a pivotal issue in ongoing discussions about the downtown Civic Center’s long-delayed redevelopment. While the broader $3.3 billion public–private revitalization plan includes new housing, green space, and cultural venues, city leaders now acknowledge that resolving what to do with City Hall is essential to moving the project forward.
At a recent City Council meeting, members debated whether maintaining the existing 1960s-era City Hall structure would stall progress. Although the updated Civic Center plan does not explicitly propose relocating City Hall, several councilmembers argued that failing to make a decision on the matter could jeopardize momentum.
“If the council doesn’t act, we’re basically saying we’re going to slow the momentum down,” said
Council President Sean Elo-Rivera.
Councilmember Kent Lee added that City Hall’s presence on prime city-owned land casts “a shadow” over the city’s ability to move forward.
Despite growing calls to act, no formal relocation proposal has been introduced. The existing City Hall remains operational but outdated, sitting atop one of the most valuable undeveloped blocks in the Civic Core. Developers and urban planners have long pointed to the site as a potential anchor for housing, civic plazas, or other public-facing amenities.
DECISION POINT
The current debate follows a renewed push by philanthropic and civic groups, including the Prebys Foundation and Downtown San Diego Partnership, which have committed over $300,000 to early-stage planning. The city’s own redevelopment process was paused in 2024 due to budget constraints, creating an opening for outside funders to shape the effort.
LEGAL SERVICES
tions to attend public and private schools and licensed childcare centers. Schools and licensed childcare centers are required to enforce immunization requirements, maintain immunization records of all children enrolled, and report children’s immunization status to CDPH. Families can visit CDPH’s Shots for School and Don’t Wait – Vaccinate! webpages for information on immunization laws and required vaccinations for students in California. Resources for Families: CDPH encourages families to seek reliable information to learn more about vaccines, including visiting the CDPH Vaccine Facts webpage. Families can also speak to their health care providers or contact their local health provider for help in finding a place to get immunized. Most health plans cover recommended vaccinations with no out-ofpocket costs. Children without insurance coverage qualify for the Vaccines for Children Program, which provides no-cost vaccines for eligible children. (CDPH Release)
A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: JUN 27, 2025 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Brad A Weinreb Judge of the Superior Court AJ 1718 07/04, 07/11, 07/18, and 07/25/2025 ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120). If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner. To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, drivers license, passport, and other identification, a certificate copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New
Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. C-61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: JUN 27, 2025 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Maureen F. Hallahan Judge of the Superior Court AJ 1719 07/04, 07/11, 07/18, and 07/25/2025 ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change
City Council members now say that determining City Hall’s fate is the single most critical decision before them. Without clarity, they warn, development partners could walk away and public interest could wane.
Mayor Todd Gloria has not taken a public stance on relocation. His previous administration-led Civic Center redevelopment proposal was shelved last year, but city officials say discussions are advancing rapidly and a decision will likely be needed in the coming months.
AT A GLANCE
• No relocation plan finalized, but council members say action is urgent.
• City Hall’s future is central to unlocking the six-block Civic Center redevelopment.
• Council split between preserving civic infrastructure and maximizing land use.
• Private funding and planning are underway, but progress may stall without clear direction. n
LEGAL SERVICES LEGAL SERVICES LEGAL SERVICES
CASE NUMBER: 25CU037338C TO ALL
by RITA JOYCE GEE, formerly known as RITA JOYCE BOWEN in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN DIEGO The Petition for Probate requests that RITA JOYCE GEE be appointed as personal representative to administer with will annexed the estate of the decedent.
The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.
A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows:
Date: 08/21/2025
Time: 01:30 P.M. Dept.: 503
Address of court: 1100 Union Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Branch Name: Central, Probate
If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.
If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor.
You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.
You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Cheri L. Hubka Sparhawk, Esq. (SBN 102994) Hubja & Hubka 7777 Alvarado Rode, Ste 307 La Mesa, CA 91942 619-460-3001 Attorney For Rita Joyce Gee Publication Dates: 07/18, 07/25, and 08/01/2025 AJ 1724 AJSD 1724
days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 09/10/2025 Time: 8:30 AM Dept. 61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. 61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: JUL 16, 2025 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Maureen F. Hallahan Judge of the Superior Court AJ 1725 07/25, 08/01, 08/08, and 08/15/2025. ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120). If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner. To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, drivers license, passport, and other identification, a certificate copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issues the legal document that need to be changed to determine if a certificate copy is required. A certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC230) may be obtained form the Civil Business Office for a fee. Petitioners who are seeking a change of name under the Safe at Home program may contact the assigned department for information on obtaining certified copies.
If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions. If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions. A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not
names as follows: a. Aaliya Zuri Rene to Aaliya Zuri Rene Pierre. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 09/15/2025 Time: 8:30 AM Dept. C-61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. 61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: JUL 17, 2025 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Blair A. Soper Judge of the Superior Court AJ 1726 07/25, 08/01, 08/08, and 08/15/2025. ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120). If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner. To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, drivers license, passport, and other identification, a certificate copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issues the legal document that need to be changed to determine if a certificate copy is required. A certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC230) may be obtained form the Civil Business Office for a fee. Petitioners who are seeking a change of name under the Safe at Home program may contact the assigned department for information on obtaining certified copies. If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions. If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions. A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date. Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court. AJSD 1726
CASE NUMBER: 25CU037833C TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Daisy Tamara Alcala Ordorica on behalf of minor filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Amie Isabella Garcia Alcala to Amie Isabella Alcala Ordorica. b. Tadeo David Garcia Alcala to Tadeo David Alcala Ordorica. THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. NOTICE OF HEARING
Date: 09/11/2025
Time: 8:30 AM Dept. C-61
Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. 61 San Diego, CA 92101
A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county. Asian Journal: JUL 18, 2025 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT
Maureen F. Hallahan Judge of the Superior Court AJ 1729 07/25, 08/01, 08/08, and 08/15/2025. ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120). If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner. To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, drivers license, passport, and other identification, a certificate copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issues the legal document that need to be changed to determine if a certificate copy is required.
A certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC230) may be obtained form the Civil Business Office for a fee. Petitioners who are seeking a change of name under the Safe at Home program may contact the assigned department for information on obtaining certified copies. If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions. If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions. A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9013340
Society Plumbing located at 9640-B-151 Mission Gorge Rd, Santee, CA 92071. Registrant: Blaine Hinckley, 9640-B-151 Mission Gorge Rd, Santee, CA 92071. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Blaine Hinckley. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 07/11/2025. AJ 1720 07/18, 07/25, 08/01, 08/08/2025. AJSD 1720
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9013033
Antonio’s Board & Care located at 3737 Festival Ct., Chula Vista, CA 91911. Registrant: a. Dulce P. Antonio, 3737 Festival Ct., Chula Vista, CA 91911. b. Catalino D. Antonio, 3737 Festival Ct., Chula Vista, CA 91911. This business is conducted by A Limited Partnership. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 07/08/2025. Signature: Dulce P. Antonio. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 07/08/2025. AJ 1723 07/18, 07/25, 08/01, and 08/08/2025. AJSD 1723
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9012128
H ONESTMOTORS located at 7979 Aero Drive Ste 1250, San Diego, CA 92111. Registrant: HONESTMOTORS, LLC, 7979 Aero Drive Ste 1250, San Diego, CA 92111. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 06/24/2025. Signature: Jonathan Garcia. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/24/2025. AJ 1728 07/25, 08/01, 08/08, 08/15/2025.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9013940
Sunshine Sips located at 6987 San Miguel Ave, Lemon Grove, CA 91945. Registrant: Martha Alicia Inzunza, 6987 San Miguel Ave, Lemon Grove, CA 91945. This business is conducted by An Individual.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 07/21/2025. Signature: Martha Alicia Inzunza. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 07/21/2025. AJ 1731 07/25, 08/01, 08/08, 08/15/2025.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9013414
E2 Remodel located at 9636 Tierra Grande St #200, San Diego, CA 92126. Registrant: Modern Home Remodeling, 9636 Tierra Grande St #200, San Diego, CA 92126. This business is conducted by A Corporation. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/01/2025. Signature: Alon Maisler. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 07/14/2025. AJ 1722 07/18, 07/25, 08/01, and 08/08/2025. AJSD 1722
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9012932
Entrust Oral Surgery located at 909 Boardwalk, San Marcos, CA 92078. Registrant: Tyler Nelson DDS, PC, 909 Boardwalk, San Marcos, CA 92078. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 02/12/2020.
Signature: Tyler Nelson. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 07/03/2025. AJ 1727 07/25, 08/01, 08/08, 08/15/2025. AJSD 1727
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9012015 San Diego Brush Abatement located at 1530 Rosecrans Street, San Diego, CA 92106. Registrant: Cesar Fernandez, 1530 Rosecrans Street, San Diego, CA 92106. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 06/23/2025. Signature: Cesar Fernandez. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/23/2025. AJ 1730 07/25, 08/01, 08/08, 08/15/2025.
